TECH STARTUPS NEWS

Dell, Microsoft launch online platform supporting global startups, hubs

30 JUN 2016 | SAVE | EMAIL | PRINT |  PDF    BY: TOM JACKSON

A partnership between Dell, Microsoft, Capital Factory and 1776 has announced the launch of international startup platform Union, aimed at supporting the next billion entrepreneurs by supporting and connecting them and removing barriers to innovation regardless of location.

©alphaspirit via 123RF

The platform is set to benefit African startups, with 1776 and Microsoft already active on the continent, and is accessible through the Startup Federation – a worldwide network with already more than 30 startup campuses and mega-hubs.

Union will provide entrepreneurs anywhere in the world with the ability to reach the people, resources and education they need to take their ideas from seed to scale. It has been designed by 1776’s team of engineers and aided by insights from incubators, accelerators, hubs and experts around the world.

The platform enables entrepreneurs to find content and courses in business-building, tap elite mentors in their industries for advice, consult experts in skills like marketing, sales, engineering and human resources, and connect with potential investors, customers and business partners.

“Smart entrepreneurs with highly promising ideas exist everywhere on the planet, and it’s time to stop letting location limit young companies’ ability to grow,” said Donna Harris, co-founder of 1776.

“With technology connecting a network of local startup hubs, together we can empower entrepreneurs everywhere to share classes, content, mentors and other critical resources needed to succeed.”

Entrepreneurship hubs around the world will also be able to share the tools and programming playbooks needed to operate a world-class startup centre, with Capital Factory to play a key role in this effort.

“Many cities lack a robust networks of local mentors and investors to help startup companies grow,” said Joshua Baer, executive director of Capital Factory in Austin. “With the Startup Federation and Union, every city can give their startups access to the best help and programming from around the world. We’re thrilled to be the first to join.”

Karen Quintos, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Dell, said entrepreneurs powered global economies, creating 70% of all new jobs in the world and up to 90 per cent in some emerging markets.

“Dell and 1776 are partnering to enable entrepreneurs by creating avenues for entrepreneurs, wherever they are in the world, to access the experts, channels, customers and investors they need to take their ideas to scale and drive job creation in their communities,” she said.

Larry Orecklin, vice president for developer experience and chief evangelist at Microsoft, said the company was excited to be part of Union to help entrepreneurs take their ideas to the next level.

“Microsoft is committed to equipping innovative startups with the tools, mentorship and customer access that they need to grow. Through our partnership with 1776 and Union, we’ll be able to reach and support more startups, even faster,” he said.

DESIGN NEWS

15 SA students shortlisted in Nestlé Art Project

29 JUN 2016 | SAVE | EMAIL | PRINT |  PDF    

A panel of judges - including Gordon Cook, the competition's principal curator and founding member of Vega School of Brand Leadership - has selected 15 South African art students as finalists in the Nestlé Art Project.

Nestlé Art Project - Creatives Awards Judge, Maria McCloy

The Art Project is part of Nestlé South Africa’s centenary commemoration as the nutrition, health and wellness company celebrates 100 years of its contribution to the economy of South Africa.

“Nestlé South Africa believes that the youth have a huge role to play in the future of our country and company. 100 years of doing business in a country is a great milestone, which we wanted to celebrate with all South Africans – including youth. We wanted to offer young people an opportunity to express how they see our company and products. With 95% of our products being manufactured locally with unique packaging designs, we challenged art students to use our packaging innovatively through the Nestlé Art Project,” said Ravi Pillay, Nestlé South Africa’s Corporate Affairs Director.

Tertiary and high school students were briefed to consider South Africa’s social, cultural, historical and environmental contexts as well as Nestlé’s contribution to the local economy when creating their work. The company received more than 70 entries from art students in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and North West provinces.

The judging panel was made up of South African art luminaries including gold Loeries recipient Ngkabiseng Motau and art gallery curator Sanele Manqele.

Additionally, two special panels of judges, the first comprising arts and culture journalists and the second comprising creative industry players such as SABC 1 presenter Lunga Shabalala, award-winning rapper Gigi Lemayne, and entrepreneur and pop culture commentator, Maria McCloy, will make special selections for the Media and Creatives Choice awards.

The winners will be announced on 26 July 2016 with each secondary and tertiary student walking away with a cash prize of R25,000 and R50,000 respectively. Certificates of merit will also be awarded to deserving students for their outstanding performance.

The Nestlé Art Project finalists are:

High School finalists:

1. Shahzaadee Valli – Crawford College Sandton
2. Zoe Edwards – Crawford College Sandton
3. Emma Louren – Lebone II College of the Royal Bafokeng
4. Jiaao Yu – Sacred Heart College
5. Astrid Khun – Sacred Heart College
6. Elizabeth Leong –Sacred Heart College
7. Caitlin Shroder Beneke – Pretoria High School for Girls

Tertiary institutions finalists:

1. Natalie Gendron & Kyron Green – Cape Peninsula University of Technology
2. Anda Mncayi – Cape Peninsula University of Technology
3. Domonique Viljoen – Cape Peninsula University of Technology
4. Jana Strauss – Cape Peninsula University of Technology
5. Thaaqib Abrahams – Cape Peninsula University of Technology
6. Sonja Viviers – North West University
7. Gretchen Crots – North West University
8. Izabel Barkhuizen – North West University

EDUCATION NEWS

Inspiring key notes and content at Eduweek with SABC Education powered by Intel

28 JUN 2016 | SAVE | EMAIL | PRINT |  PDF    ISSUED BY: SPINTELLIGENT

Advancing educational knowledge in Africa

EduWeek with SABC Education powered by Intel takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, on Wednesday and Thursday, 29-30 June. EduWeek is all about advancing educational knowledge in Africa and responding directly to the needs and expectations of the industry. This year, EduWeek are proud to announce the incredible line-up for their opening and closing key notes, which are always a highlight of the event as well as some other not-to-be-missed happenings over the two day education indaba.

