Prudence Mononyane

Background

About Prudence Mononyane

I am a purpose-driven innovation professional with a strong interdisciplinary foundation spanning science, finance, and strategy. Currently, I serve as a Portfolio Manager in the Health Sector at the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). I am responsible for identifying, evaluating, and managing a diverse portfolio of health innovation projects. My work involves supporting innovations from proof of concept through successive Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), to de-risk technologies for commercial and social adoption, particularly within Africa’s evolving health landscape. With over six years of experience in South Africa’s public innovation ecosystem, I have contributed at the intersection of investment readiness, stakeholder engagement, and policy-driven funding instruments. My previous roles at TIA included working as a coordinator for the energy and natural resources unit, where I enabled cross-functional project support and ensured alignment with internal systems and strategic priorities. I hold a Bachelor of Science Honors in Biochemistry, a Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management, and am currently completing an MBA in Finance and Management at the International University of Japan (IUJ). I am proud to be a Beta Gamma Sigma lifetime member, a recognition awarded to the top 20% of MBA students globally in AACSB-accredited institutions. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I’ve gained additional experience through internships in venture capital funding, operations management, and business development in Tokyo, Japan, as well as serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in International Management and Strategy Management at IUJ. I am also an elected member of the International Management Council (a student representative body) and have held leadership roles in student programs such as the Hult Prize OnCampus Competition (as Deputy Director) and TEDxIUJ (as Speakers Team Lead). I am deeply passionate about advancing inclusive innovation ecosystems, supporting early-stage technology transfer and commercialization, and enabling sustainable development through evidence-based investments in science and technology. I bring a global perspective shaped by international collaboration, systems thinking, and a lifelong commitment to unlocking innovation for social good.