In this decade of startup emergence, the spotlight prior now has shone brightly on software startups solely for a while.
Only recently, hardware startups have begun to receive their fair share of attention.
Hardware startups are highly underrated however their importance cannot be denied, these hardware startups are startups that have physical tech-enabled products that are used directly by the consumer.
Hardware startups are very essential as they provide the infrastructure that hosts the software solutions consumers enjoy. Leveraging hardware products, software solutions are provided.
Unarguably, hardware startups are an integral part of a country’s economy, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to consider it as the crux of any tech economy. It simply cannot be overlooked
Hardware startups in Africa are developing cutting-edge hardware innovations that are making waves both in the continent and the rest of the world.
Listed below are Five hardware startups in Africa but not limited to these numbers:
GRIT Systems Engineering
This hardware startup was founded by Ifedayo Oladapo in 2015 and it’s located in Nigeria.
Grit Systems Engineering offers a smart, internet-enabled meter that monitors and quantifies the rate of power consumption.
The smart meter then regulates and decides on the optimal way to disperse power that will both
save cost and energy.
At its core, Grit Systems Engineering provides transparent and effective energy monitoring solutions.
Also read, Expanding the hardware sector [ICT Clinic]
INTERACT LABS
Founded in 2015, Interact Labs is located in Cairo, Egypt. This startup develops both hardware and software products.
Their hardware product TACT, an electronic pen that works with an infrared beam transforms any screen into an interactive touch screen surface.
TACT has a high flexibility rate as it’s compatible with different kinds of screens, projectors, and software. TACT also saves cost when compared to electronic board
A TACT Kit contains two stylus pens, a detector, an extendable USB cable, a wall stand, and a warranty. The product is widely sought.
Victronix
This hardware startup is located in Tanzania, their star product called Bonguino has similar functionalities with Arduino. Students can use the device to conduct their practicals.
Also, Victronix other hardware products include circuit design, GPS shields, GPRS shields.
Victronix carries out electronic repair and maintenance too.
Also read, Hardware vs Software: Balancing Technology Infrastructure in Africa
Plentify
This hardware startup was founded by Jon Kornik in 2017 and it is located in South Africa.
Plentify combines the Internet of Things (IoT), a cloud-based Artificial Intelligence, and a mobile application to generate a grid-, connected thermal battery from a water heater.
The extra energy is saved for later use. This decreases reliance on generators and saves water heating costs by almost fifty percent.
Dext Technologies
Founded by Charles Ofori Antipem and Micheal Asante-Afrifa, Dext Technologies which is located in Ghana produces a hardware product called Science Set.
This science set is a miniature and affordable science laboratory. It contains cells, resistors, and electrical conductors for science practicals.
The practicals that can be carried out using the science set are electromagnetism, basic electronics, light, and even robotics among others.
Dext Technologies are said to be developing complimentary Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) platforms for the science set.
These are a few amazing hardware startups in Africa, there are a host of others doing excellently in this space.
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