Wits Campus Personal Navigator Challenge now open

The Wits Campus Personal Navigator Challenge is now accepting applications for the first of an annual series of four challenges. It is lead by the Johannesburg Centre for Software Engineering (JCSE) with sponsorship from the Carl and Emily Fuchs Foundation (CEFF).

The Personal Navigator Challenge will focus on ways to help students with visual and physical disabilities move around their campuses.

Those entering will also be assisted in transforming their idea into a viable startup.

It will have approximately over 100 entrants benefitting from further training as well as the opportunity to participate in a weekend-long hackathon.

The top 10 participants will receive a three-month membership in the Tshimologong Precinct incubation programme with the top three entrepreneurs receiving an additional seven-month membership.

Wits University has set a series of four challenges to test the mettle of entrepreneurs

In addition to the memberships, one startup will be spending four weeks at one of the Tshimologong Precinct’s international partner hubs either in Canada, USA, Netherlands, the UK or India.

“This initiative will encourage young developers to refine their skills in location technology while also benefitting their fellow students and the greater University community and we encourage aspiring digital entrepreneurs not to miss out on this great opportunity,” said the director of the JCSE, Barry Dwolatzky in a press release to Ventureburn.

“The system could be a simple standalone device that attaches to a walking cane or wheelchair or be a wearable device. This unique navigation system may work independently or in conjunction with relevant existing or future systems (software, apps, maps, etc.) to provide visual or audible directions and information to the student. ,” continued Dwolatzky.

Anyone interested in participating in the challenge has until 3 March 2017 to enter.