TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
Techno Parks or Techno Hubs, otherwise known as Innovation or Science centres are essential in order to bring innovation, new technologies and economic growth to South Africa.
The RBIDZ is seeking investors to set up Techno Parks in the Richards Bay Development Zone so that the existing and upcoming generations of South Africans can benefit from new ideas and technologies that may very well change the world. In addition, Techno Parks provide valuable insights and intellectual resources from which the other sectors such as renewable energy and marine industry situated in the RBIDZ can benefit immensely. As such, the RBIDZ has identified the development of Techno Parks as one of the priority sectors.
Techno Hub facilities in the RBIDZ
The RBIDZ has allocated 5 hectares to the development of the Techno Park which will be integrated within the Industrial Development complex. Outlets will be utilised by the other sectors and surrounding industries in Richards Bay. The Techno Park will consist of demarcated Techno Zones:
Research Zone
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Laboratories
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Analytics
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Science
Engineering Zone
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Learning factories for repeat prototyping
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Workshops
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Product development
Hi-tech Zone
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Computer laboratory
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Product testing
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Connectivity and bandwidth
Education and learning Zone
Giving back to the community and schools in aid of science education, and to create a culture of innovation in South African children
Pilot Zone
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The testing of new innovations and designs with a view to commercialising
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Start-up incubation area; nurture and monitor until the new product or technology is commercialised.
Advantages include:
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A platform to integrate innovation, research and economic development
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The increase of research output for the region
Techno Hubs are attractive to the young generation who may explore, practice and test innovative ideas that will benefit the region and the world. The RBIDZ is working closely with various parties and institutions in the development of a Marine / Maritime skills centre and a Renewable and Green energy research centre within the Techno Park.
Google was developed within a Techno Park – the possibilities are endless!