10 South African Entrepreneurs Shaping The Future Of AI
10 South African Entrepreneurs Shaping The Future Of AI. Artificial Intelligence has proven to be a disprutive innovation in the technology industry, in that it has managed to transform how the world solves problems. In South Africa, AI has managed to also cause this transformation which led to entrepreneurs coming up with innovative ideas that use AI to benefit the country. These entrepreneurs are driving innovation in AI across various industries, including education, finance, healthcare, and technology, significantly contributing to the advancement and adoption of AI in South Africa. Below are some of the South African entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in the country.
Rapelang Rabana
Rapelang Rabana founded Rekindle Learning, which uses AI and mobile technologies to improve learning and training processes. Her work focuses on personalized learning experiences and adaptive learning technologies.
Jake Shepherd
Jake Shepherd co-founded Synthesis Software Technologies, which specializes in developing AI-driven financial solutions. The company focuses on machine learning, data analytics, and AI to enhance financial services.
Dr. Jacques Ludik
Dr Jacques Ludik is a smart technology entrepreneur, Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert, founder of multiple AI companies, author, global keynote speaker, and award-winning AI Leader with a Ph.D. in Computer Science (AI) and 25+ years’ experience in AI, Machine Learning & Data Science and its applications. Dr. Jacques Ludik is the founder of Cortex Logic, an AI software and solutions company. They develop AI-driven platforms for various industries, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
Karen Nadasen
Karen Nadasen, PayU Africa’s CEO, is regularly described as one of South Africa’s most inspiring women in tech, she was nominated for IT Personality of the Year 2017, listed among 100 Most Influential Young South Africans 2017 and the Regional Winner (SADC) of Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government 2018. As the CEO of PayU South Africa, Karen Nadasen is integrating AI into fintech solutions, focusing on fraud prevention, personalized financial services, and improving user experiences through machine learning.
Michael Jordaan
Michael Jordaan, through his venture capital firm Montegray Capital, invests in AI startups and innovative tech companies. He supports the growth of AI-driven businesses in various sectors.
Shashi Hansjee
Shashi Hansjee leads Entelect, a software engineering and solutions company that leverages AI to provide innovative software solutions for businesses, focusing on data analytics and automation.
Lindiwe Matlali
Lindiwe Matlali is the founder of Africa Teen Geeks, which aims to teach coding and AI to young people across Africa. Her initiative focuses on equipping the next generation with AI skills and knowledge.
Frans Cronje
Frans Cronje is the co-founder of DataProphet. DataProphet is a leader in AI that enables manufacturers to step towards autonomous manufacturing. The company’s AI-as-a-service proactively prescribes changes to plant control plans to continuously optimize production without the expert human analysis that is typically required. As recognized by the World Economic Forum, DataProphet PRESCRIBE has helped customers around the world experience a significant and practical impact on the factory floor, reducing the cost of non-quality by an average of 40 percent.
Vukosi Marivate
Dr. Vukosi Marivate leads the Data Science for Social Impact Research Group at the University of Pretoria. He works on applying AI and machine learning to solve social issues in Africa, including healthcare and education.
Nick Durrant
Nick Durrant’s Bluegrass Digital uses AI to deliver digital transformation projects. They work on integrating AI into web development, digital marketing, and enterprise solutions to enhance business processes. The company is made up of strategic thinkers, designers and engineers which help clients transform through insight-led user experiences, innovations and technology built to scale.
