Telkom and the National Research Foundation (NRF) have announced the launch of the Future Technologies (FutureTech) programme, a new initiative to co-fund technology research grants and the studies of postgraduate students and postdoctoral Fellows, to help drive innovation.
‘’Through the Futuretech programme we are investing in the future of South Africa’s ICT sector and equipping our students to be skilled, competent professionals,’’ CEO of Openserve, Althon Beukes, said.
The FutureTech programme will support local universities in the research and development of future innovations, solutions and technologies. This will improve competitiveness in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector and other related fields.
“We are delighted to partner with Telkom on the Futuretech initiative. The NRF has a mandate to contribute to science and technology capacity building in South Africa,” NRF CEO, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, said.
“This partnership forms part of our drive to achieve this important mandate and we appreciate the collaboration with industry, which also ensures that the capacity that we build is relevant.”
The Futuretech initiative is an extension of the Telkom Centres of Excellence (CoE) Programme, which Telkom has funded and coordinated for the past 26 years at South African tertiary institutions. It is an ambitious programme to advance and support training, learning and research in computer science and engineering.
Openserve, a subsidiary of Telkom, plays a crucial role in the CoE programme and will continue to do so through FutureTech.
“By investing in postgraduate training, internship opportunities, mentorship and collaboration sessions, and industry-relevant research projects, we look to build a pipeline of talented professionals with industry-relevant skills,” Beukes added.
The partnership between Telkom and the NRF prioritises inclusivity and aims to uplift historically disadvantaged institutions through collaboration, dedicated funding allocation, and a focus on transformation through diversity and inclusivity.
The programme also contributes to economic and social objectives by addressing skills shortages, driving innovation and technology development, and promoting social inclusion.
The programme’s pilot phase will run for three years with a focus on skills, innovation and technology development in high-priority areas such as network and fibre optic solutions, multimodal sensing and internet of things, virtualisation and local artificial intelligence, language and speech technologies, to name a few.
What Is The Impact Of Telkom Centres Of Excellence In Empowering Students?
For over 27 years, Telkom’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) programme has been a beacon of progress in South Africa’s ICT industry, playing a critical role in developing the nation’s talent pool and addressing crucial technological gaps.
Established in 1997, the CoE initiative is designed to empower students by fostering research, innovation, and skills development, particularly in the fields of Computer Science and Engineering (CS&E).
By enabling access to advanced education and research opportunities, Telkom’s CoE programme has significantly contributed to the creation of a future-fit, skilled workforce that is driving South Africa’s digital transformation.
A visionary programme rooted in collaboration
The inception of the CoE programme came at a time when South Africa was navigating significant technological and socio-economic challenges.
Recognising the need for a robust ICT infrastructure, Telkom spearheaded this initiative as a strategic investment to bridge the skills gap and promote research and development (R&D).
The programme was built on a collaborative model that brought together various stakeholders, including the ICT industry, government entities such as the National Department of Trade and Industry, and the National Research Foundation (NRF).
With over 50 funding partners since its launch, the CoE programme remains the longest-running coordinated R&D initiative of its kind in the South African ICT sector.
Its enduring success lies in its ability to unite academia, industry, and government towards a common goal – empowering students and driving innovation.
