Tech in Africa
An accelerator programme targeting 13 drone startups – first of it’s kind in the continent, has kicked off. Participants were equipped with the tools and skills necessary for drone technology adoption in South Africa, in an initiative aimed at boosting national employment.
The accelerator programme was developed by Mzansi Aerospace Technologies and partly supported by Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA).
The programme that started in February 2020, began with a day of demonstrations on June 26, 2020, where the founding participants presented their pitch decks to a panel of judges, investors and guest attendees.
The judging panel comprised several host representatives from Enterprise Supplier Developer funds, Development Finance Institutions, Enterprise Supplier Developer funds, and startup incubating ecosystem providers such as Wits Business School and The Innovation Hub.
Founder of Mzansi technologies, Victor Radebe commented on Ventureburn how Covid-19 changed their first programme. He mentioned that the startups were unable to test their solutions or carry out a market validation. They instead improvised by using webinar pitches.
The participating startups that graduated were:
Fade Communications & Video Services – An existing video service business aiming to integrate drone technology to filmand videography.
Ziyakhipha Projects & Services – Cell tower maintenance and use of drone technology on inspection and maintenance.
Kurai – Agritech startup focussed on drone spraying.
Nafazi Za Angani – established drone business carrying out surveying and mapping.
QP Drone Tech – Drone hardware startup working on a drone prototype in partnership with Denel.
Rine Holdings – security startup aiming to use drones for security and surveillance.
Shibus Constructions CC – construction company aiming to use drones for bridge and road inspections and monitoring.
KasieLabs – training company aiming to provide simulated drone services.
Mgwambani Security & Projects- security company employing drone technology for security and safety.
Extol Jireh- established filmand photography company.
Africa Drone Kings – Offers drone hardware, repair and maintenance.
You can find more information on their founders here.
