Edu Invest, powered by Wesgro, celebrates the launch of the Space STEM Programme in Atlantis schools
- Edu Invest and Atlantis SEZ celebrate launch of the Space STEM Programme, benefiting five Atlantis high schools with future-focused skills in aerospace, renewable energy, and digital technology.
- A three-year partnership with ASEZ, Daimler’s Atlantis Foundries, MEDO and Wesgro aims to ensure long-term impact and sustainability for STEM education in under-resourced communities.
- The initiative builds a diverse pipeline of future innovators, strengthening the Western Cape’s position as a tech-driven economic hub.
Cape Town, 27 March 2025: Edu Invest, a catalytic project powered by Wesgro in collaboration with the Western Cape Education Department, has partnered with the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ), a key driver of green tech manufacturing in the Western Cape, to roll out the MaxIQ Space STEM Programme in Atlantis high schools.
The programme is made possible through a groundbreaking partnership between Daimler’s Atlantis Foundries, The Meta Economic Development Organisation (MEDO), and ASEZ. This collaboration will provide financial support for at least three years, ensuring the programme’s sustainability and long-term impact.
Through hands-on learning experiences, the Space STEM programme introduces students to careers in aerospace, renewable energy, and digital technology. Five Atlantis high schools including Atlantis Senior Secondary School, Robinvale High School, Proteus Technical High School, Saxon Sea Secondary School, and Atlantis School of Skills, will benefit from the initiative.
Commenting on the programme, Judi Sandrock, co-founder of MaxIQ Space, said:
"We believe that every learner, no matter where they are, should have the chance to actively participate in the space and hi-tech industries. Space inspires us all, and real space projects even more. Advancing STEM education is essential to building a future-ready workforce equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.”
Sandrock added: “Space sparks curiosity, and the skills students gain open doors to all high-tech industries, where they can innovate, solve problems, and shape the future. By making STEM education exciting and accessible, we are helping to ensure that young people can meaningfully contribute to South Africa’s technological and economic progress.”
MaxIQ Space aims to reach 100 schools by 2027 through private sector-driven investment, ensuring that more students gain access to these valuable opportunities. Wesgro plays a pivotal role in driving investment facilitation to improve educational outcomes and equip the region’s workforce with the skills needed for the tech-driven economy.
Matt Cullinan, CEO of Atlantis SEZ, emphasised the importance of industry-community collaboration: "We deeply appreciate the support of Atlantis Foundries and look forward to the incredible impact of the MaxIQ Space programme. This project perfectly encapsulates the value of connecting industry with community, ensuring that our youth are equipped for emerging opportunities in the green technology sector."
Many students in the Western Cape, particularly those in under-resourced schools, lack access to practical STEM education. This programme aims to bridge those gaps, providing all students—including girls and young people from low-income communities—with opportunities to pursue careers in science, engineering, and technology, fostering a more inclusive pipeline of future engineers, scientists, and innovators.
Highlighting the programme’s significance, David Maynier, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Education, said: "The Western Cape has the potential to become a global hub for technology and innovation. By supporting STEM education in our high schools, we are building a future workforce that will drive economic growth in our region and beyond."
Sustainable, Long-Term Impact
The School Space STEM Programme is designed with sustainability in mind, ensuring students in Atlantis have access to world-class learning opportunities aligned with the Western Cape’s growing technology sector. Supported by Wesgro, MaxIQ Space has structured the programme to provide long-term benefits for both students and teachers through resource allocation and teacher training, establishing a foundation for STEM education that will continue to expand. MaxIQ Space has a solid track record, having implemented the Space STEM programme in over a thousand schools globally.
Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, added: "This programme is about more than preparing our youth for future careers; it’s about positioning the Western Cape as a leader in tech innovation in Africa. Our collaboration with MaxIQ, Atlantis SEZ, and Atlantis Foundries demonstrates our commitment to creating economic opportunities and inspiring the next generation in science and technology."
Through this initiative, MaxIQ Space and Wesgro are paving the way for a brighter future for South African students and the Western Cape economy, building a skilled workforce prepared to meet the demands of tomorrow’s technology-driven world.
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