The Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, has partnered with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DTCT) and the Free State government to launch its Artificial Intelligence (AI) hub within the Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Africa (AIISA).
This hub aims to leverage AI for transformative societal impacts, focusing on enhancing agricultural practices in South Africa’s central region.
The CUT AI hub concept closely aligns with the institution’s comprehensive digital transformation strategy and roadmap, which will guide the operations of the hub of the AIISA.
The hub was officially opened on 29 February at a function in the Hotel School.
Prof. Alfred Ngowi, CUT deputy vice-vhancellor of research, innovation, and engagement, said they believe that AI will be the driving force behind the transformation of teaching and learning, research and innovation, and the overall efficiency of operations.
“As depicted in our vision for 2030, the CUT AI hub aspires to be a leading centre for AI research, development, and application, significantly advancing smart agriculture value chain, smart manufacturing, natural language processing, and smart and sustainable tourism. Our high-level focus areas reflect our commitment to addressing societal challenges and creating sustainable solutions,” Ngowi said.
“The thematic areas of smart agriculture value chain, smart manufacturing, natural language processing, and smart and sustainable tourism are carefully chosen to align with the needs of our region and the nation,” he added.
Alfred Mashishi, chief director of the DTCT, added that all policies they create relating to AI are key in building a robust digital ecosystem between government, business and academia.
“There are three aspects we must understand when we endeavour to harness AI. One is that AI data governance and connectivity to support policymaking must be a process.
“The second is that it is important to cooperate internationally to ensure that AI is an emerging technology that is trustworthy.
“Third is that a common understanding of AI is built through sharing good practices and creating evidence of AI systems,” Mashishi said.
This is the third hub to be launched by the institution. The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have their respective hubs.
