The Future-Innovation Lab
The UWC Samsung Future-Innovation Lab was established in terms of a 10- year Memorandum of Agreement signed in July 2019 between UWC and Samsung with the aim of hosting at UWC the Samsung EEIP Research and Development Programme (R&D Academy) at UWC in view of developing/supporting/enhancing its ICT scarce skills development programmes.
As a part of its R280-million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), Samsung South Africa hosts its Research and Development (R&D) Academy Project in conjunction with University of the Western Cape (UWC).
The EEIP R&D Academy, through its Future-Innovation Lab, aims to provide an opportunity to deserving previously disadvantaged youth (18-35), to gain skills in software development and digital social innovation. EEIP is a Department of Trade and Industry and Competition (dtic) initiative where multinational companies are invited to participate and contribute positively towards B-BBEE in South Africa.
Samsung’s EEIP initiative is projected to have a measurable impact on job creation and a contribution of nearly R1-billion to the South African economy at large.
The EEIP R&D Academy, in partnership with UWC, is set build on its launch success and is now in its fourth year of operation.
The Future-Innovation Lab Programme is aimed at addressing key developmental aspects linked to the National Development Plan (NDP) and overall transformation of the South African economy. The overarching goal of the Future-Innovation Lab, is through evidence-based applied research, creating new pathways for previously disadvantaged youth and vulnerable youth to become employed and gain access to learning and training opportunities. This is critically important in view of addressing the deep societal challenges that result from youth unemployment.
Furthermore, there is a specific focus required on addressing the underrepresentation of previously disadvantaged women in the software development industry, as well as creating industry opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Our Programmes
1
10-month
Foundational Programme
(Introduction to Software Development)
An intensive 10-month in-person software development/ digital innovation training programme.
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Step 1:
Enter for the 3-day Explorer Programme.
Step 2:
The top performing participants in the Explorer Programme will be invited to the 10-month Foundational Programme.
The Foundational Programme is an in-person, intensive programme to prepare you for a career as a software developer.
