IBM Opens Doors of First African Research Lab - Continent s Grand Challenges in its Sights

Yorktown Heights, N.Y. and Nairobi, Kenya - 08 Nov 2013: IBM (NYSE: IBM) and His Excellency, the President of Kenya, Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta, officially opened the first commercial technology research facility in Africa at an inauguration ceremony in Nairobi today.

IBMs 12th global research lab - supported by the Kenyan ICT Authority - and located at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi, will conduct applied and far-reaching exploratory research into the grand challenges of the African continent by delivering commercially-viable innovations that impact peoples lives.

The 2000m2 facility features one of Africas most powerful, cloud-enabled computing hubs giving IBM researchers the ability to analyse and draw insight from vast amounts of data in the search for solutions to Africas most pressing challenges such as energy, water, transportation, agriculture, healthcare, financial inclusion and public safety.

The labs research agenda will include the development of cognitive computing technologies which integrate learning and reasoning capabilities enabling experts to make better decisions in areas such as healthcare delivery and financial services. In the new era of computing, IBM believes that Africa has a strategic opportunity to become an early adopter of cognitive systems.

The establishment of this research laboratory underpins the government's commitment to innovation ecosystems that are already available in Kenya, said His Excellency, the President of Kenya, Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta. Using innovation to drive homegrown solutions, Kenya continues to lead the continent in ICT. My government is proud that Kenya, and indeed Africa, will benefit from the presence of one of the most advanced research facilities, with some of the world's most talented people, using some of the most powerful technologies to address the continents biggest challenges and opportunities.

The lab brings together some of the best technology talent globally driven by a passion for Africa and almost 70 years of experience in running a world-class research organization. Over the past year, the IBM Research - Africa team has been conducting research projects while the laboratory was under construction. It now comprises seasoned IBM scientists and new recruits, starting with 20 PhDs and growing in line with the labs development.

"We are currently experiencing the emergence of a new Africa - one where science and technology are enabling a pivotal leap frog moment allowing governments and businesses to drive economic growth, raise the standard of living and compete with their global counterparts, said Dr. Kamal Bhattacharya, Director, IBM Research Africa. "The launch of Africas first full-scale, technology research facility signifies a new era in African innovation - one where commercially-viable solutions to Africas grand challenges are developed in Africa for Africa, helping to lay the foundations for the continents future scientific and economic independence.

IBM Research Africa will be deeply embedded into Africas innovation ecosystem and will forge partnerships with businesses, research organizations and universities across Africa and around the world. Already operational, IBM Research Africa has a number of important projects underway based on collaborations that include:

Twende Twende (Lets Go)

Urbanization is a global trend but one with unique urgency in Africa with some cities expected to grow by as much as 85 percent in the next 15 years. As the pressure on city systems increases, IBM is researching solutions which address interconnected urban issues such as public safety and human mobility.

According to government estimates, traffic costs Nairobi US $600 000 a day. In an effort to tackle this growing problem, IBM has partnered with Kenyan internet service provider Access Kenya, to develop a pilot solution to enable Nairobi commuters to use their mobile phones to get advice on driving routes through the city depending on estimates of traffic congestion.

Using deep analytics and specialized algorithms to interpret visual data received from CCTV cameras positioned around Nairobi, citizens can use their mobile phones to receive updates on road conditions and suggestions for alternative routes. With only 36 cameras currently installed around Nairobi, IBM researchers have augmented the available data using mathematical network analytics to predict traffic in parts of town where no data feeds are available.

Dubbed Twende Twende meaning Lets Go in Swahili - the system works on basic phones via SMS-based query system and on smart phones via an app through which users can view a map of the city showing route options and potential traffic hotspots. IBMs researchers are currently working to extend the capabilities of the solution to include data on public safety, weather conditions and road works to create a Nairobi-specific view of human mobility.

IBM has launched a public trial of the service to Nairobi commuters and is available on the major mobile phone networks Safaricom and Airtel.

Mattangazo (Digital Advertising)

Many African cities rely on complex networks of public buses and smaller private minibuses to get people to and from work each day. Nairobi is well known for its 60,000 matatu minibuses which race around carrying a third of the citys 830,000 public transport users. In recent months there has been an initiative to bring the citys matatus into the digital age by introducing free onboard wifi.

In partnership with local firms Flashcast and Kuza Biashara, IBM has developed a solution that enables micro entrepreneurs to target commuters with location-based advertisements. The solution relies on GPS enabled display units with a 3G connection which are installed on buses and matatus and display simple advertisements about local small businesses such as restaurants, hairdre

LINK:	http://www-03.ibm.com/press/uk/en/pressrelease/42410.wss...
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