2020 Space-tech Innovation Challenge Winners

GEOSPATIAL DATA SCIENCE FIRM HYDRO BLU WINS 2020 SPACE-TECH INNOVATION CHALLENGE

Durban-based geospatial data science startup Hydro Blu was in February announced as the first place winner of the 2020 Space-Tech Innovation Challenge.

Convened by the South African National Space Agency (SANSA)and ZA SPACE -- in partnership with RIIS, Maxar, FNB, SA Innovation Summit, and Anza Capital -- the challenge aims to develop early-stage tech startups that utilise downstream applications of space technology African in the agriculture, insurance, retail and sustainability and conservation industries.

The challenge, which was launched last September, attracted submissions from across Africa and as far afield as Russia. The top 15 finalists were selected to participate in a two-week virtual business development training programme that enabled them to strengthen their business solutions for the grand finale -- a virtual Space-Tech challenge pitching den.

Prizes on offer included a four months of online incubation and virtual mentorship, as well as ongoing access to peer-to-peer network through the TechTribe Accelerator.

Hydro Blu, which was represented by director Joash Kisten, placed first and won a $12 5000 SecureWatch Premium 5GB subscription valid for three months. The startup enables hydrogeologists to make data-driven decisions when identifying suitable locations to drill in remote regions.

Agritech startup Smart AgrIoT, which offers farming-as-a-service to smallholder farmers placed second. Smart AgrIoT has developed a cloud-based digitisation and farm management platform that enables smallholder farmers to utilise precision agriculture solutions. The startup was represented by Jabu Madlala and won a $5 000 SecureWatch Premium 5GB subscription valid for three months.

HeHe, a Rwandan startup that’s building a platform that uses remote sensing technology to forecast supply and consumer data was placed third together with Nigeria’s FieldDev Group an agribusiness-focused geographic information systems (GIS) mapping systems provider which has developed a low-cost geospatial analysis tool that helps smallholder farmers sub-divide shared land.

This year’s edition will be geared towards promoting new entrants and entrepreneurs across the industry value chain, which will strengthen Africa’s geospatial readiness. The programme will aim to demystify the space industry for entrepreneurs and civil society by bringing them together with relevant stakeholders, government agencies, and commercial organisations to shine the light on the impact space technology could have on the future of Africa.

There are further plans underway for a Space Infrastructure Hub (SIH) in South Africa, which will also play a role in developing the space-technology ecosystem by providing the appropriate platforms for developing new skills whilst leveraging the current areas of expertise in South Africa. SANSA is working closely with the industry (through ZA SPACE) to map the way forward. Ultimately the SIH can be leveraged to stimulate the local industry by designing and investing in projects that utilise local skills and Intellectual Property (IP) for application on a global stage.

You can watch a recording of the pitching 2020 Space-Tech Innovation Challenge here. ai