Intel SA has chosen two universities to drive its innovation agenda by rolling out the first of its Galileo Boards, in a move aimed at fostering programming and technology development skills among students.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) and University of Cape Town (UCT) each received 40 boards for Innovation Week, taking place this week at UCT.
Galileo Boards are microcontrollers - low-powered, embedded devices often configured to process specific functions within different devices.
The boards are based on Intel's 32-bit Quark system-on-a-chip X1000 application processor, according to the company, and offer students "a simple and cost-effective development environment for the Internet of things".
Thabani Khupe, corporate affairs director at Intel SA, says the programme aims to be a catalyst to eventually enable millions of Africans to innovate using technology.
"Intel aims to enable students to create locally relevant technology solutions to address local socio-economic challenges that exist within their respective communities," adds the company in a statement.
Intel hopes students will explore the Galileo Boards' capabilities, to give the Internet of things greater prominence in technological innovations.
Google connection
Intel is not the only technology firm gearing up for an increased number of connected devices over the next few years. Following its annual developer conference last week, Internet giant Google laid out plans to propel and capitalise on the growth of the Internet of things by expanding its focus beyond its traditional business.
Google senior VP Sundar Pichai said enabling cars, televisions and other devices to be connected to the Web and playing a part in boosting smartphone penetration will be key to the company's strategy over the next few years.
It is working with three manufacturers to develop sub-$100 smartphones for developing markets, dabbling in wearable technology solutions, and pushing on with its foray into self-driving cars.
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