Together with Red Bull we are empowering the next generation to innovate with purpose
Dimension Data supports the creation of sustainable communities underpinned by the premise that using technology for good is the perfect alignment of elevating lives through the mutual power of technology and education.
Red Bull Basement supports social innovators using technology to tackle social and environmental issues at universities, encouraging the next generation of diverse thinking and innovation. Dimension Data remains committed to finding ways for technology and education to collide, continuously upskilling young minds and supporting platforms that empower the next generation to find solutions to world problems.
Young tech innovators and student entrepreneurs around the world are invited to innovate on campus today and disrupt the world tomorrow by collaborating to find creative solutions to a better tomorrow. To that end, our partnership with Red Bull Basement enables us to empower the next generation to innovate with purpose.
Our purpose is to give people the power to do more and, given that intention, we have made a commitment to our communities to support the creators of tomorrow to build their aspirations of bringing more of their solutions, and to change the world. As we make changes with one person at a time, we are aware that the knock-on effects of the individual changes have a far-reaching impact as they affect entire communities. This demonstrates how important the next generation is in creating a sustainable business environment and further contributing to the sustainable development of our communities - showcasing the insurmountable power of technology when used to drive positive change.
As the Official Technology Services Partner, our parent company NTT Ltd worked with Red Bull Basement to realise the potential for scale and inclusion through a virtual platform from NTT Ltd.’s Cloud Communications Division – virtualising the event and breaking down location-specific and physical space barriers to entry. At Dimension Data, we hosted local networking events that inspired students to innovate with purpose using technology for good to make a meaningful impact on their campuses and possibly the world. The students received mentorship sessions throughout the competition, and the local team supported as judges to the entries. Together with NTT Ltd, we selected the best idea to represent South Africa.
Meet our finalists
Randolph Meth and Kwanda Jakalase from Nelson Mandela Bay University in South Africa developed a Solar Mitha Generator. They were chosen as one of the finalists to go to the Red Bull Basement 2020 Global Workshop. The Solar Mitha Generator solution emerged as the best of the best in South Africa after competing against more than 3 800 global student teams from 36 participating countries and all areas of study who entered the 2020 programme. In South Africa, a public vote narrowed the field to 24 top ideas which was further narrowed to the Top 3 by our business leaders who served as local judges. Randolph and Kwanda’s Mitha Generator idea is a solar powered Generator which uses solar energy to power up appliances through solar PV panels and batteries. It is a portable Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) that can power the charging of phones, laptops, and can also power lights, kettles and microwaves. It has an expandable battery system and can be controlled via WiFi. – the idea is to provide clean and affordable alternative energy to improve our country and continent. Their aim is to provide sustainable solutions to the current and future socio-economic issues related to electricity.
The 2020 global winner is LAVA AQUA X
How we are enabling the next generation of innovators
Application Phase
1st Sept – 25th Oct 2020 | We hosted an offline and online launchpad event using Intelligent Workplace technology solutions as teams address issues inspired by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Voting and Selection Phase
26th Oct – 1st Nov 2020 | Selected our NTT and Dimension Data wildcard team and the best idea to represent the country.
Development Phase
2nd Nov – 9th Dec 2020 | We provided mentorship and workspace with valuable support to help them tap into their knowledge and skills while enabling them to innovate with a purpose.
Global Workshop
10th Dec – 13th Dec 2020 | Dimension Data will host the winning team for the virtual global workshop and NTT will serve as the panelist who listen to the final pitches and select the winning team.
Together with Red Bull Basement
we’re using the power of technology and innovation to
make a real difference
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