Innovation is not just a buzzword at the JBS Innovation Lab, Johannesburg Business School (JBS), University of Johannesburg (UJ); it is a culture, a driving force propelling the symbiotic relationship between education, research, and real-world application. As the University looks back on the strides made in 2023, it is evident that the JBS Innovation Lab has not only met but exceeded expectations in its contributions toward JBS and UJ’s strategic goals, according to a statement shared with Business Tech Africa.
Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders
The cornerstone of our endeavours lies in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Through groundbreaking initiatives, including work-integrated learning opportunities and real-life case studies, we have cultivated a dynamic environment where students gain hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful projects. The lab has become a beacon of innovation, attracting international recognition and fostering collaborations with esteemed institutions worldwide.
Driving Economic Growth
Our commitment to commercialisable innovations has yielded tangible results, with notable successes such as the UJ Teaching Evaluation Software and the “Learn and Earn” App, showcasing the potential for third-stream income generation. By nurturing entrepreneurial spirit and facilitating technology transfer, we’re not just advancing academic discourse but also bolstering economic prosperity within the university and beyond.
Transformative Social Impact
Beyond the confines of academia, the JBS Innovation Lab is a catalyst for social change. Initiatives like the GRIT Lab Africa are empowering young Africans with programming skills and resilience, transcending borders to make a continent-wide impact. Through multidisciplinary upskilling and community engagement projects, we are addressing pressing societal challenges while fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity.
GRIT Lab Africa
The GRIT Lab Africa (GLA) is a pioneering social initiative led by Professor Abejide Ade-Ibijola, aimed at empowering young Africans through programming, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. Established in 2016, GLA has consistently delivered tangible financial contributions to its participants and the broader community, alongside its mission to foster innovation and economic growth across the continent.
Operating primarily online, GLA offers a diverse array of programmes tailored to the needs of African youth, ranging from foundational programming to advanced topics like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies. Participants, typically aged between 18-22 and enrolled in universities across Africa, undergo rigorous training characterised by hands-on learning, project-based activities, and reinforced teaching methods.
One of GLA’s remarkable achievements lies in its substantial financial impact on participants and society at large. In 2023 alone, GLA trained 593 students across 11 African countries, generating a total estimated financial value of over R28 million ($1.78 million USD). This value includes:
- R28,464,000.00 worth of free training offered in 2023, comprising R22,896,000.00 ($1.43 million USD) from JBS GRIT Lab and R5,568,000.00 ($348,000 USD) from GLA.
- A total of R1,157,054.43 ($72,315.90 USD) in student salaries paid for work-integrated learning in 2022, and R1,580,953.30 ($98,809.58 USD) in 2023.
Beyond individual success stories, GLA’s financial impact is also reflected in its collaborations with government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector firms. These partnerships contribute to the broader economic development agenda of Africa, reinforcing GLA’s position as a catalyst for innovation and socioeconomic progress.
GRIT Lab Africa’s significant financial contributions underscore its pivotal role in empowering African youth and driving economic transformation across the continent. Through its innovative programmes and strategic partnerships, GLA continues to make a lasting impact on individuals, communities, and societies as a whole. The historical reach of GLA covers 26 African countries as depicted in Photo 2. More about GLA can be found at: www.gritlabafrica.org.
Charting the Course for 2024
As we look ahead, the momentum built in 2023 sets the stage for even greater achievements in 2024, which has already begun. With a focus on research excellence, enhanced funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships for commercialisation, we’re poised to elevate our impact and solidify our position as a global leader in innovation. Our commitment to leveraging AI for enhanced teaching and learning remains unwavering, ensuring that we continue to pioneer transformative education in the digital age.
The JBS Innovation Lab stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. As we embark on this journey toward a future defined by innovation and ingenuity, we invite you to join us in shaping tomorrow’s world, one breakthrough at a time. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to redefine the boundaries of possibility at the JBS Innovation Lab. Together, we’re creating a future where innovation knows no bounds.
Professor Abejide Ade-Ibijola: Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Applications
