The InnovationSpace was abuzz this morning as the SMEs shortlisted for the prestigious ITU Telecom World Award pitched their innovations and creative ideas to our expert jury of social entrepreneurs and tech visionaries.
Talented entrepreneurs from across the globe took to the podium to highlight their creative ideas, including South African drone and robotics company Smartipants, mixed reality computer aided surgery system provider Selcis from Azerbaijan, Hungary’s RoboRobo, nanosatellite manufacturer SatRevolution from Poland and South Africa’s Technovera, a social impact organisation focused on technology inclusion with the aim of improving the last mile for chronic medication access in Africa.
Among the pitchers was Movel, a startup bringing health insurance to Mozambique’s previously unserved or underserved population is the aim of mobile insurance platform Movel care, whose lively pitch explored the different platforms they have developed for different users, depending on their access devices- essential for extending the reach of services into previously untapped markets. The pitch also explained the interconnected ecosystem in which Movel care operates, amongst different players from across the mobile and finance sectors. Movel care is seeking seed capital with a view to expanding into Angola and Cape Verde, as well as looking for partnerships with mobile network operators or monetary financial institutions.
Also taking part in the full SME programme, and ITU Telecom World 2019 for the first time, are the 24 EQUALS fellowship winners, talented female entrepreneurs from developing countries. Innovations from the fellowship winners included a millimetre wave communication technology provider from India, a mobile money and banking platform from Uganda, an employment platform from the Philippines and many more.
The SME programme of masterclasses, pitching and workshops will continue throughout the week. Look out for more exciting tech pitches tomorrow in the InnovationSpace, and be sure not to miss the ITU Telecom World Awards Ceremony and the chance to find out who the Award winners are!
