Plans to expand IBM Research - Africa

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It will focus on advancing big data, cloud and mobile technologies to support South Africa's national priorities, drive skills development and foster innovation-based economic growth.

As part of a 10-year investment programme through the Department of Trade and Industry and working closely with the Department of Science and Technology, the new research facility will be based at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits).

"IBM considers two factors when deciding where to place research labs: access to world-class skills and talent, and the ability to work on pressing business and societal challenges that can be best addressed through advanced information technology," said Dr John E Kelly III, Senior Vice-President of IBM Solutions Portfolio and Research. "South Africa provides an exciting backdrop as we look to expand our research efforts in the region. Our Africa-based researchers are part of a global community of IBM scientists who are forging the future of our company and ensuring that we remain at the forefront of scientific discovery."

"South Africa is amongst the most technologically and scientifically advanced countries in the world," said Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology. "However, it is essential to increase research and development activities in order to foster innovation and support the further diversification of the economy. We welcome IBM Research to South Africa and offer our very best scientific talent to ensure its long-term success."

Next-generation technology skills

IBM's South Africa researchers will partner extensively with local universities, research institutions, innovation centres, start-ups and government agencies, thus bolstering South Africa's emerging innovation ecosystem and helping to develop next-generation technology skills. The company has already struck up agreements with Wits University, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to collaborate on research programmes and skills development.

"The development of a successful innovation ecosystem is crucial to the further development of the South African economy and the country's international competitiveness," said Professor Adam Habib, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Wits University. "IBM Research's decision to locate in Joburg will give a huge boost to a dynamic community of programmers, designers, developers, entrepreneurs and start-ups."

The new lab will be located in the Tshimologong Precinct in Braamfontein - an inner-city area that is today re-emerging as one of Joburg's most dynamic and vibrant districts.

The new South Africa research team will be led by Dr Solomon Assefa, formerly a research scientist at IBM's flagship Thomas J Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, New York. Dr Assefa has co-authored over 50 scientific articles and has 45 patents. He was named one of the World's Top Young Innovators under 35 by MIT's Technology Review in 2011 and a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Last year he was named a Fellow of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences.

Aligned with areas of strategic national importance and bolstering South Africa's leadership in science and technology, the lab's focus areas will include: