The Joburg Centre for Software Engineering (JCSE), at Wits University, is looking for eight new software start-ups or new small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to join its pre-incubator programme.
The initiative aims to support companies in the early stage before they enter the formal business incubation phase, where the emphasis is on growth and business development.
"We`re looking for potential projects in the financial services, health, mining and government sectors," says JCSE director Barry Dwolatzky.
Proposals should describe the concept in detail and provide a business plan for the roll-out of the software once it has been developed, he says.
The SME also needs to be looking to take its solution to market in the next 12 to 18 months, he says.
Jumpstart
Dwolatzky says start-ups will pay a basic fee for office space to become part of the programme. While located in the pre-incubator, start-ups will receive consulting and technical input into their businesses, he says.
They will also receive support from various JCSE partners who are software vendors, and will have access to the Microsoft Innovation Centre, the Open Software Centre and the Wits Convergence Laboratory to test proof of concepts.
"Too many incubation programmes focus on only providing business skills and infrastructure support to start-ups. However, given the complex nature of the software development environment, the technical support and consulting which the JCSE will provide will be vital for the chosen development companies to have the best shot at success," he says.
An industry panel comprising the JCSE and partners will assess applications from SMEs and start-ups in the middle of March.
Related stories:
JCSE outlines software plans
Govt, industry collaborate on security
Share