Innovate Africa: At the edge of opportunity — inside the Samsung Innovation Lab at UWC
The Samsung Innovation Lab is not your usual tech classroom. It's a space where students from tough backgrounds get access to skills once out of their reach that can help them break into industries that typically ignore them.
But this isn't just about coding. Dr Wouter Grove, who heads the centre, explains that the lab focuses just as much on critical thinking, design thinking, confidence and even public speaking. The aim is simple: give students the tools to shape the future, not just survive it.
Kieno Kammies sat down with Grove to understand how this lab is unlocking potential — and why it's already making waves far beyond the UWC campus.
TimesLIVE
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Elevate Your Viewing Experience with Samsung's Latest AI-Powered TV Line-Up
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 13 August 2025 – Samsung South Africa recently unveiled its most advanced and expansive TV line-up yet, headlined by the 2025 Neo QLED Mini LED and OLED series. Powered by the intelligent Samsung Vision AI[1]. The new line-up combines cinematic picture, immersive sound and smart connectivity to redefine home entertainment with its intuitive smart features and designs that seamlessly elevate your space. Whether you're after breath-taking 8K detail, vibrant OLED contrast, or the brilliance of 4K Mini LED technology, Samsung's 2025 TVs reimagine what your screen can do, with innovative features, a more personalised interface, and a cinematic experience tailored to your lifestyle. Samsung Vision AI pairs AI-enhanced visuals and audio with intuitive features like Universal Gestures[2], allowing control via hand motions or a Galaxy Watch. New smart home tools, such as Pet Care[3], Family Care[4], and Home Insights[5] bring peace of mind with live camera views and alerts, while the refreshed One UI Tizen interface, which comes with up to seven years[6] of OS updates, ensures seamless navigation, personalised profiles and access to all your favourite content. In the Neo QLED 8K range, the flagship QN950F, which comes in 85', features Samsung's most powerful NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor, delivering 8K AI Upscaling Pro, Glare-Free technology, and Motion Xcelerator 240Hz for smooth, vibrant visuals. The QN900F offers similar innovation in sizes 65' and 75', with a refined design and immersive Object Tracking Sound+ powered by Dolby Atmos. The Neo QLED 4K series (including the QN90F, QN80F and QN70F). With Quantum Matrix Mini LEDs, Neo Quantum HDR+, and Supersize Picture Enhancer[7]. This range brings brighter, sharper and more detailed 4K viewing, even on ultra-large displays. Samsung's 2025 OLED series pushes boundaries with three models: S95F, S90F and S85F. The flagship S95F features OLED Glare-Free tech, a 30% brightness boost, NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor[8], and 165Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming and breathtaking visuals. The S90F adds OLED HDR+[9] and AI-powered sound, while the S85F delivers vivid detail and colour with Colour Booster Pro[10] and 4K AI Upscaling[11]. Across the 2025 range, users can enjoy Samsung Art Store access, now available beyond The Frame, featuring over 3,000 works from artists like Van Gogh, Basquiat and collections from The Met and MoMA. A new mobile karaoke feature lets users sing along to over 100,000 licensed tracks using their smartphone via the Stingray Karaoke app. Samsung TVs also support SmartThings integration with 340+ brands and are protected by Samsung Knox for triple-layer data security. From stunning 8K visuals to cinematic OLED colour, from intuitive AI to supersized screens, Samsung's 2025 TV line-up brings together the best in design, technology, and smart living. As the global TV leader for 19 years running[12], Samsung continues to shape the future of home entertainment. [1] Samsung Vision Al is only available on 2025 Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED, OLED, QLED and The Frame TV models. Samsung Vision Al features vary by TV model. (Excludes Crystal UHD, FHD and HD TV models). [2] Requires Galaxy Watch 4 and higher / Wear OS 5 and higher. [3] Samsung Account required for network-based smart services, including streaming apps and other smart features. Separate computer, mobile, or other device may be necessary to create/log in to Samsung Account (free to download and create). Without Samsung Account log in, only external device connections (e.g., via HDMI) and terrestrial/over-the-air TV (only for TVs with tuners) are available. Each device must be signed into same Samsung Account and must have both Wi-Fi. It only works when the TV is turned off. Utilises AI-based formulas. [4] Samsung Account required for network-based smart services, including streaming apps and other smart features. Separate computer, mobile, or other device may be necessary to create/log in to Samsung Account (free to download and create). Without Samsung Account log in, only external device connections (e.g., via HDMI) and terrestrial/over-the-air TV (only for TVs with tuners) are available. Each device must be signed in to same Samsung Account and must have both Wi-Fi. It only works when the TV is turned off. [5] Samsung Account required for