By TechnoMag, a leading Zimbabwean-based Tech Magazine will tonight (December 8, 2016) launch the inaugral Young Achievers Tech Awards (YATA), which recognize young and upcoming tech players in Zimbabwe.
The Minister of ICT Postal and Courier Services Supa Mandiwanzira, who is the guest of honor will award 19 top young tech players in Zimbabwe across the technological sector from ICTs, science and engineering through cash prizes and trophies.
According to TechnoMag, this has been necessitated by the need to promote and celebrate young and upcoming tech players and expose their prowess to the industry.
The initial launch of the event which was set for last year was postponed to this year due to some unforeseen hiccups, however TechnoMag announced that all was set for this year’s awards
The Young Achievers Tech Awards (YATA), are a new brand which focus on recognizing youths who are outstanding in the technology industry nationwide. Primarily it looks at technological projects, products and services that are emerging, have been a success or made a positive impact to the society.
This inaugural event will be officiated by Minister Mandiwanzira and is also expected to be graced by other reputable dignitaries to witness the official opening.
Speaking to the brains behind YATA, Mr Toneo Rutsito, the minister said by recognizing the achievers, “We are putting them in the lime light to trigger interest and publicity of what we have as a nation and more importantly connecting these techprenuers to their next possible investor, Venture Capitalists or business partners.”
“We have not done much to recognize our young techies who are immensely contributing to the tech eco-system in Zimbabwe, if we are to export talent, we will have to start somewhere and I hope these national awards will present a platform to expose our most promising techies to new opportunities in Zimbabwe.”
Many youths achieve a lot but do not get the desired recognition therefore, these are the first and crucial steps in acknowledging players and expose their creativity to industry for their next big projects.
A panel of adjudicators that are hands on and closer to the industry will be selected.
The 19 awards categories and nominees are inclusive of
Tech Entrepreneur of The Year
• Munyaradzi Gwatidzo – Astro Mobile
• Bernad Kasekete – Vickstrom
• Chamu Shumba – Gtel
Most Sustainable Science Project
• Sangulani M Chikumbuzo – saithtech
• Tinodiwanaishe Nvambuva
• Tafadzwa Makura – emaji water
Most Promising Start Up
• Tawanda Chikosi-roadrulesapp
• Isaac Maphosa
• Tafadzwa Makura – mazwi.com
Most Innovative Start up
• Farai Madzara – national-tickets
• Bright Gumbochuma – Zimticket
• Itai Lenon – Shona-Ndebele Tutor
Best App Developer Commercial
• Tawanda Chikosi-Roadrulesapp
• Tererai Mugova -www.webstudio.co.zw
Most Consistent Online Web
• Limbikani Makani-Techzim
• Fungai Machirori –her zimbabwe
• Larry Kwirirayi-3-mob.com
Best Web Developer
• Nerudo Muregi – webstudio
• Willard Muzaeni -ndiringe
• Roy Mtukura – veritran
Best Graphic Designer
• David Zinyama – davidzinyama.com
• Timothy Simbarashe Muvuti
Best Invention hardware
• Sangulani M Chikumbuzo – saithtech
• Thembelani Ncube
Best Animator
• Nqobizitha Mlilo – Nafuna tv
• Zenzele Ndebele -The Bulawayo Show
Most Influencing Twitter Account
• Sir Nigel 263 chat
• Tinashe Nyaruwanga
• Pokello Nhare
Most Influencing Facebook account
• iHarare Extreme – iHarare Extreme
• Mbare University of the Wise – Mbare University of the Wise
• myzimbabwe – myzimbabwe
• Baba Jukwa-Baba Jukwa
Best Online Visual Content
• Nqobizitha Mlilo -nafuna.tv
• P.O Box -P.O Box
• Zororo Makamba –twzshow
Lifetime Achievement Award
• Strive Masiyiwa – Founder of Econet Wireless
Future Spark
• Valentine Shoti – herbal peanut butter
• Gateway High School – robotics student
Best E-commerce Website
• Emkambo -emkambo
• Zimall -zimall
• 10ngah -10ngah
Outstanding Ethical Hacker
• Pardon Gatsi -Techunzipped
• Stanly Machote
Best Online Classifieds Websites
• Sean M Moyo -Deepleague
• Arnold Albert Chari Manhizwa – Zimleague
• Kennedy Makore-zimmarket
Comments