Schneider Electric has officially launched its first Innovation Hub in Africa, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing investment on the continent. The Innovation Hub is located at Schneider Electric’s new, state-of-the-art head office in Midrand, Johannesburg.
The Innovation Hub now forms part of Schneider Electric’s global network of over 40 registered Innovation Hubs and brings to life the company’s vision of sustainability and digitalisation for customers, partners and stakeholders across the continent. It provides an interactive environment where visitors can explore the company’s integrated solutions across key segments and businesses such as energy, buildings, data centres, industrial, and power and grid.
“We are building an ecosystem that thrives on collaboration, innovation and relevance to the African context − one that values local talent, fosters local partnerships and drives local solutions. The Innovation Hub enables us to create a truly dynamic experience that embodies Schneider Electric’s purpose: enabling all to maximise energy and resources while bridging progress and sustainability,” says Canninah Dladla, cluster president for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric. “Africa holds immense potential and this hub is designed to help our customers and partners unlock it through digitalisation, innovation and collaboration.”
A tailored, engaging
The Innovation Hub offers a guided, customised experience for every visitor. The visit begins with the Schneider Electric company story, presented on an interactive touchscreen and setting the stage for a deeper dive into the company’s comprehensive portfolio.
Customers are then guided through various tailored spaces including:
• The Software Portfolio, highlighting AVEVA Operations Control, eTAP and various EcoStruxure software solutions.
• Industrial Automation Solutions, featuring live conveyor systems and EcoStruxure Plant and Machine tables with control units, sensors and industrial intelligence.
• Building Solutions, showcasing various control offers for the building sector in access, lighting, HVAC and room control.
• Power and Grid Solutions, highlighting low and medium voltage equipment, the company’s acclaimed SF6-free AirSet switchgear series, protection relays and microgrid solutions.
• Secure Power displays with a live server room view demonstrating Schneider Electric’s data centre and UPS solutions.
The space has been designed to be flexible and evolving, showcasing the newest innovation and solutions from Schneider Electric. It can be booked in advance by partners, consultants or system integrators who want to showcase specific solutions to their clients. The space can then be customised to demonstrate specific industry solutions.
The environment is also staffed by a trained Innovation Hub manager and operations specialist with plans to scale this further through Schneider Electric’s global Innovation Hub Ambassador Programme. This will enable employees from across the organisation to guide visitors when needed.
Designed for sustainability
The Innovation Hub is hosted within Schneider Electric’s new English-speaking headquarters, representing an important step forward in sustainable building design and operations.
The building has a 20% smaller carbon footprint than the company’s previous premises and also features important sustainability gains such as:
• 37% lower energy consumption per month
• 34% less water usage per month
• 32 ton of CO2 emissions reduced monthly
Further boosting its environmental performance the headquarters has a 200 kW rooftop solar installation, contributing to a reduction of 15 tons of CO2 monthly. A full microgrid solution with battery energy storage system (BESS) is planned, which again demonstrates the company’s commitment to establishing an environment built on renewable and sustainable energy practices.
The building also integrates the company’s EcoStruxure buildings operation and power monitoring software, which are housed within the Innovation Hub. These allow for intelligent control of lighting and HVAC within the Innovation Hub and surrounding customer interaction areas.
The launch of the Innovation Hub in Africa builds on Schneider Electric’s global strategy to bring its technology closer to its customers in Africa while reinforcing its leadership in sustainability, innovation and digitalisation.
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