Joseph Phalwane scoops Innovation award

Joseph Phalwane has won the innovation award at the ATNS Avi Afrique Innovation Summit 2016.
Time Aerospace thumbnail

 

Phalwane’s  entry was judged to have been the best among the eighty submissions received from professional scientists, researchers, university students and high school learners. 

His winning project - called AeroBuddies - is aimed at creating and/or sparking interest in an entertaining way, in the fields of aviation and aerospace through integrating Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects for learners in all school grades by using  flight simulation, aeromodelling, intro flights, rocketry and ballooning.     

The Diepkloof, Soweto-born innovator has ten years aviation industry experience. He started as a flight attendant, progressing to becoming a corporate soft skills and leadership trainer. Phalwane is now pursuing his childhood dream of becoming a pilot. 

The Technology Innovation Agency-sponsored Avi Awards seek to create a platform that will bring in great ideas and assist innovators in turning their innovations into commercially-viable products or services. Secondly, they are aimed at building a pipeline of relevant aviation-related innovation ideas that addresses the challenges faced by the aviation industry. Lastly, improving on existing aviation technologies, service and products. 

Since its inception in 2012, the ATNS Avi Afrique Innovation Summit has brought together global Air Navigation Service Providers, civil aviation personnel, researchers and thought leaders, to engage in various topics covering research and development in aviation and aeronautical innovation – among others.