IBM’s 12th global research laboratory supported by the Kenyan Information and Communications Technology Authority, and located at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi, will conduct applied and far-reaching exploratory researches into the grand challenges of the African continent by delivering commercially-viable innovations that impact people’s lives, the firm said.
The 2000m2 facility features one of Africa’s 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 Africa’s most pressing challenges, such as energy, water, transportation, agriculture, healthcare, financial inclusion and public safety.
The lab’s research agenda, the firm said, would 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,” Kenyatta was quoted as saying.
He added, “Using innovation to drive home-grown 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 continent’s biggest challenges and opportunities.”
The lab, the firm said, would bring together some of the best technology talents globally-driven by a passion for Africa, and almost 70 years of experience in running a world-class research organisation.
Over the past year, the IBM Research – Africa team had been conducting research projects, while the laboratory was under construction. It now comprises seasoned IBM scientists and new recruits, starting with 20 PhD holders and growing in line with the lab’s 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, raising the standard of living, and competing with their global counterparts,” Director, IBM Research, Africa, Dr. Kamal Bhattacharya, said.
He added, “The launch of Africa’s first full-scale technology research facility signifies a new era in African innovation – one where commercially-viable solutions to Africa’s grand challenges are developed in Africa for Africa, helping to lay the foundation for the continent’s future scientific and economic independence.”
IBM Research – Africa, the firm said, would be deeply embedded into Africa’s innovation ecosystem and would forge partnerships with businesses, research organisations 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 urbanisation cum traffic management, digital advertising, agricultural development, among others.
IBM Research – Africa has joined existing labs in Australia, Brazil, China, India, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Switzerland and the United States.
IBM Research laboratories are credited with the creation of many of the foundations of information technology, including the invention of the relational database, disk storage, DRAM memory and, more recently, the Watson computing system, which used cognitive technologies to compete alongside humans in a major television quiz show.
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