SARAO hosts first innovation awards in Cape Town to showcase local engineering excellence

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) has hosted its inaugural Innovation Awards in Cape Town, recognising internal engineering talent and locally developed technologies supporting the country’s radio astronomy sector.

The event, held at Liesbeek House, was organised by SARAO’s Innovation Management unit and highlighted a range of projects aimed at advancing both scientific research and practical technological applications.

Opening remarks were delivered by Matlou Mabokano, Head of Innovation Management, while Dr. Adrian Tiplady, Deputy Managing Director for Strategy and Partnerships, delivered a virtual keynote address emphasising SARAO’s role in bridging advanced research with real-world innovation.

The awards featured three categories: Seed Funding Innovation, Starbiz Innovation, and Engineering Innovation, each showcasing different aspects of internal technical development.

Projects recognised under Seed Funding Innovation included low-cost prosthetic limb development, an iron hive server array, and a GPS calibrator. The Starbiz Innovation category highlighted entrepreneurial projects such as a modular radio astronomy training system, a CNC mini-mill, and a handheld Bluetooth detection device.

The Engineering Innovation category recognised software and systems contributions, including a visitor management system currently in use at SARAO and broader software functional management initiatives supporting operational efficiency.

The programme concluded with remarks from SARAO Head of Engineering, Keitumetse Molamu, who underscored the importance of engineering in institutional growth, followed by closing acknowledgements from senior commercialisation staff.

SARAO said the awards mark a milestone in strengthening its culture of innovation and collaboration across engineering, communications, supply chain, and business IT functions.