Fundabotix

Description

Ntombikayise Banda is the inspirational entrepreneur behind FundaBotix. Ntombikayise is an alumnus of the University of Pretoria and a University of Cambridge PhD candidate, specialising in the application of artificial intelligence in education. Drawing on her academic expertise and passion for E-STEAM education, Ntombikayise has developed a low-cost robotic kit designed to teach school-going learners programming, engineering, and critical thinking skills in a fun, engaging, and tangible manner.

The robotic kits are modular in design and easily extendible by means of additional electronic components and sensors. Ntombikayise hopes to increase learner access and exposure to robotics and related Fourth Industrial Revolution skills, particularly for neglected segments such as townships and rural areas. FundaBotix was one of twenty social enterprises (out of 600 applicants) to be selected as finalists for the 2019 SAB Foundation Social Innovation Awards and was awarded was a Seed Grant of R200 000 to support its initiatives.