Q1
What problem/s are you trying to address with your innovation?
Sturtium Informatics System aims to address service delivery issues and data availability to this regard by harnessing the technological capability of the South African population that carries around smartphones to improve awareness of infrastructure, water, waste, environmental and service delivery issues that affect the wellbeing of natural ecosystems and society. Additionally, the innovation aims to increase public participation in natural resource management and social upliftment, and to provide useful data for problem solving, research and development.
Q2
What has been the toughest challenge/s to overcome in your innovation journey?
Garnering support, both financial and mentorship, from relevant stakeholders has been a challenge. The Sturtium Informatics Systems distinctly requires municipal backing to succeed since municipalities are responsible for service delivery. It has been difficult to get in touch with municipalities and public groups to support the app and integrate it into municipal management, because municipalities generally only work with tenders which are very specific and generally only established larger companies are eligible for them.
Q3
Where do you see yourself and your innovation in 5 years’ time?
We would like to see our startups grow and generate enough revenue to support ourselves and create a few jobs. We would also like our platforms to gain many users and fulfil the purposes that they were created for.
Q4
What has been the biggest lesson so far?
It is important not to work on too many ideas or tasks at a time. While it might seem like you are saving time by multitasking, it actually stifles productivity. It is better to focus one on task or one aspect of a big task per week.
