The City of Joburg is proud to announce the shortlisted Top 14 success stories from the City of Johannesburg Smart City Community Innovation Challenge, a platform designed to foster innovation and problem-solving in the city.
From over 750 applications, 5 innovators from each of the 7 regions were selected to join the Developmental Bootcamp, which were designed to build participants’ capacity to identify real community problems, develop viable solutions, and prepare effectively for the pitching phase of the project. 14 innovators have emerged as the top solutions after a rigorous selection process, and were invited to the pitching phase.
These innovative solutions address various challenges facing the city, including early childhood development, water management, healthcare, waste management, crime and surveillance, youth empowerment, and arts development.
The selected innovators have been invited to pitch to a panel of judges comprising City officials, Wits University representatives, and industry experts. The judges will identify the Top 7 innovators who will advance to the next phase, which involves consultations with relevant City departments and entities to explore piloting opportunities and secure implementation support.
Some of the notable innovations include:
- 4ECD Digital Toolkit: A platform that makes ECD compliance seamless for ECD centres in Region A.
- Water Watchers: A water management system that uses geo-located QR codes to detect leaks and notify city officials.
- E-Clinic Hub: A digital solution for clinics in Johannesburg that streamlines operations and empowers patients.
- My Heat 5-1-31 Package: A package that scales digital access for SMMEs and tracks compliance and business data.
- DigiCare: A digital remote record and appointment booking management system that improves healthcare services.
- Khepri Innovations: An onsite bioconversion company that converts food waste into animal feed and fertilizer.
- Smart Licence Plates: Smart license plates that use QR Code technology to track vehicles and prevent cloning.
- Ubuko App: A smart waste management solution that gamifies and incentivizes waste collection.
- Sensani: A smart infection prevention system that drives behavioral change through IoT-enabled technology.
- Drobotics Systems: A tethered drone system that enhances situational awareness during service delivery protests.
- Jozi Jam Festival: A festival that mobilizes youth and celebrates their talents through dance.
- Art Smart Hubs: Multifunctional hubs that provide art, design, and digital skills training for youth.
- Sludge-Free Sewer Plant: A solar-powered sludge-free sewer treatment plant that recycles contaminated water into greywater.
As part of the prize, selected 7 innovators will join an incubation programme to refine their ideas, receive coaching and mentoring, and develop prototypes. This will be followed by an acceleration and piloting phase, where pilot sites within City departments will be identified and innovators supported with resources to implement their solutions.
The City of Joburg congratulates all the innovators who participated in the challenge and looks forward to seeing the positive impact of these solutions on the city’s residents.
