The packed programme includes events such as a workshop on climate-smart agriculture; a glimpse at electronic noses for sustainable port development; a brainstorm on ecological air transport and an interactive session on 3D training apps for surgeons.
House of the Future will also host high profile events on education and entrepreneurship, including international phenomena such as TEDx Johannesburg and "Get in the Ring", better known as the 'Olympics of Startups'. In CocreateMyCity, South African students from University of Johannesburg and WITS will work together with students from two Netherlands Universities on challenges identified for them by the city of Johannesburg.
TomTom South Africa will offer value-added support during the workshop, including free access to all of TomTom's technology, the use of the TomTom Bandit Action camera, technical support staff, catering, stationery, transport, data, airtime, power banks, and the TomTom street view vehicle and a technician on site. TomTom will also award the winning team with a TomTom Multisport Cardio watch each, as well as lunch with TomTom's General Manager, Etienne Louw, and an internship with TomTom for a 3-month period.
The initiative is the brain child of the Dutch Embassy, with the main objective being to bring together Dutch and South African companies to help address local socio-economic issues, and in turn find synergies and solutions to grow business in South Africa, especially in the sectors health, water, transport, energy and agriculture. "Our involvement stems from our global association with the Netherlands," said Louw. "The objective is to grow the business relationship between South African and the Netherlands, which will open many doors for the youth and businesses of South Africa."
TomTom also wishes to cement its relationship with the Dutch Embassy, which will assist with the facilitation of important networking opportunities, not only in South Africa, but Africa as a whole.
The Netherlands Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, is set to visit South Africa from 17 to 18 November, as part of the House of the Future project. Here, together with his trade delegation of over 75 companies, Rutte will explore how to #cocreateSA with their South African partners.
"House of the Future provides a unique opportunity to rethink what our tomorrow should look like," said Marisa Gerards, Netherlands Ambassador to South Africa. "Our ability to fundamentally challenge the status quo lies in our shared experiences, visions and ideas."
The programme will culminate in a celebration of cultural events in the field of film, music, art and dance. More information on the complete programme is available on House of the Future.
