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Stellenbosch University’s 2026 Data School Hackathon brought more than 120 students together to tackle a real-world data challenge, showcasing how academia–industry partnerships can build skills, spark innovation and prepare the next generation of AI practitioners.

 

ABOVE: Celebrating Innovation: 2026 Data School Hackathon Outstanding Solution Award, from left to right; Prof Jacomine Grobler, Refiloe Motsoeneng, Khanyisa Maluleka, and Floyd Moleshiwa.

The 2026 Data School Hackathon, proudly sponsored by Standard Bank, once again demonstrated what is possible when academia and industry come together to create opportunities for students to learn, innovate and solve real-world problems.

This year’s theme, Unlock the Wallet: Decode the Opportunity, challenged students to think creatively about how data science and artificial intelligence can be used to uncover meaningful opportunities from complex data. The Hackathon attracted an impressive 47 teams, comprising more than 120 participants, from across Stellenbosch University. Participants came from different faculties, academic programmes, and levels of study, including PhD students, reflecting the truly interdisciplinary character of the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking.

The Hackathon ran from 5 to 14 August 2026, during which teams worked intensively to develop and refine their solutions. Of the 47 teams that registered, 20 teams, representing 61 participants, submitted final solutions for consideration. Following the first round of judging, seven teams progressed to the Grand Finale, which was held on 20 August 2026 at the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking.

The Grand Finale brought together students, academics, university leadership, and industry partners in an exciting celebration of innovation. Among those in attendance were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Prof Kanshukan Rajaratnam, Director of the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Prof Jacomine Grobler from the Department of Industrial Engineering, and Dr Sunday Oladejo, Chair of the Standard Bank Lab for Recommender Systems at the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking. The event also welcomed industry partners and friends of the Data School, including Dr McElory Hoffmann, CEO of Praelexis.

Standard Bank, whose generous support made the event possible, was represented by Mr John Mukomberanwa, Head of Applied AI at Standard Bank. The Bank sponsored R50 000 in cash prizes, together with several gifts for participants. Beyond the prizes, however, the value of the Hackathon lies in the experience it gives students to work on challenging problems, collaborate across disciplines, present their ideas and engage directly with professionals working at the forefront of AI and Data Science.

The Data School Hackathon has become an important annual platform for developing the next generation of problem-solvers. It provides students with an opportunity to move beyond the classroom and apply their knowledge in a setting that demands creativity, teamwork, analytical thinking, and effective communication. It also gives students a clearer understanding of the types of challenges they may encounter in industry and the role that AI and Data Science can play in addressing them.

The partnership between the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking and Standard Bank, supported through initiatives such as the Standard Bank Lab for Recommender Systems chaired by Dr Sunday Oladejo, is central to the success of the Hackathon. It is a strong example of how universities and industry can work together to build skills, encourage innovation and prepare students for a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence. This partnership talks to the School’s commitment to the university’s vision of ‘in service to society’.

Importantly, this partnership has also gained wider recognition. The Evident AI Banking Index highlighted Standard Bank’s collaboration with Stellenbosch University and specifically referenced the recurring Data Science Hackathon hosted through the Standard Bank Lab at the University. This recognition speaks to the broader value of the partnership, not only in supporting research and innovation, but also in building awareness, developing talent and preparing the next generation of AI practitioners.

The 2026 Hackathon was therefore more than a competition. It was a meeting point for ideas, disciplines and people. It showcased what students can achieve when they are given a meaningful challenge, the right support and the freedom to explore. Most importantly, it reaffirmed the shared commitment of Stellenbosch University and Standard Bank to developing talent and contributing to an AI-ready future.

text: Dr Sunday Oladejo  photo: Henk Oets

 

 

News date: 2026-09-03

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