by Kgothatso Monono
The Mpumalanga Artificial Intelligence Students Hackathon (MAISH) once again brought out the best in aspiring tech innovators who convened for a weekend of creativity and collaboration at the University of Mpumalanga. The 2024 event showcased the talent and potential of young minds eager to tackle real-world challenges using technology.
The hackathon, hosted by the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT) in partnership with the University of Mpumalanga, drew participants from across the region. Students formed teams to brainstorm and develop innovative solutions. The event fostered a spirit of competition and camaraderie, encouraging participants to push their boundaries and think outside the box.
MAISH is not just a contest; it is a unique learning experience. Teams had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, enhance their skills and receive guidance from industry professionals and mentors. This connection with experts in the field allowed participants to gain valuable insights into the practical applications of their ideas, potentially paving the way for their solutions to be implemented in real-world scenarios.
The success of the Hackathon was made possible by the generous support of key sponsors, including Nedbank, NITheCS, Ndende Technologies, BoxFusion and UCDP from UMP. Their commitment to fostering innovation among young people assisted in creating an environment where creativity could flourish.
The Tshwane University of Technology partnered with the University of Mpumalanga to host the 2nd Annual Mpumalanga Artificial Intelligence Students Hackathon.
Both UMP and TUT played crucial roles in organising and executing the event, demonstrating their dedication to empowering students and promoting technological advancement in the region.
First place went to Agri-Smart Solutions for their AI-powered tool, Farm Guard, which assists farmers in effectively identifying and managing pests and diseases. This innovation enables farmers to safeguard their crops, boost productivity and lower costs by utilizing data-driven insights.
As the weekend ended, participants left with new skills and knowledge as well as lasting connections with fellow innovators and industry professionals. Building on the 2023 event, the 2nd annual MAISH was a remarkable celebration of talent, collaboration and the limitless possibilities of artificial intelligence.
MAISH 2024 Event Organisers.
MAISH 2024 Champions.
2nd annual MAISH participants.