To launch IQOQO to the public, Breinstorm Brand Architects (BBA) conceptualised the IQOQO Sessions: a series of nine talks hosted over three days on 1, 2, 3 August 2023. Each speaker was invited to share their journey to success, including triumphs and adversity. A speaker was chosen from each of the nine key sectors of IQOQO: Milisuthando Bongela (film), Papama Mtwisha (fashion), Lady Skollie (visual arts), Gabi Ngcobo (museums), Nindya Bucktowar (design), Shaakira Jassat (architecture), Nosipho Maketo van den Bragt (animation), Kirstin Lee Grey (XR) and Cukia ‘Sugar’ Kimani (gaming).

The French Embassy and the French Institute in South Africa (IFAS) approached Breinstorm Brand Architects (BBA) to conceptualise and execute a project that would facilitate connections between South Africa and the global North, particularly in the creative industry. From here IQOQO was born – a platform focused on nine creative sectors, namely animation, architecture, design, fashion, film, gaming, museums, visual arts and XR (virtual reality).

It all begins with an idea.