Our Team
Dr Sudeshan Govender
Dr. Sudeshan Govender is the CEO and Founder of The Innovation Hub, South Africa’s first facility of its kind, located at Mediclinic Victoria Hospital in Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal. The Innovation Hub brings together an ecosystem of esteemed healthcare, technology, and education leaders, both local and global, with a mission to enhance patient outcomes through the use of AI and technology while also providing advanced education for doctors.
In addition to his role at The Innovation Hub, Dr. Govender serves as a Director at Mediclinic Victoria and Medimen Wellness. He has completed multiple certifications from Harvard University, including disruptive strategy, digital transformation, applied AI in healthcare, and a specialisation in business applications of AI in healthcare. Dr. Govender also holds a postgraduate diploma in Diabetes from the University of South Wales. His professional affiliations include being an international affiliate member of the Royal College of General Practitioners and a HealthTap Distinguished Virtual Physician.
Sharika Gappoo
Mrs Gappoo is currently the chief scientific officer at the Innovation Hub. She has extensive experience in clinical research having qualified with a Masters In Medical Science Degree from the University of Natal, School of Medicine.
On completion of her Masters Degree she worked at the HIV Pathogenesis Programme before moving to the South African Medical Research Council, HIV Prevention Research Unit where she spent more than a decade conducting HIV clinical trials as a senior scientist.
For the better part of the last 8 years Mrs Gappoo has assisted Dr Govender establish and implement the Diabetic care Programme.
Dr Mandlenkosi Moyo
Dr. Mandlenkosi Moyo, the Group CEO of the Sports Science Institute of South Africa. With a focus on enhancing sports performance, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and promoting healthy living, SSISA is poised to expand its impact with a new hospital in 2024.
A Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of healthcare management experience. Dr. Moyo holds a Doctorate in Business Administration specializing in Healthcare Management. His leadership roles include directorships at several prominent healthcare organizations and he is a published author with Penguin Random House SA.
Professor Sudesh Sivarasu
Professor Sudesh Sivarasu, the esteemed holder of the Department of Science and Innovation and the National Research Foundation, South African Research Chairs Initiative in Biomedical Engineering & Innovation, serves as the Director of the Biomedical Engineering Research Centre at the University of Cape Town. Professor Sivarasu is renowned for his pioneering FrugalBiodesign™ methodology, which has revolutionized health technology development for low-resource settings.
His work, encompassing over 65 patents and more than 100 publications, has established three startups and driven global adoption of open-source innovations.Professor Sivarasu’s significant contributions to the South African National Ventilator Project during the COVID-19 pandemic and his ongoing leadership at the National Institute for Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention highlight his profound impact on public health and medical device innovation.
Dr Sandeep Pulim
Dr. Sandeep Pulim, a distinguished figure in the nexus of healthcare innovation and technology. A committed physician and social-impact entrepreneur, Dr. Pulim has significantly advanced patient care through strategic partnerships and the integration of advanced technologies.
His expertise has guided pivotal roles, including Medical Director at Biofourmis and Chief Medical Officer at Bluestream Health, where he spearheaded developments in virtual and hospital-at-home care. Currently, Dr. Pulim contributes his insights to several healthcare startup advisory boards and serves on the AgeTech Committee at The National Investment Center. His work exemplifies a deep commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Mrs Praneetha Aniruth
Mrs. Praneetha Aniruth, a dynamic tech innovator and entrepreneur at the forefront of the digital and renewable energy sectors serves as the Co-Founder of Carver Media, a leading digital agency in South Africa, Praneetha has spearheaded online strategies for several international blue-chip clients. Her entrepreneurial spirit also led her to become the Chief Marketing Officer of Carver Energy, a Tesla -certified installer, and the Co-Founder of Carver Medtech.
Additionally, Praneetha is the Chief Marketing Officer at Innovation Hub and the founder and chairperson of the Umhlanga Women’s Association, advocating strongly for women in technology. Her career, which began in marketing and broadcasting, has evolved over 13 years into a testament to innovation and leadership in tech.
Michael Awood
Michael Awood is a healthcare professional with a diverse background spanning rehabilitation, digital health, and healthcare management. He holds a BSc in Occupational Therapy from the University of Cape Town and an MBA from Stellenbosch University, where he focused on AI in healthcare. Michael’s career includes roles as a Clinical Risk Manager at Discovery Health, where he led innovative projects like the Hospital at Home program. He has extensive experience in value-based care, stakeholder engagement, and digital health technologies. Michael steers the area of assistive and disability technologies at UCT MedTech and is passionate about leveraging technology to advance healthcare access and outcomes. His expertise extends to strategic partnerships, device development, and bridging the gap between healthcare and technology.