This nationwide competition has been designed to challenge students to develop and create innovative projects focused on solutions that use SqwidNet / SIGFOX technology. SqwidNet is the licensed SIGFOX IoT network operator in South Africa.
Applications of IoT have been seen in a number of industries and SqwidNet says it would like to see young South African minds using this technology to address African socio-economic problems.
“Statistics show that the IoT market opportunity for the Middle East and Africa region is poised to grow by 10% a year from $85.1 billion in 2017 to $114.4 billion by 2020,” says Phathizwe Malinga, acting CEO of SqwidNet. This means the market is ripe with opportunities and these young students and graduates from across the country are welcome to submit ideas for projects focusing on environmental and animal protection, energy, health, transportation, and any other areas of sustainable development.”
All qualifying entries will have the opportunity of their designs being seen by SqwidNet partners, with the possibility of commercialising successful solutions. In addition, SqwidNet will offer participants access to their entrepreneurship programme, (IOT)E. The participants will also be given the opportunity to register as SIGFOX University Partners, which will give them access to dedicated content.
Winners will be announced on 1 August 2018, with the winning entry standing to win cash prizes for their team and institution faculty. The winners will also get a chance to present their design in IoT Valley in Toulouse, France. All participants will be provided with hardware and software development kits, free access to SqwidNet’s IoT network and API access, and mentoring /support both from SqwidNet’s South African team, in relation with the Sigfox Adoption & Evangelisation team.
