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Calling developers of innovative smart cities solutions

Sibahle Malinga
By Sibahle Malinga, ITWeb senior news journalist.
Johannesburg, 19 Sept 2017
The challenge seeks start-ups who can bring the 'smart city' concept to life.
The challenge seeks start-ups who can bring the 'smart city' concept to life.

The annual Attacq Smart Cities Innovation Pitching Platform is inviting aspiring entrepreneurs who have developed innovative smart cities solutions to enter the 2017 edition of the challenge.

Held in partnership between LaunchLab and property development company, Attacq, the Attacq Smart Cities Innovation Pitching Platform is a challenge for aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs to pitch their smart city business ideas for potential implementation.

The competition seeks start-ups who have developed future-focused technologies that can bring the 'smart city' concept to life at Attacq's flagship property development in Gauteng's Waterfall City. Solutions should address opportunities in location technologies, transportation, security, BlackScreen technology and technology to improve experiences in spaces where people live, work and play among other categories, according to LaunchLab.

Applicants stand a chance to win their share of R100 000 for direct business needs or incubation support to the value of R150 000. The contest is open to all aspiring innovators, from student and non-student communities.

Michael Clampett, head of asset management: Retail at Attacq, says: "Attacq was founded by property entrepreneurs looking to put their stamp on the local property market, and that spirit runs through the everyday business of Attacq. In the dynamic retail environment they felt it was necessary to be part of the change, rather than just accepting change when it came to their world class shopping mall portfolio. The initial partnership between the LaunchLab and Attacq has proved to be very successful and they are very excited to turn their focus in innovation toward the idea of living in a smart city".

Attacq representatives, experienced entrepreneurs, academics and representatives from the local investor community have been selected as judges and will determine the winning pitch, adds LaunchLab.

Participants can submit their business ideas in the format of a three-minute video pitch with no digital presentations, recorded at participating university campuses across the country and entered through a bespoke pitching platform.

Alternatively, applications can also be submitted online at the following link: http://www.launchlab.co.za/attacq. Entrants may pitch more than one idea, but only one idea can win. Applications will close on 29 September 2017.

The final judging event will be hosted at the LaunchLab office, in Stellenbosch, on 16 October 2017.

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