Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) is pleased to announce recipients of the Botswana Innovation Fund (BIF) Third Call for Proposals.

A total of 395 applications were received in response to the BIF Call for Proposals for solutions addressing the COVID 19 pandemic and its associated socio-economic effects. Proposals were evaluated based on the proposed solutions’ unique value proposition, social impact, commercial viability, technical viability and the individuals’/teams’ ability and capability to develop and commercialise the solution. Following a rigorous assessment process, five projects were selected to receive funding.

The solutions are;
1. A remote queuing system developed by Creative Insights (PTY) Ltd
The need for social distancing and reduction of crowds, especially in high traffic areas, is imperative to curtail the spread of COVID 19. Creative Insights are developing a QFlo App that enables end users to book a spot in a queue virtually through Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger and SMS. The end user receives a virtual ticket confirming their spot in the queue with a QRCode which they scan once they arrive at the service provider. QFlo allows organisations to better control the flow of clients to and at their premises. It also allows clients to manage their time and safeguards their health and safety. Beyond COVID 19, QFlo will help organisations manage their customer flow more efficiently, ultimately improving customer experience.

2. A First-Aid Counselling App being developed by First-Aid Counselling

One of the effects of the extreme social distancing protocols put in place in response to the COVID 19 pandemic is a rise in mental related issues. Our experience in Botswana has shown that there is a need for technologically advanced health and wellness solutions which can operate even during times when social isolation restrictions are in effect. First Aid Counselling is an App that allows users to get professional mental health help within minutes. Under normal circumstances, access to a counsellor or psychologist can take up to 2 weeks. First Aid Counselling will enable one to receive help from anywhere, anytime, by simply logging into the App.

3. A Digital Social Welfare System developed by Spectrum Analytics

The use of manual and paper-based processes created an opportunity for digitizing data to improve turnaround times in registering and delivering food relief packages to households through the COVID-19 Food Relief Programme. Spectrum Analytics is developing a Social Welfare System that provides a dashboard with actionable insights for not just monitoring and evaluation purposing, but for planning, designing and delivering evidence-based interventions on programmes. Post COVID-19, a similar system can be used for the management of relief programmes by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, at regional and national level.

4. A Public Transport Passenger Alert System developed by Corrugated Minds

Solution: Public Transport Passenger Alert System
The use of public transport is considered high risk for COVID 19 transmissions. Corrugated Minds are developing ShareAride; a mobile and web application solution that makes it easy to access public transport, book a seat thereby eliminating long queues at travel times. Commuters are able to make virtual payments for their tickets. When fully operational, the solution will digitize the public transport system, hence enabling easy contact tracing of commuters. This solution will enable the public transport operators to efficiently manage their operations and provide best service to their clients.

5. An online doctor consultation application developed by Doctors E-Consult

Solution: Online Doctor Consultation
Online Doctor Consultation is a mobile application, which will be a doctor- patient consulting room on a phone or device. The application will house doctors around the country and patients can book virtual appointments with their preferred doctor. Consultation will be done by way of text or video call through the application. Online Doctor Consultation will reduce congestion in medical facilities and allow for effective social distancing. Beyond COVID 19, the App will reduce the burden of travelling to access a doctor. Doctors E-Consult takes convenience and confidentially to a whole new level as it is easily accessed within the comfort of one’s home.

Commenting on the announcement, BIH CEO, Mr Alan Boshwaen said, “We are pleased to have received an increase in the number of applications (395) compared to the First and Second Calls for proposals indicating a significant level of interest and efforts to innovate by Batswana particularly in the backdrop of the COVID 19 pandemic. Our journey of Digital Transformation necessarily requires that Botswana move swiftly towards the digitisation of services for improved efficiencies. We are encouraged to see that the funded digital solutions introduce efficiencies across counselling, healthcare service provision, queue management, social work services through paperless processes hence positioning us well for the 4th Industrial Revolution”

The Botswana Innovation Fund (BIF) is a Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology initiative, administered by the Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH).