Driving digital transformation
Wits University is at the forefront in driving the development of cutting edge digital technologies for the 21st Century – from Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, to Big Data, Blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT). Wits is also helping organisations and businesses to Go Digital. We are pioneering the adoption of innovative Digital Technology in many sectors including Mining, Education, Finance, Art, Medicine and Journalism.
Centenary projects:
1. Quantum technology
Quantum technology is revolutionising modern day communications, computing and imaging, promising enhanced security, faster data processing and low light cameras, fuelled by the all-digital control of quantum light. Wits has established WitsQ, a Wits Quantum Initiative, that will explore the emerging potential for this technology across a range of fields, including drug development, process engineering, financial modelling, cybersecurity, medical imaging and fundamental science.
2. Harnessing the potential of big data with AI and ML
Access to increasing amounts of data and the ability to store and process it using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning has opened up many exciting new fields of research and application. Wits has a cluster of laboratories and programmes with top researchers in AI, Robotics and Data Science.
3. Preparing government for the digital age
The new Centre for Digital Governance will assist countries across Africa to meet the critical need to develop the appropriate policy and regulatory frameworks to govern their rapidly expanding digital economies. The Centre will also drive the adoption of E-Government in South Africa and Africa.
4. Reimagining journalism and media in Africa
The Chair of Digital Journalism and Media Innovation will lead the growth and development of credible, independent and ethical journalism across Africa as audiences, media platforms and technology continuously evolve and change. Substantial growth in the number of Jamlab spin-offs is a key deliverable.
5. Innovating educational technologies
The role of the envisaged Centre for Educational Technologies has been significantly accentuated as the COVID-19 pandemic forced major education and training organisations to rapidly move their programmes online. Ongoing research into appropriate, cost effective educational technologies to deliver high quality blended learning programmes across Africa is now critically important.
