AI Week showcases innovation and AI-Powered solutions

Innovative student ideas, industry collaboration and AI-powered solutions were the focus of the Tshwane University of Technology’s AI Week 2026, with participants exploring how emerging technologies can address real-world challenges and create sustainable impact. The three-day programme showcased innovation, practical skills development and multidisciplinary teamwork while opening new opportunities for student growth and workplace experience.

Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement The Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT) hosted its annual AI Week from 21 to 23 July 2026, bringing together students, academics, industry experts, innovators and technology enthusiasts for three days of learning, collaboration and innovation.

Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, officially opened the programme and highlighted the University's position as South Africa's only university with a standalone Faculty of ICT. She encouraged participants to embrace innovation, advance research and explore how AI can contribute to a better future. She emphasised that AI is no longer the technology of tomorrow but technology that is already shaping society today.

Dr Etienne van Wyk, Executive Dean of the Faculty of ICT and Interim Campus Rector Dr Etienne van Wyk, Executive Dean of the Faculty of ICT and Interim Campus Rector for the Soshanguve Campuses, reflected on the growing importance of AI, innovation and the role of ICT in shaping the future.

A highlight of the opening day was a panel discussion on WaterGrid Intelligence: Digital Transformation in Water Service Delivery. The session explored how digital technologies, AI, data science, and remote sensing can improve water service delivery while advancing skills development, workforce readiness and sustainable solutions to South Africa's water challenges.

The second day focused on practical application. Workshops, technical sessions and masterclasses examined AI, innovation, entrepreneurship, smart technologies, water sustainability and emerging digital tools. Participants gained insights into how AI can support research, teaching, software development, creativity and problem-solving.

The programme also featured the SDG Olympiad 2026, where students presented innovative ideas inspired by the country’s Sustainable Development Goals. The Innovation Pitch and Judging session showcased student creativity and their ability to use technology to solve real-world challenges.

The event also created valuable opportunities for workplace experience. Hiteknology Solutions sponsored five Work-Integrated Learning placements, while Rain Cloud Group sponsored two placements for students.

Winners: Team D – Dangerous Dreamers (Amanzi Pure) The final day centred on the AI Competition Day, held under the theme WaterGrid Intelligence. Multidisciplinary student teams developed and presented AI-powered solutions focused on water sustainability and other real-world challenges. Students from the Faculty of Science collaborated with ICT students, highlighting the value of multidisciplinary innovation.

Five teams presented their projects to a panel of adjudicators before participating in an exhibition walkabout. The competition demonstrated the creativity, technical expertise and problem-solving abilities of the participating students.

Team D, Dangerous Dreamers, emerged as the overall winner with their project Amanzi Pure, while Team B, Aqua Guard, took second place. Their achievements highlighted the potential of young innovators to use AI and emerging technologies to develop meaningful solutions for societal challenges.

AI Week 2026 concluded by reaffirming the Faculty of ICT's commitment to advancing digital skills, promoting innovation and preparing students to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world. Through discussions, workshops, innovation pitches and competition activities, the programme created a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and the exploration of technology-driven solutions for a sustainable future.

Second Place: Team B – Aqua Guard. Engaging panel with experts from technology, digital infrastructure, municipal infrastructure, partnerships, AI, data science, and remote sensing to explore the challenges and opportunities in water service delivery.