Showcasing the Western Cape’s Pioneers in Hardware Innovation and Manufacturing 

Cape Town, South Africa — 05 Sep 2024 — The Wesgro Hardware Innovation Showcase, held in collaboration with Savant, marked a significant milestone in highlighting the Western Cape’s role as a global hub for hardware innovation and manufacturing excellence. The event celebrated the dynamic synergy between local innovators and manufacturers, illustrating how Cape Town and the broader Western Province are at the forefront of advancements across various sectors, from agritech to space and connectivity. 

 

Unveiling the Western Cape’s Deeptech Ecosystem: Where Local Talent Meets Global Standards 

The Hardware Innovation Showcase vividly displayed the cutting-edge technologies and world-class manufacturing capabilities flourishing in the Western Cape. By gathering  local inventors, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders, the event underscored the region’s unique ability to drive economic growth, create jobs, and lead technological advancements. JP van der Merwe, Head of Investment Promotion at Wesgro, highlighted the event as a testament to the region’s exceptional engineering and science capabilities and emphasised the significant impact of Savant’s portfolio. Notably, 10 out of the 11 companies featured in the hardware innovation exhibition were part of Savant’s portfolio.

 

The Wesgro Hardware Innovation Showcase Exhibition Streams 

The event was structured into four exhibition streams, showcasing the Western Cape’s advancements in: 

 

1. Agritech Exhibition Stream

• Adagin Technologies: Adagin delivers comprehensive data capture and actionable insights across the agricultural value chain with its integrated hardware and software solutions, enhancing productivity and operational efficiency. 

• Agrilogiq: Agrilogiq enables intelligent poly-greenhouse automation and remote management through its advanced systems and cloud-based software, optimising crop yield and minimising manual labour. 

• Mushroom Guru: Mushroom Guru enhances the potency of Reishi mushrooms with its proprietary multi-phase extraction process, surpassing conventional methods in efficacy. 

 

2. Telemedicine and Diagnostics Exhibition Stream

• AI Diagnostics: AI Diagnostics has created an advanced AI-powered TB screening system with a digital stethoscope and app, offering superior accuracy and reduced diagnostic costs compared to traditional methods. 

• Mia Health Technologies: Mia Health Technologies transforms dental care with mobile services and affordable Mia Clear Aligners, enhancing accessibility and reducing costs for patients in developing markets 

• LIQID Medical: LIQID Medical develops innovative, long-term implants for effective glaucoma treatment, targeting the leading cause of irreversible blindness. 

 

3. Green Economy Exhibition Stream

• KULU Biofuels: Kulu Biofuels delivers sustainable biofuels with 25% annual global growth, offering competitive pricing aligned with national diesel rates to support carbon emission reduction and climate change efforts. 

• STROOM e-Cargo Bikes: STROOM specialises in designing and manufacturing locally produced e-cargo bikes and e-trailers that adhere to EU e-bike framework standards. 

 

4. Space and Connectivity Exhibition Stream

• CubeSpace: CubeSpace distinguishes itself as a leading engineering and manufacturing entity, specialising in the delivery of fully integrated Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) tailored for satellites.  

• Simera Sense: Simera Sense produces end-to-end optical payload solutions for the nanosatellite Earth observation industry, enhancing the level of detail captured by smaller satellites through advanced technology. 
• Visiosoft: Visiosoft is a leading African innovator in LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technologies, specialising in smart solutions that integrate diverse data and sensor inputs to enhance connectivity and drive global advancements in smart technology. 

 

A Call to Collaborate and Innovate Locally 

The Wesgro Hardware Innovation Showcase exceeded beyond an exhibition; it was a call to action for local inventors, innovators, and manufacturers to collaborate and strengthen the Western Cape’s global leadership in hardware innovation. By partnering with local manufacturing suppliers, regional hardware inventors can leverage world-class capabilities to bring their ideas to life, scale their businesses, and compete on a global stage. 

 

Outcomes 

The Wesgro Hardware Innovation Showcase not only highlighted the exceptional capabilities of Western Cape’s innovators, but also facilitated a critical convergence of government bodies, industry players, and pioneering inventors. Wesgro played a vital role by ensuring that each participating company and their manufacturing partners were onboarded to the Cape Trade Portal, opening new avenues for growth and collaboration. 

This initiative aligns seamlessly with Wesgro’s Export Unit mission to bolster trade and export capacity within Cape Town and the Western Cape. By connecting local exporters with potential customers, enabling business deals, and fostering market expansion, Wesgro is actively supporting regional economic growth and job creation. 

In essence, the showcase was a powerful demonstration of the Western Cape’s ability to lead in hardware innovation and manufacturing. It reinforced the region’s commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering global partnerships, ensuring that Cape Town continues to thrive as a hub of technological advancement and economic prosperity.