The Joburg Centre for Software Engineering (JCSE) at Wits University is looking for eight new software start ups or new small to medium enterprises (SMEs) who want to take their solution to market in the next 12-18 months to join its Pre-Incubator. 

Prof Barry Dwolatzky, JCSE director, says proposals need to be put forward describing the concept in detail and a business plan for the roll out of the software once it has been developed.
“We’re looking for potential projects in the financial services, health, mining and government sectors. Being based in Braamfontein, the JCSE is ideally situated to work closely with these four major sectors within the local economy,” Dwolatzky says.
The start ups will pay a basic fee for office space to be part of Incubator. While located in the Pre-Incubator they will receive consulting and technical input into their businesses.
“Too many incubation programmes focus on only providing business skills and infrastructure support to start ups. However, given the complex nature of the software development environment, the technical support and consulting which the JCSE will provide will be vital for the chosen development companies to have the best shot at success,” Dwolatzky says.
In addition, the start ups will receive support from various JCSE partners who are software vendors and will have access to the Microsoft Innovation Centre, the Open Software Centre and the Wits Convergence Laboratory to test proof of concepts.
An industry panel comprising the JCSE and partners will assess applications from SMEs and start ups in mid-March for their viability.