Supported ventures

Navwok

Navwok Technology (Pty) Ltd

Brands: Navwok

Flagship product:Navwok Smart Cane; Navwok mobile app

Founding team: Jabu Swartbooi, Landile Mabele

Application: Smart cane with integrated sensors for real-time obstacle detection and navigation assistance.

Sector/Industry: HardTech / Medtech

Subsector: Assitive devices

Year founded and commenced operations: 2023

Year partnered with TuksNovation: 2025

Email address: jabu.swartbooi@navwok.com

Website: navwok.com

Description

The Navwok Smart Cane helps blind and visually impaired people move around more safely and independently. It uses sensors to detect obstacles, giving gentle vibrations or voice alerts to warn the user.

The cane can also guide users along routes using navigation features. It connects to a mobile app for settings and updates. Built to be light, strong, and easy to use, the Navwok Smart Cane supports everyday travel with better awareness and confidence.

Growth Objectives

Scale Across Africa: 

Expand the Navwok Smart Cane pilot program to multiple African countries, prioritizing regions  with large visually impaired populations and limited access to assistive technology. 

  • Differentiate Product Offering: Evolve the product line to address broader visual disability needs — including indoor navigation, AI voice assistance, and integration with mobile accessibility tools — to provide a full mobility ecosystem.
  • Go-to-Market Strategy: Develop and execute a clear go-to-market plan that includes direct-to-consumer sales, partnerships with rehabilitation centers, and distribution through local assistive device suppliers.

  • Product Subsidy & Accessibility: Establish funding models with partners and sponsors to subsidize costs, ensuring affordability for low-income users and enabling large-scale adoption.
  • Community Impact & Education: Launch awareness and training programs to teach users, caregivers, and organizations how to use smart mobility tools effectively, driving inclusion and confidence.
  • Sustainable Manufacturing & Distribution: Explore local assembly and sourcing to reduce costs, support African jobs, and promote sustainable technology development on the continent.
  • Strengthen Partnerships: Build long-term collaborations with NGOs, disability organizations, government agencies, and corporate partners to reach underserved communities and increase brand trust.

Differentiation/Value Proposition

Navwok provides an affordable smart mobility solution designed for blind and visually impaired  users. Unlike traditional canes or costly imported devices, the Navwok Smart Cane combines low cost design with advanced sensor technology to deliver real-time environmental awareness.

Our  goal is to create a truly hands-free experience – where users receive both haptic and voice feedback  for obstacle detection, and visual feedback through a connected mobile interface. Navwok  empowers users with greater independence, confidence, and safety while ensuring that assistive  technology remains accessible to everyone.

Business Stage/Phase

Navwok is in the Pilot & Early Growth Phase, focused on refining our second-generation smart  cane and preparing for large-scale market entry across Africa. 

  • Pilot & Early Growth Phase – Conducting pilot programs in allover South African. 
  • Refining second-generation prototype based on user feedback.
  • Validating product performance and usability with visually impaired communities. 
  • Strengthening local partnerships to support distribution and training.
  • Preparing for manufacturing scale-up and wider rollout across African markets.

Investment Stage/Phase

Navwok is in the Pre-Seed Phase, focused on refining its second-generation smart cane and  validating the product through pilot programs. 

  • Pre-Seed Phase – Conducting pilot programs all over South Africa.
  • Refining the second-generation prototype based on user feedback. 
  • Validating product performance, usability, and hands-free features.
  • Building partnerships with NGOs and organizations to support distribution.
  • Preparing for future scaling and wider adoption across Africa.

Investment Raised

To date, Navwok has raised grant funding from the following sources: 

  • R350,000 from SAB Foundation
  • R80,000 from mLab (Boost Up Program)
  • R297,000 from Tuksnovation