EduWeek with SABC Education powered by Intel is proud to announce the opening Keynote, which will take place at 10h00 in the E-Tech Theatre. Here, visitors to EduWeek will have the opportunity to listen to high profile speakers from Intel, Microsoft and the Department of Basic Education as well as our keynote speaker, Maurice de Hond, CEO and Founder, Steve JobsSchools. 

Steve JobsSchools have recently been recognised as the ‘Most Innovative Schools in the World’ by US-based TechInsider magazine, which is why it is incredible to see that two Steve JobsSchools were launched in South Africa and Africa on 23 June 2016. EduWeek are honored that Founder Maurice de Hond, will be the opening keynote Speaker this year.

The Steve JobsSchools embrace the latest technologies in education and learning, equipping learners with the skills they’ll need for 2025 and beyond. The concept is based on the drivers of choice, collaboration and challenge, coupled with innovative technologies to develop personalised learning. 

The internationally acclaimed Steve JobsSchool model is based on every child having an independent learning plan (ILP), centred on their own way of learning, their strengths and choices. The school is available 24/7 and the learning plan, educational programmes and educational apps are accessed from the learners' smart devices and supported by special workshops, experiments and projects at school. 

This year’s closing keynote will take place in the E-Tech Theatre from 17h00 on Thursday, 30 June, and promises to be an out-of-this-world experience! With a key focus on the importance of STEM, visitors will not want to miss out on the opportunity to learn from hands-on activities showcasing exciting science experiments that will awaken your curiosity and imagination on how to teach STEM subjects. The Nutty Scientist will display how such entertaining activities will ensure students appreciate and enjoy all STEM subjects and promote positive results from all grades and ages. There will also be a live video message from Dr Ellen Stofan, Chief Scientist of NASA, and Charles Bolden, Chief Administrator for NASA at 17h35. The topic will be: "The importance of STEM in education in Africa, encouraging young girls to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and space". The final highlight of the closing keynote will be the Stylco Competition Give-Away at 17h40. Here, the winner of the digital classroom will be announced and will be handed over to the lucky recipient of the prize. Anyone who has entered the competition needs to ensure they are present in the keynote audience in order to receive the prize – a digital classroom that will revolutionise the way in which the winner of it will teach. This is a not-to-be-missed closing keynote! 

Says Fotoula Fatouros, Content Producer of EduWeek, “EduWeek is proud to announce the keynote content for this year’s event. EduWeek is all about advancing education in Africa and our keynotes and the over 200 hours of free workshop content taking place over the two days offers attendees a real opportunity to be exposed to subject matter that tackles the educational challenges of today, giving visitors the opportunity to be at the forefront of Africa’s transformation by being exposed to the experiences of leaders, strategic thinkers and entrepreneurs from across the globe.” 

Some of the other not-to-be-missed highlights of this year's event include: 

Hour of Code: Visit stand Q5 and find out why coding and other tools can help embed innovation in schools, even in the midst of chaotic environments. Allow curiousity to drive development in your institution with The Hour of Code. 

Sustainability Zone: The theme for #EduWeek16 is” Education for Sustainable Development. Leave a message as symbol of promise on our sustainability tree as we advance educational knowledge together at EduWeek.

Speaker Corner and Chill Zone Sponsored by Waltons: This zone was designed for visitors to interact with our passionate speakers in a relaxed area as they exchange views and ideas.

Microsoft in Education Partner Village: Visit stands M3 and N3 where Microsoft and their partners will be hosting demonstrations and workshops. Find attached the schedule of events Microsoft has on offer at EduWeek 2016. 

Networking Function: Build new connections at the networking function on Wednesday, 29 June, 17h00, in the EduWeek visitor lunch area. Complimentary drinks and refreshments available. 

EduWeek Awards: Join peers for an evening of fun, thrills and joyous applause at the EduWeek Awards on Wednesday, 29 June, 19h00. 

Floor Tours: EduWeek will be hosting daily floor tours where visitors have the opportunity to be taken on a guided tour around the exhibition floor where they also stand a chance to win awesome prizes. 

E-Tech Café: Unwind in the E-Tech Café which was created for visitors to meet and greet over 120 of EduWeek’s exhibitors. 

Robotics Session: Join coach Michael Ettershank, Manager of the Robot Science Project, in an informative and interactive workshop on The Robot Science Project from UJ TechnoLab. To attend the robotics session contact Fotoula.fotouros@spintelligent.com. 

Being a free-to-attend event means that EduWeek can only be made possible by the incredible sponsors and partners that come together in support of this annual educational indaba, these partners include: Headline Partner, Intel; Diamond Sponsor Microsoft; Platinum Sponsor, Pearson; and Gold Sponsor, Dell. 

EduWeek with SABC Education powered by Intel takes place on 29 and 30 June from 10am to 6pm at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. For more information, visit: www.educationweek.co.za.