IBM has announced plans to build an IBM Research laboratory, based at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, to focus on advancing big data, cloud computing and mobile technologies. The facility will open in April.

The lab is being built as part of a 10-year investment programme with the department of trade and industry and working closely with the department of science and technology, IBM said.

The company opened its first research lab in Africa in Kenya in 2013.

IBM Research has 3 000 researchers in 12 labs around the world. Its scientists have produced six Nobel laureates.

“IBM considers two factors when deciding where to place research labs: access to world-class skills and talent and the ability to work on pressing business and societal challenges that can be best addressed through advanced IT,” said John E Kelly III, senior vice-president of IBM solutions portfolio and research, in a statement.

“South Africa provides an exciting backdrop as we look to expand our research efforts in the region.”

IBM South Africa researchers will work with South African universities, research institutions, innovation centres, start-ups and government agencies to foster innovation and develop technology skills, the company said. It has already struck up agreements with Wits University.

Its researchers will also collaborate with the department of science and technology and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research on research programmes and skills development.

The new lab will be located in the Tshimologong Precinct in Braamfontein.

The South African research team will be led by Solomon Assefa, formerly a research scientist at IBM’s flagship Thomas J Watson Research Centre in the US. Assefa has co-authored over 50 scientific articles and has 45 patents to his name.

Among other things, the Johannesburg lab will focus on urban renewal technologies, healthcare and big data for science projects such as the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope. — (c) 2015 NewsCentral Media