network-based smart services, including streaming apps and other smart features. Separate computer, mobile, or other device may be necessary to create/log in to Samsung Account (free to download and create). Without Samsung Account log in, only external device connections (e.g., via HDMI) and terrestrial/over-the-air TV (only for TVs with tuners) are available. [6] Samsung Account required for network-based smart services, including streaming apps and other smart features. Computer, mobile or other device may be necessary to create/log in to Samsung Account (free to download and create). Without Account log in, only external device connections (e.g., via HDMI) and terrestrial/over-the-air TV (only for TVs with tuners) available. One UI Tizen OS updates are available for up to 7 years from the product release year starting in 2023. Availability, features, contents, apps and services are subject to change without notice and may vary by product and model. OS updates does not cover hardware-related performance, features or durability. [7] Utilises AI-Based formulas. [8] Utilises AI-Based formulas to upscale to 4K resolution. Resulting picture may vary based on source content. [9] Compared to OLED HDR, 48″ & 42″ have OLED HDR. [10] Utilises AI-Based formulas. [11] Utilises AI-Based formulas to upscale to 4K resolution. Resulting picture may vary. [12] Source: Omdia, Feb 2025. Results are not an endorsement of Samsung. Any reliance on these results is at the third party's own risk. Offers available at participating Retailers and Online Stores. T&Cs apply. *Recommended Retail Price
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Samsung celebrates successful completion of ICT training
Software Development Internship Programme: Designed to provide graduates with hands-on experience, skills development and industry exposure to enhance their employability JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – XX Month 2025 – Samsung celebrated the successful completion of the ICT training by hosting a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, 30 July 2025 for Tshimologong's 5th Cohort of the Software Development Internship Programme. In attendance were some dignitaries and partners that included Simon Lee, President and CEO, Samsung Africa, CEO of Tshimologong, Mr Mark Harris and Wits Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Lynn Morris. Sponsored by Samsung, this ICT training programme has been designed to provide recent graduates with hands-on experience, skills development and industry exposure to enhance their employability. The latest cohort of 18 graduates (including six females) was conferred with their certificates at the ceremony. This 12-month software development internship programme offered at the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct in Johannesburg, provides graduates with practical experience in cutting-edge technologies needed to thrive in the digital economy. It also equips the youth with skills that prepare them for careers in the tech industry. Samsung's investment in ICT education for unemployed youth, which includes the provision of stipends, equipment, data access, mentorship and access to facilities – aims to address the challenge of unemployment in the country. This programme forms part of Samsung's R280-million worth Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), which was launched in 2019. Through Samsung's collaboration efforts with universities – the programme has been able to achieve significant milestones and some tangible opportunities have been created for these graduating students. Together, the partners have managed to enhance employment prospects and are addressing some of the socio-economic challenges faced by the country's youth and their respective community. For instance, in the first three (3) years of this programme, the partners were able to achieve 100% employment rate and the objective has been to ensure that the next cohorts have the same success. Nine (which is 50%) of the current graduates have already secured permanent employment, in part thanks to the skills they gained in the programme. According to some of the alumni students from the programme – this ICT training taught them to think innovatively, collaborate effectively and take accountability. Importantly, after this ICT training – the students were able to delegate tasks and responsibilities as well as make objective decisions to prioritise their teams' needs over personal preferences. Reflecting on her journey, one of the graduates, Ms. Nqobile Biyela shared how the programme helped her become a real-world developer with some of the practical skills she gained. 