Kenyan developers will become the first in Africa to benefit directly from a new initiative introduced by Intel® Software and Services Group (SSG), a division of Intel Corporation
The initiative will see Intel work with Kenyan developers to provide them with design tools, resources and expert consulting.
Intel will also sponsor three local tech start-ups for an online training and mentorship programme conducted by UC Berkeley Faculty members and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs.
During the next six months, Intel aims to reach more than 400 developers and create 100 new applications 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.
At a recent Intel developers’ conference that was attended by 250 developers, Danie Steyn, East Africa general manager said, “We recognise 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 developer partner programme for students and integrate high performance computing into the university curriculum.
Through an established programme between Intel, iHub and m:lab, Intel SSG will provide training to developers enabling them to create and port Android apps for Android-based devices running on Intel® architecture.
Starting from 24th June 2013, Intel and iHub will also host intensive coaching sessions, or 'Ideation camps', for developers on a quarterly basis. The sessions aim to empower upcoming tech entrepreneurs and social innovators with the tools to convert problems into business opportunities.
“Programmes 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," said Victor Kyalo, acting CEO, Kenya ICT Board.
"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.”
Intel SSG will enable Kenyan developers to engage with more than 20,000 independent software vendors (ISV) worldwide through the Intel® Developer Zone, a collaborative online application and software development community.
“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," said Tobi Oke, investment director, Intel Capital. "We have recently invested in two companies: Altech in South Africa and Rancard in Ghana.”
