Enterprise software application firm, SAP, has opened a Co-Innovation Lab (COIL) in South Africa. The facility is situated in the company’s office in Woodmead, Johannesburg and is the first COIL to be opened in Africa.
The new lab provides a space for software solution, system integrator and technology partners to bring their skills together and stimulate creative thinking in a hands-on environment. It will focus on Internet of Things (IoT) products allowing customers, partners and startups do everything from developing and incubating proof-of-concepts to collaborations and access to SAP experts around strategy and infrastructure.
Companies will have the opportunity to leverage on SAP’s global network in delivering their IoT solutions faster. According to htxt africa, the emphasis is not on the physical space but rather the creation of new products with new and existing partners that SAP will be happy to share IP with.
Speaking at the launch, SAP Africa MD, Brett Parker noted that innovation is not only key to surviving in today’s economy but “the speed at which you are able to transform is becoming increasingly critical. Far too often, great ideas are lost. Consequently, businesses are looking for smarter, quicker and more efficient ways to innovate.”
SAP had earlier announced plans to expand its IoT efforts worldwide and it’s kicking off with this lab in South Africa indicating that it sees Africa as a significant source of innovation. “We are confident that the introduction of the first African SAP Co-Innovation Lab, with its ability to enable and, tangibly showcase the innovation and inventions by Africans, for Africans, will enable us to continue to improve lives through practical solutions, increase skills development. Ultimately the goal is to contribute to job creation by stimulating and driving entrepreneurship across the continent,” Parker said.
The company’s first COIL was opened in the US in 2007, it now has labs in Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan, Russia, Singapore, South Korea and Switzerland. The Jo’burg lab is its latest.
