The BCX Innovation Centre of Excellence was tasked with shortlisting the Top 20 entries. The Top 20 comprised of the Top 10 SMEs and the Top 10 large enterprises. These shortlisted candidates were then invited to an online presentation masterclass and thereafter were invited to deliver a 7-minute pitch to a panel of five expert judges during the month of October to determine who would take first, second and third place in each category.
BCX CEO Jonas Bogoshi says, “Covid-19 left an indelible mark on our lives and livelihoods, yet it has allowed us to make incredible technological leaps and bounds. This year’s entrants have proven beyond doubt that South Africa is more than capable of playing on a global stage, and most importantly, there is so much scope for technology to create solutions that can move our economy forward. Quite evidently, our entrants gave the esteemed judges a very hard time this year.”
We are excited to announce the winners of the 2021 BCX Digital Innovation Awards. The awards strive to recognise digital innovation excellence in South African large, medium and small enterprise. pic.twitter.com/jxD15FKHID
— BCX (@BCXworld) November 11, 2021
The 2021 Digital Innovation Award: SME category
Winner: 911 Response 24 - Leaders in first responder and on-demand service technology
Response24 is a communication platform that connects multiple service providers together to instantly mobilise a co-ordinated response. It brings a new family-focused emergency response app that offers armed response and medical emergency services at the push of a button to you and your loved ones, 24/7. Whenever you or a loved one’s life is at risk, a quick tap of a button summons emergency services to the exact GPS located position where the call for help is coming from – even if you are unable to speak or do not know where you are.
2nd place: Technovera - Pelebox Smart Locker
Pelebox is a digital platform that manages various internet enabled smart lockers. Pelebox smart lockers enable patients to collect their repeat chronic medication in under 2 minutes instead of waiting hours queuing at public clinics. It’s a social innovation that leverages the power of technology to improve service delivery and truly offer patient centric service
3rd place: Pargo - Pargo Pickup Points
Pargo is a convenient parcel pick-up point solution for online shoppers, which allows consumers to collect parcels at a store of their choosing. Many online stores offer the Pargo option on the checkout page. Customers simply have to click the map and pick their preferred pickup point. Once the parcel is on its way, delivery notifications will be sent out via email and sms.
The 2021 Digital Innovation Award: Corporate category
Winner: RTT Logistics - RTT On-Demand Solution
The RTT On-Demand solution is positioned as an enabler bringing the content and product owner closer to their customer. This enablement solution is a true logistics or last mile service where time is of the essence to our client’s customer. The delivery network’s mechanism consists of software with webservice integration into various platforms, motorbikes, light delivery vehicles and customer service.
2nd place: Old Mutual Limited - Comma Insure
CommaInsure is an on-demand digital solution that allows customers to insure specific items, with functionality to switch cover on and off via a WhatsApp bot. It offers affordable premiums that are calculated based on the required periods only, delivered in a convenient and easy-to-do digital way. It is designed to boost your existing home contents insurance, or it can be taken as a standalone for only the items you need. It allows you to switch cover on and off, for a range of items such as laptops, cameras, GPS devices, sound equipment & gaming, sporting equipment, watches & electronic wrist devices, bicycles, caravans & trailers and camping equipment.
3rd place: Old Mutual Limited – SMEgo
SMEgo is a multi-user funding platform that connects SMEs with funding providers and facilitates the application process and allows for the centralized collection of all funding opportunities available to SMEs in South Africa. SMEgo aims to increase applicants’ success rates, reduce lenders screening times, and ensure that businesses are given the opportunity to access capital for future success. Whilst receiving additional capital can be great, SMEgo wants to go a step further and ensure that businesses are also provided with access to industry specific knowledge, networks, and resources.
