Contact – Dr SP le Roux – 082 823 1567 – spleroux@rouxcel.com
Hi, thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my company, Rouxcel Technology. I was born on 27 November 1990 in Pretoria, South Africa to Barend and Amanda le Roux, my father and mother, and Francois, my older brother. In 1996 we moved to the Highveld and lived in a relatively small town called Standerton. Here, I completed my school career after attending Standerton High School. The lush green surroundings and country living played an important part in our upbringing and provided ample time to enjoy nature.
Since I can remember, I have loved business passionately. Thinking back, I have many memories of different business ideas and ventures. Most of these formed by observing my father and mother who ran their own local retail companies. Before completing primary school, I have started a venture selling candyfloss to three local fueling stations and two schools. I still remember manufacturing and delivering hundreds of packets of candyfloss daily after school. I soon developed an interest in every form of technology and often wondered about computers and whether it is possible to make them think through some form of artificial brain.
This continual technological exploration and interest led me to the beautiful vineyards of Stellenbosch, in 2010. Here, I completed the Bachelors of Engineering (BEng) degree at the department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Stellenbosch. Subsequently, I completed the Master of Engineering (MEng) degree (Cum Laude), under the supervision of Dr. Riaan Wolhuter, and finally also obtained a Ph.D. in engineering at the same institution with Prof. Thomas Niesler and Dr. Riaan Wolhuter as study leaders. In line with my childhood interests my Ph.D. dissertation included both electronic design and embedded machine learning techniques which provide real-time behaviour classification of rhinoceros, in the fight against rhino poaching. This project emphasized three major aspects which I am passionate about, nature conservation, problem solving and the use of technology and artificial intelligence to gain insight in and solve some of the major challenges we face today.
In order to further extend my dream, I have founded Rouxcel Technology, where we solve relevant problems creatively, formulating solutions using state of the art technology, enhanced through artificial intelligence, whilst leaving a green footprint. Saving the best for last, on 23 May 2015, I took Salomi as my wife in the beautiful mountainous area of George. Many will confirm that Salomi is a kind and joyful person, passionate about music with a special love for song writing, singing and playing the piano.
I see sustainable technological development as the central focus of my professional life. Yet, there is no progress without conservation. To that end, I’m currently working on wildlife technology.
Previously, I was employed as a control and automation engineer in the metals industry and completed a master’s degree in electrical engineering with focus on renewable power optimization at Stellenbosch University.