Innovative Western Cape residents in the spotlight

Innovation in the Western Cape will be showcased this month.

During July, Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, will visit projects in the public and private sector which focus on innovation.

There will be a special focus on how residents are using innovation to respond to challenges and grow opportunities in their own communities.

Minister Winde’s programme includes:

• ICAN Centre, Elsies River 

An initiative of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the ICAN centre is a digital skills training centre. Launched in 2015, Minister Winde will receive an update on the progress of the centre and the innovations being developed there.

Date: Tuesday, 4 July

Time: 1pm

Venue: ICAN Centre, Halt Road, Elsies River

• Barn Khayelitsha 

The Barn Khayelitsha provides a space for young innovators from Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain to work on their concepts. The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is supporting 40 entrepreneurs to develop their ideas, many of whom are seeking to respond to challenges in their own communities.

Date: Thursday, 6 July

Time: 11:30am

Venue: corners of Spine and Mew roads, Khayelitsha

• Elsenburg drone demonstration

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture is playing a leading role in innovation in the sector. Minister Winde will attend a demonstration of the drone technology currently being piloted on the farm.

Date: Thursday, 19 July

Time: 9am

Venue: Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Muldersvlei Road, Elsenburg

• Absa Aliens 

Absa Aliens, Absa’s development centre, is a training ground for talented young software developers.

Date: Monday, 24 July 2017

Time: 11:30am

Venue: Absa, Block B, Ground Floor, Longkloof Studios, Darters Road, Gardens