VIRTUAL COFFEE BREAK (Recording)
Language: English
In early 2023, Professor Wilfred Fritz was contacted by former student Solomon Smit, who envisioned bringing e-learning to rural schools without internet access. Professor Fritz joined forces with Solomon and his family to launch , aiming to deliver an immersive offline e-learning experience that felt like browsing the web.
Using personal funds, the team developed an offline learning management system (LMS) and showcased it in underserved schools. Despite strong interest, schools lacked the budget to adopt the system. During this time, they enrolled for the on the Alumniportal Deutschland. Seeking sustainability, the team pivoted—pitching to corporates to digitize their training content. This led to a free pilot with a local Fire Services Training Centre, revealing that their core value lay in both product and service.
They launched an online extension—ALPHA CLOUD—to support Skills Development Providers with e-Portfolio data management. In November 2024, they competed in the Global x Cape Town Pitching Competition, winning Audience Favourite and Second Prize.
This talk explores ALPHA TOWER’s entrepreneurial journey—its vision, challenges, business pivots, and growth through strategic partnerships with the Local Government SETA and Municipalities.