A number of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, data analytics and 5G still don’t exist within many South African enterprises today, resulting in an unequal and non-inclusive business environment.
This is further exacerbated by corporate South Africa’s slow embrace of the technologies that underpins the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), as the 2019 recent report by World Wide Worx indicates.
To accelerate the delivery of these technological solutions, especially in underserved communities, Sentech is calling on all talented and innovative minds in the fields of technology, software development and broadcast to step up and step into the future of the workforce with it.
Sentech HackTheFuture; What is it all about?
The #SENTECHHackTheFutureChallenge provides a stage for these minds, their inventions, and innovations, to compete for a chance to bring their work to life. Approximately 6-8 teams will go head to head for a share of R 185 000 in prize money and the opportunity for Sentech to select the winning innovation for future development. The prize money will be distributed among the top three.
To encourage collaborative participation in building better technologies for the industry, customers, partners and service providers of Sentech can take part in the Ideation Challenge. The top 2 ideas of the “ideation challenge” will win a share of R 15 000.
Sentech has been making serious moves aimed at solidifying its position in content delivery in this digital era. A good example was the recent launch of Sentech Connect and the online streaming platform SENTECH.tv.
To respond appropriately to today’s rapidly evolving world of business, Sentech CEO Mlamli Booi said it was important to first “disrupt ourselves” as a company, through disruptive innovations that will bring new service offerings to their customers.
“We believe in active corporate citizenship; we believe in transforming the lives of South Africans and ensuring that we create opportunities and platforms needed for the disadvantaged and underserved communities to be economically viable and sustainable,” Booi added.
The company recently earned its first B-BBEE level 1 rating, a feat which goes to prove its commitment to transformation. Early this year, the state-owned broadcasting signal distributor received its 8th consecutive clean audit, which also speaks to the company’s values – creating value through good governance – as the foundation of its success.
How to enter?
#HackTheFuture is a chance for coders, developers, technologists, makers and creators to test their skills within the technological advances of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) namely; 5G, Cloud Computing, Open Computing, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Web/Mobile Applications and the changing landscape of the media industry.
To apply, visit http://hackthefuture2020.sentech.co.za/
*For heads-up on what South African corporates are doing to empower local communities, make sure to regularly visit the Empower SA page!
