JoziHub, a technology incubator with high-profile backers, including Google and Internet Solutions, has opened in Johannesburg.
Based at the 44 Stanley complex, in Milpark, the centre is intended to encourage young technology entrepreneurs, particularly in the mobile space, to share ideas, learn, and develop products.
JoziHub was founded by the Praekelt Foundation, a mobile-focused South African technology incubator, with support from funding backers including IS Labs, the innovation arm of Internet Solutions; the Google Entrepreneur programme; and the Omidyar Network, a philanthropic organisation set up by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar.
"Technology hubs can play a pivotal role in fostering the emergence of a new generation of African tech entrepreneurs," says Gustav Praekelt, founder of the Praekelt Foundation. "By providing the training, support, facilities and networks required to enable entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses, incubators such as JoziHub can make an immediate and lasting impact on local innovation and development.
"JoziHub is place for entrepreneurs to collaborate and start new businesses that address the problems we face in SA," Praekelt says. "It is targeted at any kind of technologists, but preferably young ones; someone who has just finished a degree and is about to go into the industry. We're hoping to give them a bit of breathing space and time to collaborate before they go and work for a big company. We think start-ups come from that space - where you have the time to find solutions to the problems in SA."
"Pierre Omidyar really believes in the power of technology to bring about social change," said Stephen King, an Omidyar Networks partner. "We support other hubs around the world, such as the iHub in Nairobi and the co-creation hub in Lagos, and through these we've seen real innovation flourish."
Similar to existing technology hubs in Cape Town, Nairobi and Lagos, JoziHub will offer shared workspaces with Internet connectivity, conference facilities, and mentorship programmes to its members. "We run a number of initiatives all over Africa, from Ghana to Kenya, and Nigeria to Uganda," said Brett St Clair, head of mobile at Google SA. "It's exciting to see people coming together, creating fantastic ideas and starting to innovate. We need to encourage South Africans and Africans to take advantage of this and be the next Silicon Valley. I believe the next Bill Gates or Larry Page will come out of Africa."
In its launch phase, the facility will offer services free of charge to members, but may charge for access to services once it has gained traction, Praekelt said. "The JoziHub is funded through philanthropic funding, but in the long term we have a plan to make it self-funding.
"The idea is to have around 500 core members, people who will have hot desks to use - this could be start-ups, or engineers who need a space to work from. We have the capacity for a virtual membership of about 2 000. That's the community of people who will come to events, provide support and take part in hackathons."
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