'The training I received at Tshimologong ensured that I the knowledge of coding to the application but were also taught to think differently, solve problems by collaborating in teams. I am now confident to apply my expertise in the world of work. The programme does not just teach you the technical skills but helps you build a career,' Biyela added. The Tshimologong environment has over the years expanded the student's professional network and enriched their personal growth – making them more open-minded and empathetic. Also, during the internship programme – the students saw the value of having different ideas, perspectives and experiences to a solution. Mr Mark Harris the CEO of Tshimologong said: 'As Tshimologong, we are extremely proud of the partnership with Samsung that allowed us the opportunity to run a programme to build world class software engineers. This programme creates valuable opportunities for graduates, most of whom already have a formal qualification in ICT or software engineering. This is not just about skills development, it prepares students for real work in software development and the world of innovation.' He explained that these graduates have now been prepared to solve real world problems. From reporting municipal issues, to managing bakeries as well as improving collaboration and streamlining data for businesses – this programme ensured that Tshimologong turned theory into practice. The graduates were given the opportunity to build products with real-world application. 'As partners, we know that the tech world is changing fast and that we are now in the era of AI-accelerated innovation. We are also well aware of the fact that the rules are being rewritten and that learning a single development language is no longer sufficient. This is why we are now embedding AI tools from day one, enabling faster learning, more rapid prototyping and scalable innovation. Ultimately, this will allow our interns the opportunity to become innovators, founders and problem-solvers in their own right,' Mr Harris added. Also important to note is that this programme not only focuses on developing technical skills in software development but also emphasises real-world project experience and mentorship. The programme has seen significant success, in particular – graduates have over the years gained proficiency in in-demand coding languages and software development skills. Furthermore, this initiative continues to strive towards reducing unemployment and fostering job creation in the tech sector. Speaking at the ceremony, Nicky Beukes, Samsung EEIP Project Manager said: 'As Samsung, we know very well the transformative potential of ICT education in empowering individuals, particularly unemployed youth and how it can help to overcome socio-economic challenges and unlock new career opportunities. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to drive positive change within the community and the broader industry. Samsung is committed to assisting government in addressing the challenge of youth unemployment and this is evident from the programme's impact highlighted in the previous success stories from alumni students who have benefited from the programme,' concluded Beukes.
Mail & Guardian
3 days ago
- Mail & Guardian
South Africa is Ready for Speed, And Xiaomi is Already in the Fast Lane of Innovation and Lifestyle
From smartphones to smart cars, Xiaomi merges high-performance tech and everyday style. South Africa is buzzing with excitement as whispers of a global motorsport spectacle coming to our shores grow louder. The thought of high speed action, cutting-edge engineering, and an international spotlight has ignited imaginations across the country. But while the nation awaits green lights on the track, Xiaomi South Africa is already living in the fast lane, delivering a high-performance experience that redefines both mobility and lifestyle. Meet the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, a fully electric smart vehicle that has already wowed global audiences and is set to bring that same energy to South African streets in the future. Stylish, smart, and built for speed, the SU7 Ultra isn't just a car, it's a vision of the future in motion. Designed with Xiaomi's signature precision, the SU7 Ultra fuses cutting-edge tech, breathtaking performance, and modern luxury, capturing the spirit of motorsport while embracing the elegance and sustainability of next-generation electric mobility. More Than a Car, A Connected Lifestyle Already beloved for its sleek smartphones and smart home innovations, Xiaomi is now accelerating its lifestyle journey in South Africa. Whether you're capturing memories on a Xiaomi 5G smartphone, dimming your lights with a voice command, Xiaomi's connected ecosystem is designed to enhance everyday living with intelligence, style, and ease. In Q2 of 2025, Xiaomi secured its place as the top smartphone vendor in South Africa, ranking #3 in the market, with a 12% market share and an annual growth rate of 3%. These milestones signal not just strong performance, but deep trust from South African consumers and a growing appetite for premium yet accessible technology. Power Meets Poise Xiaomi SU7 Ultra production model has set the Fastest Electric Executive Vehicle record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a blistering lap time of 7:04.957 minutes. Equipped with the optional track package, Xiaomi SU7 Ultra conquered the legendary circuit on its first attempt, establishing itself as the undisputed leader in high-performance electric vehicles. Innovation That's Premium and For Everyone At the heart of Xiaomi's philosophy is the belief that Innovation is for Everyone, a guiding principle that promises premium design, intelligent features, and environmental responsibility, without the premium price tag. Whether you're living smart with Xiaomi's home tech, navigating your day with a Xiaomi wearable, you're tapping into a world where performance, sustainability, and design meet to elevate the everyday.
