Innovation
Ranked No1 in the Global Innovation Index 2016 for the most technologically advanced country in Africa, South Africa is buzzing with innovative ideas and entrepreneurial start-ups, providing a fertile ground for new businesses, disruptive technologies, investment and an exciting energy in which to hold a meeting Innovation and groundbreaking research “Stellenbosch is internationally known as an innovation hub and knowledge region in Africa. Stellenbosch University has 451 NRF-rated researchers, 14 of which are regarded as world leaders, 120 researchers considered as experts in their fields and seven centres of excellence with 47 research chairs. The Stellenbosch network offers a cross-sector and inter-disciplinary membership that brings business and academia together, encouraging collaboration and partnership for greater shared success and in support of a stronger innovation ecosystem and inclusive economic growth. Innovus is Stellenbosch University’s platform for the commercialisation of SU’s assets. Spin out companies include nano-fibre technologies, blockchain and digital watermarking, building satellite components and eco- friendly shark deterrent technologies. We even create soundtracks for movies and TV series. Our LaunchLab business incubator has incubated 177 businesses successfully since 2015, contributing 155 direct jobs. We offer a unique value proposition at Stellenbosch and look forward to hosting associations and academic conferences and collaborating with scientific and academic communities and delegates from around the world!”
Christi Wiechers, Senior Project Manager, Innovus
Deep Learning Indaba 2018 The SU commercialising team was shadow event organiser for the conference. The University of Stellenbosch hosted the teaching and networking event, bringing together students and experts with the aim of strengthening machine learning and artificial intelligence research in Africa. The 500+ delegates included a mix of students and industry being coached by leading experts from companies, driving machine learning research as well as world-class researchers from this field. Sponsored and attended by industry giants such as Microsoft, Google and DeepMind. Star seeking The $233m project MeerKAT, a powerful radio telescope, has placed South Africa at the forefront of astronomy, converting radio waves from distant galaxies into data that astronomers analyse in an effort to better understand the universe. It will be part of an even bigger global undertaking: the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), due in the 2020s, making an important contribution to the development of the knowledge economy and bringing huge potential to contribute to and raise the profile of science, technology and innovation.
“Social insects such as bees provide vital ecosystem services to humans. We must know how they function in order to protect and conserve them. Our work in South Africa is unique in both research and in terms of our honey bee populations. Coming here gives a first-hand knowledge of our unique nature and habitats. We have world experts doing very interesting research and practical questions that can be researched; with all hands on deck, I see the beekeeping and pollination sector overcoming all the challenges that are global and unique to South Africa. I have been involved in many conferences such as those of the International Society of Chemical Ecology (ISCE), African Association of Insect Scientist (AAIS), International Union for the Study of Social Insects (IUSS) and the Apimondia. Next year (2020) we will host the first ISCE conference on the continent. It will be great to host other conferences here as it will open up avenues for national and international experts alike.”
Dr Yusuf Abdullahi Ahmed, The benefit of bees – innovative research with global importance
The South Africa Innovation Summit 2019 • A platform where tech entrepreneurs and innovators can meet, learn and grow their projects • Collaborate with government, academia and industry to build an African system for innovation on a practical level • Bring together innovation leaders from different countries, backgrounds, disciplines and world-views, creating an innovative economic environment • Grow and accelerate organisational innovation culture • Facilitate the establishing of industry-leaders by presenting new market opportunities.
SOUTH AFRICA | OCTOBER 2019 | xi
www.businessevents.southafrica.net
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