A new generation of tech pioneers have been recognised as winners of the SATNAC 2024 Industry Solutions Challenge, which invited postgraduate and undergraduate students who are passionate about innovation to address real-world problems.

They were required to propose cutting-edge solutions, across five key categories: Energy and Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Customer Experience and User Experience, and Networking Technologies. This allows students to translate academic knowledge and research into practical, industry-ready innovations.

Under the theme "The AI-driven hyperconnected future; Co-creating shared value," the competition attracted more than 300 students from 13 academic institutions, including from Malawi, Lesotho and Eswatini. The students received training on ideation, conceptualisation, business modelling and analysis, prototyping, and pitching over a three-month period.

Winners impressed judges with their ingenuity, technical prowess, and commitment to shaping a brighter future. The SATNAC 2024 Industry Solutions Challenge winners are...

Topic: Proactive and Hyper-Personalised Customer Support

- Keightly Mabasa, IIE Varsity College
- Blessing Adefila, IIE Varsity College
- Rebotile Molala, IIE Varsity College

Topic: Real-Time Fraud Detection in Telecom Sales

- Bandile Malaza, University of Eswatini
- Tshidiso Hlophe, University of Eswatini
- Wandile Hlatshwako, University of Eswatini
Sponsored by Amdocs in the 1st prize

Topic: AI Recommendation Models for Energy Efficiency In Equipment Buildings

- Bandile Malaza, University of Eswatini
- Karabo Makau, North West University
Sponsored by Openserve

Topic: Balancing AI Adoption with Data Privacy in Industry

- Andile Mngomezulu, University of Witwatersrand
Sponsored by Huawei

Topic: Integrated, Vendor-Agnostic Network Fault Management Systems

- Samkelo Msibi, University of Eswatini
- Thembinkosi Mkhonta, University of Eswatini
- Phephile Sigudla, University of Eswatini
Sponsored by Telkom Consumer and Small Business

Topic: Disrupting Industries with AI-Driven Hyperconnectivity

- Swelihle Sibiya, Wits University
Sponsored by the Wits Innovation Centre, facilitated by the Telkom Research & Development Lab at Wits

The students received a prize package, including all-expenses-paid attendance at the 2024 SATNAC conference at the Kruger National Park. The prize package also includes an opportunity to compete for the coveted SATNAC Telkom Innovator Award, a customised skills development experience package, and high-end devices.

The overall winner, a team from Eswatini University, walked away with the SATNAC Innovator Award for their Intelligent Network Fault and Operations Management solution. In addition to the devices, they received a R10 000 cash prize.

"We are incredibly inspired by the ingenuity and passion displayed by this year's SATNAC Industry Solutions Challenge winners," said Dr Maletsabisa Molapo, Telkom’s Executive for Research and Innovation.

She added, "it’s more than a competition; it's a glimpse into the future of technology. These brilliant students have demonstrated the power of innovation to solve real-world problems and create a more connected, sustainable, and AI-driven world."

The SATNAC Industry Solutions Challenge continues to be a launchpad for the next generation of tech leaders, fostering innovation and driving progress across critical industries.