About
The Deep Learning IndabaX is a locally-organised Deep Learning Indaba conference aimed at strengthening machine learning in South Africa.
We are part of a huge network: There are almost as many IndabaX events as there are countries in Africa, ranging from single-day introductory workshops to full blown conferences like ours.
The Indaba spirit
The Indaba movement is based on inclusivity, excellence and kindness. We want to create a community in which everyone feels they can join authentically in order to perform at their best. We believe that what we are is what we build: the way we treat others will show in the technology we create for the world.
What this means in practice
Indaba members fix the microphone instead of complaining about bad sound quality. They see others and offer help to those who seem excluded. They endure power cuts and simple lodging because they know that they are part of something important.
Event format
The IndabaX conference is usually a hybrid between a traditional academic conference, hackathon, summer school and industry expo. This format creates spaces to connect: For labs to find top achievers, for students to fall in love with a research topic, for companies to find South Africa’s talent in machine learning, and for enthusiasts to become part of the machine learning community.
Building foundations
In 2027, South Africa is hosting the Deep Learning Indaba. Our local event will focus on foundations of machine learning research in order to equip local talent with the tools they need to participate in international machine learning research.
Funding
The IndabaX is funded entirely by our partners. Every year, a team of volunteers raises money for the event. No one gets paid, and many of our speakers fund their own stay. The largest share of our budget is invested into financial support for delegates, such as fee waivers, accommodation and travel grants.
Leadership and roles
The Deep Learning IndabaX South Africa NPC (registration number K2021781317) is a registered Non Profit Company and Public Benefit Organisation with 18A tax exemption status. Together with an executive team of seasoned IndabaX veterans, the directors of the NPC form the steering committee that takes strategic decisions and ensures compliance.