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UK software company joins The Innovation Hub
A United Kingdom (UK) based software company has become the first foreign company to qualify for "associate company" status at The Innovation Hub.
The Innovation Hub's Incubator Selection Advisory Panel approved the application of UK founded eSAY Solutions at its first sitting in May. The company writes custom-built software programs, but has found a particular niche by combining IT skills with science and medical expertise.
eSAY has received a SMART award from the UK's department of trade and industry (DTI) after showing that information technology can play a vital role in patient healthcare, and is presently finalising an in-depth study for the DTA, which could revolutionise the recording of clinical drugs trials and out-patient monitoring. It employs about 10 people in Bolton and had quadrupled its turnover since doors opened for business about two years ago.
Jill Sawers, Manager: Incubation and Entrepreneurship, points out that the granting of associate status to start-up companies forms part of The Innovation Hub's strategic plan to build a community of knowledge driven companies with a common interest, that could benefit from the networks and services provided, while contributing to capacity building at the same time.
eSAY's founder and Commercial Director, Dr Moneeb Awan, says the new office at The Innovation Hub gives the company a presence on a global scale. "We chose South Africa because the infrastructure is truly first world. In addition, the scope and depth of technical IT skills we require, certainly exists in South Africa. We have already recruited four competent developers."
Moneeb, a former Chief Scientist at the University of Cape Town's Heart Centre, said examples of innovative projects earmarked for South Africa include developments using mobile technologies, touch screen applications to update real-time stock, sales & purchase data remotely, and two-way communication of detailed drop off and collection information for drivers.
"We also recognise that companies that graduate from incubation need "after care" International experience suggests that companies are at the most vulnerable stage in their development on leaving an incubator. It is therefore important to provide incubator graduates with "after care" services, which would include networking, access to shared facilities, and branding. In this regard, the most recent company to graduate from the Incubator to "associate" status is Vastech (Pty) Ltd," according to Sawers.
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