Networking as a catalyst for innovation: A thought leadership perspective
Written by: Waseem Bahemia, VisioNova Partners & Workshop17 member
“Ecosystems grow when people, ideas, and industries collide. At VisioNova, our role is to capture those sparks and turn them into stories that inspire.” - Waseem Bahemia, VisioNova Partners
In a fast-evolving business landscape like Mauritius, innovation rarely happens in isolation. It grows through shared spaces, conversations, and connections that turn ideas into tangible opportunities. This was the spirit behind the recent networking event co-hosted by Workshop17 and Turbine, two of Mauritius’s leading entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Held at Oxenham’s Thirsty Bistro in Telfair, the event brought together entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives from both communities. It was more than a casual meet-up; it was a deliberate effort to strengthen collaboration and merge networks that often operate separately. Bringing these communities together highlighted how networking drives visibility, fosters partnerships, and opens doors to real opportunities.
When people with diverse perspectives connect, new possibilities emerge. Events like this show that ecosystems thrive not because of isolated successes, but through meaningful engagement that generates real impact.
“At Turbine, we believe that innovation thrives where people connect. This joint networking evening with Workshop17 showed just how powerful collaboration within Mauritius’s entrepreneurial ecosystem can be. By creating spaces where founders, professionals, and creatives can engage beyond their usual circles, we help ideas flow more freely, and that’s often where the next big opportunity begins.”
The role of networking in building ecosystems
Networking is not about exchanging business cards or formal introductions. It is about creating moments of exchange that lead to collaboration, mentorship, and opportunity. Within an innovation ecosystem, networking becomes the fuel that drives movement. It helps entrepreneurs access new resources, investors discover potential partners, and creative minds find ways to build something meaningful together.
In Mauritius, such occasions play a vital role in developing the local entrepreneurial landscape. The island’s ecosystem is still young but growing fast, and its strength lies in how well its people connect and collaborate. When Turbine and W17 come together to host events like these, they are doing more than creating space for interaction; they are building bridges between sectors, experiences, and ambitions.
W17’s community-driven approach encourages collaboration through shared spaces that inspire creativity and openness. Turbine complements this by offering mentorship, incubation, and business strategy support that helps ideas evolve into sustainable ventures. Together, they create an ecosystem that nurtures innovation from both sides, through community engagement and structured guidance.
“Our spaces are designed to bring people together; every corner invites connection and collaboration. You never know what a quick chat over coffee at Workshop17 might lead to: a new project, a partnership, or even a friendship. We foster an environment where ideas flow naturally, and through our community and events like the Biz Pop-Up in collaboration with Turbine, we keep strengthening meaningful connections.”
Collaboration as the core of growth
While networking lays the groundwork, collaboration turns connections into impact. The gathering demonstrated how structured support, shared spaces, and intentional engagement come together to create tangible outcomes for entrepreneurs.
As one W17 member reflected, “Events like these don’t just introduce you to people — they help you find your place in
the ecosystem and make meaningful connections that matter for your business.”
Collaboration, in this sense, is not a single interaction; it is a continuous cycle where visibility, guidance, and shared expertise reinforce each other. By combining structure, community, and atmosphere, the event highlighted how the Mauritian ecosystem can grow stronger when stakeholders align around shared goals, turning individual ambition into collective progress.
The Oxenham Group added a new layer to that collaboration. Through its venue, Thirsty Bistro, and its catering arm, SIP, Oxenham brought a sense of hospitality that reminded guests that innovation thrives in human-centred environments.
Thought leadership and shared vision
True thought leadership goes beyond expertise. It is about influence, authenticity, and the courage to explore ideas that shape how others think and act. According to the 2024 Edelman-LinkedIn B2B Thought Leadership Impact Report, nearly half of decision-makers say that strong leadership directly influences their trust in a brand or organisation. The insight is clear: ideas drive credibility, and credibility drives connection.
For Mauritius’s entrepreneurial community, this matters deeply. As the island positions itself as a regional innovation hub, thought leadership will become the glue that binds its ecosystem. It encourages founders, mentors, and investors to see themselves as part of a collective narrative, one where knowledge is shared openly, and growth benefits all.
Such events provide a platform for entrepreneurs to make themselves known. Attendees came to raise their profile, share their expertise, and engage with peers who share the same ambition. Beyond visibility, these interactions are a form of thought leadership in action. Entrepreneurs position themselves as informed, credible voices in their fields while contributing to the collective knowledge of the community. This not only opens doors to meaningful partnerships but also strengthens the influence of individuals and amplifies the reach of the broader ecosystem.
“Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It grows in spaces that spark connection, purpose, and shared ambition”
A toast to collaboration
The morning spent at Thirsty Bistro was more than a social event; it was a statement about what Mauritius can achieve when collaboration becomes the foundation of growth. It celebrated creativity, purpose, and the importance of environments that make ideas tangible.
By bringing together Workshop17, Turbine, and the Oxenham Group, the event showcased how each partner plays a vital role in driving forward Mauritius’s innovation narrative. It proved that progress doesn’t come from competition but from collaboration and that thought leadership thrives where people choose to share, connect, and build something meaningful together.
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Workshop17 offers fully serviced workspaces across Mauritius, designed to bring people together and inspire creativity. With locations in Moka, Grand Baie, and Savannah, we provide flexible work solutions and a welcoming community where ideas grow, connections form, and people truly love where they work.
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An incubator and startup accelerator, Turbine empowers entrepreneurs with mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to networks and resources that turn ideas into sustainable ventures
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A Mauritian beverage and hospitality group, Oxenham brings people together through curated experiences and venues like Thirsty Bistro, complemented by SIP Catering’s exceptional service.
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A thought leadership and strategic communications consultancy, Visionova helps entrepreneurs and businesses amplify their voices, build credibility, and position themselves as leaders in their industries.