Hutiri wins R1-million prize in 2016 #Hack.Jozi Challenge
20 May 2016
The founder of Technovera walked away with the R1-million first prize on offer on Thursday night (May 19) for his technology-enabled smart locker system that reduces waiting time for chronic medication at primary healthcare collection facilities.
The prize-giving ceremony marked the end of two gruelling months of training, mentorship and a development boot camp.
The #Hack.Jozi Challenge is a partnership between the City of Johannesburg and the Johannesburg Centre for Software Engineering (JCSE) at Wits University that seeks to bring to the fore entrepreneurs whose technological innovations have the potential to provide game-changing solutions to some of the challenges facing society. Hutiri was handed his prize by acting Johannesburg Mayor Cllr Ruby Mathang at the Wits Club.
The first runner-up prize was awarded to Tuta-Me, a multidisciplinary team founded by Abed Tau and Dylan Hyslop. Tuta-Me is a mobile app that connects tutors with students. Lomile Mokoka, founder of the building plan applications platform eSubmit, was the second runner-up. Both runners-up received R350 000 each in prize money.
Cllr Mathang, who is also Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, said digital solutions were powerful drivers of the City’s growth that could bring about meaningful change in communities. “This year’s winners show how involving citizens in identifying technology solutions to everyday problems is a powerful way to improve the efficiency of services, meet residents’ needs and help improve the quality of life. Although there are three top winners, Johannesburg is 10 innovative solutions and ideas richer as a result of #Hack.Jozi 2016,” said Cllr Mathang.
Hutiri said he would use his prize to develop his idea further. “I’m absolutely thrilled with the acknowledgement of my idea. Technovera can only go from strength to strength. My inspiration to develop Technovera came as a result of my personal experience as a patient after I was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 2013. This solution aims to eradicate the unpleasant waiting time experienced as well as the indignity of spending hours in long queues just to manage your condition,” said Hutiri.
The City’s Executive Director of Economic Development, Ravi Naidoo, said entries for this year’s challenge had increased to more than 400, from 140 last year. Tuta-Me's Tau thanked the City and Wits University for giving his team the platform to put their innovation in the limelight. Mokoka said her prize would go towards “polishing” eSubmit for the market. “I’m so happy. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make my idea a success,” she said.
Wits University’s Professor Barry Dwolatzky said the prizes were not given in the form of cash but would be used to help develop the winning ideas into viable enterprises.
“The three winners will be guided and supported by experienced business mentors. The prize money will help build profitable and sustainable businesses that scale, create jobs and produce more pockets of economic activity across the city,” said Dwolatzky. He said all Top 10 finalists would be hosted in an entrepreneurial incubator, part of the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct in Braamfontein