UIH Events

UWC Innovation Hub hosts the Premier's Council on Skills

1st March 2024

March 2024 marked a significant milestone for the promotion of skills development in the Western Cape with the first Premier's Council on Skills (PCS) of the year, held at the University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) Innovation Hub. This meeting underscored the critical intersection of education, innovation, and workforce readiness in the era of technological advancement

Under the leadership of Premier Alan Winde, the PCS, a forum dedicated to coordinating skills development, highlighted recent successes. The UWC Innovation Hub, a beacon for augmented and virtual reality in education across South Africa and Africa, showcased its groundbreaking projects. These include wind turbine training for former coal mine workers, being reskilled for renewable energy technician training, a haptic device for dental care (with a UWC PhD Dentistry student), and an emergency nursing trolley with UWC’s Faculty of Community and health Sciences, demonstrating UWC's commitment to practical, impactful innovation.

Premier Winde emphasized the importance of partnership between the government and educational institutions like UWC to drive forward innovation and skills development, especially in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI). The PCS and UWC's initiatives reflect a strategic focus on preparing for the "Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions," equipping students with the skills for a prosperous future.

Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities Mireille Wenger and UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Pretorius echoed these sentiments, highlighting innovation as a necessity for global leadership and economic growth. Their remarks celebrated the collaborative efforts that have positioned the Western Cape as a leader in embracing emerging technologies for societal and economic benefit.

The PCS's work, alongside the achievements of the UWC Innovation Hub, exemplifies a holistic approach to education and workforce development in the digital age, setting a global standard for innovation and partnership.

JIGSPACE Partnership & Apple Vision PRO

9th February 2024

Empowering the Workforce with JigSpace: A Leap into Spatial Learning In the evolving landscape of education and industry, our Innovation Hub at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) stands at the forefront of innovation through our ongoing strategic partnership with JigSpace; which has just launched its newest spatial computing app on the much anticipated Apple Vision Pro. This collaboration underscores our commitment to harnessing the potential of spatial computing to revolutionize both learning and practical application in the workforce. To get up to speed on what Apple Vision Pro is all about, check out this video.

To see how JigSpace’s spatial computing app on Apple Vision Pro is being received, check out this video. JigSpace, which has quickly become the leading spatial computing app on Apple Vision Pro, has been available on desktop & mobile devices, and has acted as a pivotal tool in transforming how we understand and interact with complex information. By offering immersive, three-dimensional learning experiences, JigSpace facilitates a deeper comprehension and retention of knowledge, preparing students and professionals alike for the demands of the modern workforce

At UWC, we recognize the importance of hands-on experience in education. JigSpace enables us to offer our students not just theoretical knowledge, but also the practical skills necessary for success in today's rapidly changing workforce. Through immersive spatial computing experiences, students can explore and understand complex concepts in a more intuitive and engaging way, bridging the gap between learning and real-world application. To see an example of what we’ve done so far, check out this nursing trolley Jig that our CHS department has created alongside our partners at JigSpace

Practical Applications in the Workforce The utility of JigSpace extends beyond the classroom, providing tangible benefits across various industries. Here are two exemplary cases that illustrate its impact:

MeetPat: Enhancing Manufacturing Processes MeetPat, an innovative Australian manufacturer, has effectively integrated JigSpace to streamline its assembly processes. The company created detailed, interactive guides for assembling their products, significantly reducing the learning curve and improving efficiency on the factory floor. Medtronic: Revolutionizing Medical Sales Training Medtronic, a leader in medical technology, has leveraged JigSpace to elevate its sales training and customer demonstrations. By utilizing Jigs as dynamic marketing collateral, Medtronic's sales representatives gained a profound understanding of the products, enhancing their ability to communicate complex medical devices' value and functionality. This innovative use of JigSpace in the medical field exemplifies its capacity to transform traditional sales approaches and foster deeper client engagement

Get Involved with JigSpace at UWC We invite current and future students to explore our Post-Graduate diplomas in spatial computing and other innovative fields. By working at our Innovation Hub, students have the opportunity to delve into cutting-edge technologies like JigSpace, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow's workforce. Business partners and educational institutions interested in exploring the potential of spatial computing are also encouraged to connect with UWC's Innovation Hub. Together, we can unlock new dimensions of learning and professional development.