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Stellenbosch University has launched IDEA SMASH™ – The Co-Creation Edition, a new innovation challenge designed to empower student entrepreneurs and changemakers. Open to students in the Luister, Leef & Leer programme, the competition invites participants to develop solutions to real-world challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Finalists will receive mentorship from industry experts before pitching their ideas at the IDEA SMASH™ Innovation Showcase in September 2026.

Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Student Life and Learning, in partnership with the Luister, Leef & Leer (LLL) programme, officially launched IDEA SMASH™ – The Co-Creation Edition on 20 July 2026. The evening featured a keynote address by Prof Tulio de Oliveira, who focused his talk on SWEAT Africa, with Prof Sibusiso Moyo (pictured below, left) chairing the discussion alongside student and alumni panellists. The launch marks the start of a new innovation platform aimed at cultivating the next generation of student innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers at Stellenbosch University.

The IDEA SMASH™ Innovation Challenge invites individual students and teams of up to four to submit a 10-slide PowerPoint pitch deck addressing a real-world problem aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Entrants – open to undergraduate and postgraduate students within the LLL programme – are encouraged to explore challenges spanning artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, sustainability, education, health, financial inclusion, and social innovation, with submissions assessed on problem understanding, innovation, SDG impact, market potential, feasibility, business viability, team capability, and presentation quality.

Following the 10 August 2026 submission deadline, entries will undergo initial screening before shortlisted teams move into an Industry Immersion phase, engaging with mentors and industry experts to refine their concepts ahead of the IDEA SMASH™ Innovation Showcase on 19 September 2026, where finalists will pitch to a panel of industry leaders, investors, and university stakeholders.

Organisers have thanked all who attended the launch and are calling on staff and partners to help share the Challenge Brief within their networks to encourage participation as the submission window remains open.

News date: 2026-07-31

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