Letting the KAT-O Cape tech cat out the bag...

Robyn Farah, CEO of KAT-O, explains that KAT-O uses innovative technology to create a better world. It works with most industries, doing everything from product development to interactive advertising campaigns - as long as it involves electronics or some form of technology and is expected to improve the world in some way.

KAT-O's talks and courses

KAT-O's #TechTalkCPT is probably its best-known offering. This is an evening event that creates exposure for what's going on in the realm of technology and innovation in South Africa. It's aimed at educating people on what trending tech words and concepts like IoT or the internet of things actually mean and how to incorporate them into your business functioning. This shows them what local companies and individuals are doing in the world of technology, while also connecting people who have similar interests. It's a fun, social and educational event.

KAT-O #TechTalkCPT attendees

Next we have Arduino Cape Town and the Modern Alchemist, two of South Africa's most active maker and electronics communities. These groups create a platform for creators, makers, inventors and explorers of all backgrounds to collaborate and 'skill swap'. Perfect if you have a great business idea but aren't sure just how to turn it from a thought to reality.

Then there's Curiosity Campus, one of the most innovative education hubs in South Africa, which stays on top of what's happening in global tech and run courses in such topics. To date, these courses have covered topics such as how to create a virtual reality environment, how to build and fly a drone, urban gardening, an introduction to electronics, as well as the more technical Arduino, Python, Raspberry Pi, and more.

Future tech for everyone

Farah's prediction for the future is that the majority of homes will have a desktop 3D printer, and the "tech shop" around the corner will be able to assist with all your 3D printing, laser-cutting and CNC milling on-demand needs, much the way a standard printing shop does now.

More excitingly, Farah says we'll bring industry to our houses. "This is not a sci-fi type prediction, it is already starting to happen," she explains. "It is just insane to see how we can now learn to build and code a robot in our own homes at such a young age, making the creation of AI unique to each person's needs and wants."

KAT-O itself is working on using technology to better the future by developing a form of automated pill dispenser as well as ways to protect us from modern day crimes like car jamming.

It seems the future is here!

While KAT-O is open all-year round, its end-of-year event this evening (Wednesday, 9 December 2015) brings together all these platforms to show off what wonderful things are happening in each of area and to get the public excited about 2016.

Farah says courses, meetups and #TechTalkCPT will commence again from January 2016, covering topics such as Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, VR (virtual reality), drones, SEO (search engine marketing), coding for girls, building and programming your own robot and the exploration of space. To stay on top of developments and get involved yourself, join the KAT-O.net and Curiosity Campus mailing list or follow KAT-O on Twitter.