Intel Corporation has announced a new
initiative that will see Kenyan developers become the first in Africa to
benefit directly from Intel® Software and Services Group (SSG), a global
division of the company. In the course of this new initiative, Intel will work
with Kenyan developers to provide them with design
tools, resources and expert consulting. Further, the
tech company will this year sponsor three local tech start-ups for online
training and mentorship program conducted by UC Berkeley Faculty members and
Silicon Valley entrepreneurs.
In the next 6 months, Intel aims at reaching over 400 developers and
having 100 new applications created locally that will offer users
differentiated experiences across mobile phones and tablets running on Intel®
Architecture. The division will be led locally by Agatha Gikunda the newly
appointed Lead for Intel Software and Services Group in East Africa.
Speaking at a developers’ conference hosted by Intel that saw more than 250
developers in attendance, Danie Steyn, East Africa General Manager said “We
recognize that software is a vital element of all Intel platforms and
processors. Therefore, Intel
Software and Services Group seeks to enhance local innovation and provide
tools to developers that enable them create applications with rich user
experience on devices running on Intel technology. We are very excited about
the growing developer engagement in Africa and seek to increase collaborations with
tech hubs, independent software vendors and universities.”
The company will collaborate with
Strathmore University and University of Nairobi** to provide resources in the universities’
hardware labs, build a student Developer Partner Program and integrate High
Performance Computing into the university curriculum. These activities are
aimed at enhancing the ability of student developers to create rich user
experiences on Intel®-based hardware as well as test their software
applications.
Through an established program between
Intel, iHub and m:lab**, Intel Software and Services Group will provide
training to developers enabling them to create and port Android** apps for
Android-based devices running on Intel® architecture. In addition, starting
from 24th June 2013, Intel and iHub** will on a quarterly basis host
intensive coaching sessions for developers dubbed Ideation camps that seek to empower upcoming tech entrepreneurs and
social innovators with tools to turn complex problems into great business
opportunities.
“Programs that provide opportunities
for local software developers to nurture their skills, to access the latest
tools and to get exposure on the global stage are critical components in the
growth of our local software economy. Intel’s approach to collaborate and
support tech hubs, independent software vendors and universities provides a good
opportunity for both upcoming and established developers to exploit.” Victor
Kyalo Acting CEO, Kenya ICT Board
Intel Software and Services Group will
further enable Kenyan developers to engage with more than 20,000 independent
software vendors (ISV) worldwide through a collaborative online application and
software development community dubbed Intel®
Developer Zone. It is a global program that enables developers to
engage with Intel on topics related to software and is designed to answer
today’s software development challenges. In addition, Intel Software and Services Group
will also seek to build a foundation for robust solutions and industry
innovation, working with the software community to set standards, establish
industry benchmarks and participate in open source projects.
“As part of the investments we are
making in the continent we would also like companies across Africa to be aware
that Intel Capital, the global investment and M&A organization of Intel, is
looking to invest in innovative technology companies. We have recently invested
in 2 companies: Altech in South Africa and Rancard in Ghana.” said Tobi Oke,
Investment Director, Intel Capital.
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