In a ground-breaking moment for South African innovation, Dr Kathryn Malherbe from the Department of Radiography within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria (UP) has earned international recognition on the global stage of the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance Conference. This recognition marks a historic first for South Africa within the G20 context, signifying the nation's prowess in digital innovation.

The prestigious G20 Digital Innovation Alliance Conference, held alongside the fourth meeting of the 'Digital Economy Working Group' under G20, saw Dr Malherbe bestowed with the coveted Best Female Founder award. This remarkable accolade was presented on 18 August 2023, during the conference held in Bengaluru, India. Attended by luminaries in the global digital landscape, the event celebrated innovators who offer digital solutions to diverse global economies.

"I am enamoured to have received international recognition on such an esteemed platform as the G20, with our Minister of Digital Technology, Minister Gungubele, there to support us," shared Dr Malherbe, reflecting on the honour that this recognition brings not only to her but also to the entire nation.

Dr Malherbe, a lecturer in the Department of Radiography, achieved this accolade through her pioneering work in technology, specifically her ground-breaking creation named Breast AI. This artificial neural network empowers ultrasound imaging to detect, segment, and predict breast cancer even in remote settings, utilising a wireless Wi-Fi ultrasound probe.

Amidst the gathering of over 140 small, medium, and micro enterprises at the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance Conference, Dr Malherbe’s contributions were notably exceptional. With the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies of South Africa as her early investors, her ground-breaking technology took centre stage. Her innovation not only achieved international recognition but also showcased the calibre of South African innovation on the global stage.

Dr Malherbe’s transformative technology has practical applications in community healthcare. It has been implemented at local Unjani clinics, bolstering community education and patient navigators, and significantly reducing the time women in rural settings must wait for surgical intervention in cases of breast cancer.

Reflecting on her achievements, Dr Malherbe remarked, "We are not only deploying AI tech, we are also promoting community education and patient navigators through community healthcare workers to assist in the entire treatment pathway." Her recognition at the G20 conference carries a ripple effect, with potential collaborations and positive impacts on global healthcare.

‘Your gender should be used to your advantage, not your detriment’

Acknowledging her role as the only South African female using AI in medical imaging, Dr Malherbe has displayed the potential of the country’s commitment to technological progress. Her message to aspiring women in the science and technology fields is powerful: "Your gender should be used to your advantage, not your detriment. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it."

As the boundaries of innovation expand, Dr Malherbe envisions a future filled with opportunities and challenges. She plans to leverage her achievements to make meaningful contributions to advancements in healthcare. Her achievements inspire young entrepreneurs and innovators to embrace research as a driving force behind their aspirations.

Dr Malherbe’s passion for research is evident, as she shared: “I always get UP students excited about research, since it was my research that got the innovation to where it is. Students at UP shouldn’t see research as just another module they have to complete for the sake of their degree.” Her journey highlights the transformative power of research-driven innovation and serves as an inspiring example for students to embrace the potential of research in their educational journey. 

Dr Malherbe’s journey resonates with the essence of innovation – limitless and transformative. Her advice for those who aspire to make a global impact echoes with wisdom: "Find your passion, and you'll never work a day in your life. The joy of living and working your passion is an everyday occurrence and an absolute joy to attain."

With her recent recognition at the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance Conference, Dr Malherbe not only shines as an individual achiever but also illuminates the path of South African innovation on the global stage. Her vision, dedication, and innovation embody the spirit of progress that transcends borders and paves the way for a brighter future.