A Cape Town-based tech firm has designed Africa’s first low-power, solar-powered Android desktop computer.
Capsule Technologies earned international recognition for the Western Cape’s information, communication and technology sector with its ground-breaking technology.
Alan Winde, minister of economic opportunities, visited the company on Friday afternoon to congratulate the entrepreneurs, Megan Verkuil, the founder of the company, and Franck Martinaux, the firm’s chief technology officer.
Verkuil hails from Mitchells Plain and launched the company only a few months ago.
The device, the IMPI Mk1, has also been recognized as a World Design Project.
Verkuil said the device is energy-efficient and can operate on 20 watts of electricity. It is durable and able to withstand the dusty African terrain.
She said the company was in talks to take the product to other African countries. They planned to expand their operations this year and were committed to only hiring local employees.
Winde commended the team for their contribution to the local information, communication and technology sector.
“I’m here today to celebrate one the Western Cape’s heroes. Capsule Technologies is an excellent advertisement for tech innovation in the province. This is an example of the talented entrepreneurs in the Western Cape.”
“Their invention is playing a role positioning the Western Cape as the continent’s innovation hub. It’s also demonstrates unique solutions for African challenges,” Winde said.
ICT is one of the Western Cape’s priority sectors, employing 30,000 people in this province.
Source www.cbn.co.za
