The National Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Awards, is hosted under the auspices of the DTI co-funded, national Composites Cluster with a wide scope including the key drivers of the 4th industrial revolution.
All companies operating in the advanced manufacturing field, including 3D printing, robotics, automation, AI, laser cutting and etching, CNC machining, software, big data, IOT and composites will be eligible for national recognition.
Companies or organizations may make submissions in six categories including: Scholarly impact in advanced manufacturing, Industry advancement in advanced manufacturing, Export proficiency, Contribution to Import replacement, Composites Innovation and Most promising start-up or newcomer.
Composites Cluster MD, Andy Radford, formerly an industrialist at the CSIR, before the Composites Cluster was established with the support of the South African government, said the awards would play a key role in accelerating the country’s advanced manufacturing agenda.
Radford said the awards, which would be made annually at the African Advanced Manufacturing and Composites Show (with the inaugural event set to take place from November 7-9) would also aim to showcase South Africa’s capabilities and popularise Advanced Manufacturing in industry and to learners.
The National Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Awards will take place as part of the African Advanced Manufacturing and Composites Show which will include a dynamic, interactive exhibition, conferences and factory tours at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth from November 7-9.
Organizers say several international delegations have already confirmed, including leading Advanced manufacturing companies from France and Germany, while a focused campaign will draw dominant advanced manufacturers from Africa.
