Eleven emerging ICT entrepreneurs supported by Seda through its incubation programme are showcasing their services and products at the 37th GITEX Technology Week – the world’s third largest tech event, held in Dubai from 8 to 13 October 2017.
Seda, through the Department of Trade and Industry, has secured a pavilion for the eleven tech SMEs who will have the opportunity to expose their products to the international market. They will showcase products and services which range from wireless mesh networking, IT systems and services, ICT advisory to web design, hosting and support.
Here’s what you should know about GITEX Technology Week and the 11 selected South African tech startups attending.
What is GITEX Technology Week?
GITEX Technology Week in Dubai is the third largest tech conference in the world and the biggest in the Middle East. Over 140 000 attendees from 97 countries are expected.
The event offers a platform for networking, learning and a space for tech startups and big tech firms to showcase themselves and their solutions.
According to the website, 750 global startups and over 250 investors will be in attendance. The event also presents opportunities for startup founders to learn about everything from term sheets, exits, fund-raising and scaling.
GITEX also showcases the best of current and future innovations, from AI and robotics, to 3D printing and even futuristic food.
Big tech companies exhibiting include: LG who, according to Techradar, is showcasing its portfolio of cutting-edge display solutions for industries like retail, transportation and hospitality, amongst others. Also exhibiting is global IT company HP, and BlackBerry who recently announced at GITEX the launch of its newest phone, the TCL built BlackBerry Motion.
Nokia and @dutweets demonstrate the #5G future at #GITEX2017 https://t.co/g7szvf8AYY @GITEXTechWeek pic.twitter.com/OCbeGWKHdf
— Nokia (@nokia) October 9, 2017
Who are the eleven SA tech startups?
Nine of the companies going to GITEX are black-owned, three are women-owned and all of them are youth-owned.
They include: Karisani IT led by Portia Masimula who specialises in web and application development, software testing, project management and business analysis; Tuse Applications, a company which specialises in app development led by its co-founder Thulisile Volwana. Both SMEs are led by young women.
.@RTA_Dubai exhibits Smart Pedestrian Signal in @GITEXTechWeek. the technology aims to ensure a safe crossing for pedestrians pic.twitter.com/WOM2UY81l7
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 9, 2017
Other SMEs are Bran Systems, CEO’s Hub, C2 Square Enterprises, Jorens Communication, Hawk Mobile (Alenti Technologies), Madlokovu Business, Insul Energy (Green Room), Innovo Networks and Skywalk Innovation.
The eleven SMMEs were selected from five Seda supported ICT incubators which are Soft Start BTI (Gauteng); SmartXchange (Durban) and SmartXchange (Ugu/Portshepstone) in KwaZulu Natal; Seda Nelson Mandela ICT Incubator (SNII), (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape; and Singatha ICT Incubator College, KwaZulu Natal.
BlackBerry KEYᵒⁿᵉ and BlackBerry Motion from @BBMobile side by side… lots of apps, thx to running @Android! #BBMotion #GITEX pic.twitter.com/Uk2vDUDDgL
— CrackBerry Kevin (@crackberrykevin) October 8, 2017
What is the purpose of the mission?
The purpose of the initiative, according to Seda, is to expose the entrepreneurs to international competitors, enable them to source new suppliers, products, information and services, learn the latest trends and technologies, network with major suppliers, professionals, peers and IT procurement providers and showcase South African products and services to the international market.
