Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced the winners of the fifth edition of TCS Sustainathon™ South Africa, a competition designed to help university students develop technology-based solutions to real-world sustainability challenges.
The initiative is creating opportunities for young South Africans to move beyond ideas and develop practical solutions that could support communities, strengthen economic resilience and address some of the country’s pressing challenges. This year, more than 1,200 students applied to participate, with 10 finalist teams presenting their solutions at the grand finale held in the Sandton area.
The 2026 theme, “AI for Sustainable Futures,” focused on three priority areas: community health and well-being, food security and agriculture, and affordable and clean energy. Participants were challenged to explore how artificial intelligence can help communities live, work, grow and respond to challenges through solutions that are sustainable, accessible and human-centred.
Student Innovation Tackles Real-World Challenges
Team Still Lazy Tech from Durban University of Technology emerged as the overall winner. Led by Msawenkosi Magwaza, Bongumusa Dladla and Sipho Mokoena, the team received the grand prize of ZAR 30,000 for SolarMind, an AI-powered solution designed to address challenges linked to solar energy.
SolarMind focuses on unreliable electricity and rising energy costs. Its potential to scale across South Africa also highlights how student-led technology can move from solving a specific problem to addressing wider national needs.
Team ComforTech, also from Durban University of Technology and led by Pheliswa Mngadi, Eddie Tobias Mabilu and Sanelisiwe Ngcobo, took second place and received ZAR 20,000.
Third place went to Team Greenbyte Solution from the University of Zululand. The team, led by Sizanobuhle Zulu, Nonhlanhla Ntuli and Thapelo Tlhomelang, received ZAR 15,000.
The top three teams also received gift vouchers, internship opportunities and certificates. The remaining finalists received ZAR 5,000 each, together with certificates and gift vouchers.
Building a Pipeline of Young Innovators
The programme is intended to create longer-term value by connecting students with mentorship, practical tools and opportunities to develop their ideas. TCS Regional Director for South Africa and Rest of Africa Langa Dube said, “Our goal is to mentor and empower South Africa’s brightest minds by giving them a platform and practical tools to turn creative ideas into scalable, high-impact ventures. Their solutions demonstrate AI’s potential to build a more sustainable, inclusive, and economically resilient South Africa. I congratulate the winners, finalists, and participants in this year’s TCS Sustainathon.”
Catherine Bothma, Senior Manager, Pick n Pay School Club, said the partnership reflects a commitment to developing young innovators. “Our continued partnership with TCS Sustainathon™ South Africa reflects a shared commitment to identifying the next generation of innovators and changemakers in the region. Each year, the programme showcases the creativity, determination, and problem-solving abilities of the South African youth. This year’s theme, ‘AI for Sustainable Futures,’ provided an exciting opportunity to address some of the country’s most pressing sustainability challenges. Congratulations to all the winners and I can’t wait to see them work towards the betterment of South Africa.”
Held in partnership with Tshwane University of Technology, Geekulcha and Skills Lab, TCS Sustainathon™ South Africa has grown since its launch in 2022 into a recognised platform for youth-led innovation. Now in its fifth edition, the programme continues to build a pipeline of practical ideas aligned with South Africa’s sustainability priorities, while giving young people a pathway to turn technology-driven concepts into solutions with wider economic and social impact.
