Mercedes-Benz SA courts students, professionals in new innovation challenge

Automotive giant Mercedes-Benz South Africa in partnership with business incubator LaunchLab has launched the Mercedes-Benz South Africa Ideas Challenge, an innovation initiative aimed at students and young professionals.

Launchlab and Mercede-Benz SA aims to invite interested innovators to pitch their ideas around a set of challenges which are tailor-made to advance manufacturing as well as relevant industry topics, as identified by Mercedes-Benz SA.

The challenge spans various focus areas which include big data and machine learning for manufacturing, the digitisation of logistics and production, machine learning, and Industry 4.0.

The deadline for submissions for the Mercedes-Benz South Africa Ideas Challenge is 28 September

In a statement on Tuesday (4 September), Mercedes-Benz South Africa CEO and executive director manufacturing Andreas Engling said the challenge’s focus areas are “key” to the company’s continued growth and success.

The Ideas Programme is intended primarily for students and young professionals to validate their innovative ideas and concepts in the manufacturing environment.

At the end of the process, successful participants stand the chance to win various prizes and if selected have the opportunity to work on a proof of concept with Mercedes-Benz South Africa.

The deadline for submissions is 28 September.

A shortlist of candidates will participate in an ideas bootcamp to further refine and validate their ideas. A group of finalists will then be selected and will in November have the opportunity to present their ideas to Mercedes-Benz South Africa decision makers.

Learn more about registration for the seminar and the challenge submission requirements here.