Dimension Data and its parent company, NTT, have partnered with Red Bull Basement to empower the next generation of university students to innovate for good.
Dimension Data and NTT will enable participants to co-innovate as the official technology services partner of Red Bull Basement’s fourth program. This will be accomplished by offering hybrid event services that combine the best of in-person and virtual experiences, mentorship, and in-depth insights into the world of data-driven technology.
The Cloud Communications Division of NTT will offer a virtual platform for live and hybrid events. NTT Disruption will enhance the Global Final by transporting students into a 3D space using VR/AR technologies, allowing attendees to collaborate, brainstorm, and realize ideas in a virtual environment.
The program fosters the next generation of diverse thinkers by identifying innovative solutions that deliver progress against categories based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
The University of Nairobi, JKUAT, Kenyatta University, USIU, Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Strathmore, and Daystar are among the Kenyan universities that are taking part.
Dimension Data’s Managing Director for East and West Africa, Richard Hechle, commented on the renewed partnership, saying, “Innovation is part of our organization’s DNA.” Every year, our parent company, NTT Group, invests Ksh. 395 billion ($3.6 billion) in research to develop new technologies that will improve the world. Supporting initiatives like Red Bull Basement allows us to inspire students at our local universities to pursue careers in technology.”
Events have taken on a whole new meaning and purpose in the last 18 months. Because the size and proximity of gatherings are limited, businesses in all industries have looked for alternative ways to bring people together safely.
With over 20 years of experience in digital event delivery, NTT continues to collaborate with world-class platform providers and data-savvy applications to provide unrivaled technology solutions. NTT recently collaborated with ASO to create a digital twin of the Tour de France, redefining the fan experience and building the world’s largest connected stadium.
Red Bull Basement’s mission is to allow young innovators to use technology to address global issues. Mentoring, workshops, and networking events are available to student teams from each of the 45 participating countries in the run-up to the Global Final, which takes place from December 13th to 15th.
NTT employees will select a wildcard team that demonstrates a commitment to innovative thinking and mentor them to the Global Final for mentorship services. NTT chose and continues to support ROBOCEAN, a group of young innovators who are pioneering a new generation of subsea robotics to help restore ocean ecosystems.
NTT will select another wildcard team to support, mentor, and compete in the 2021 Global Final this year.
