Gemini GIS and Environmental Services is looking to turn its first appearance at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition into new business opportunities as the geospatial services firm expands into the aerospace and defence market.
Founded in 2008 and operating full-time since 2010, the black woman-owned professional services company provides geographic information systems (GIS), environmental management and drone technology services.
Co-founder and managing director Andiswa Silinga said they understand that with aerospace, location is key and that the services they provide, which include environmental management, fit well with the aerospace industry.
The company uses drone technology to collect data for analysis and client projects, with its services traditionally serving sectors including mining, construction and energy.
Silinga said the company saw an opportunity to apply its location intelligence capabilities to aerospace and defence, where accurate information about locations and environments can support operations.
The company hopes to secure a project from one of the businesses it met at AAD within the next three months.
Silinga said, however, that converting opportunities in the sector takes time, particularly for smaller companies competing with larger and more established businesses.
“It takes a minimum of six months to 12 months to convert a lead to a paying client,” she said.
From mapping to worker safety
Gemini also showcased technology that can be integrated into personal protective equipment (PPE) to help monitor workers operating in hazardous environments.
“It can tell you the location of the person. It can also report if there’s any physiological problems with them, or if there’s any environmental dangerous gases or dangerous chemicals that they are exposed to,” Silinga said.
The technology has applications beyond defence, including mining, construction and emergency services.
Gemini has collaborated with PPE manufacturer Unipro to integrate its technology into a safety vest. The company does not manufacture the PPE itself. Instead, it integrates its technology into products manufactured by PPE companies.
Funding remains a challenge
Silinga said the company received support from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) in 2018 when it invested in equipment and training, with the department covering 80% of the cost while Gemini contributed the remaining 20%.
She said funding remains important when the company needs to upgrade its technology, but accessing finance can be difficult for SMMEs.
“The funding houses need to be lenient or even assist us to reach a certain level where we can be financed by bigger financing houses. So it’s not easy as an SMME,” Silinga said.
Regulatory requirements can also create barriers for businesses using drones commercially.
The company also runs an internship programme for young graduates, particularly those with geomatics backgrounds, giving them exposure to technology, workplace skills and entrepreneurship.
