Geekulcha, a platform enabling the country’s young tech talent through its various programmes, has opened nominations for its annual Top 15 Young Geeks initiative.

Top 15 Young Geeks not only aims to recognise innovators but also seeks to challenge them to strive towards building a 'geek culture' that advances society.

The programme is held in association with ITWeb and Brainstorm Magazine. This year’s theme ‘Geek Culture Beyond the Surface’ will unearth the industry’s hidden talent, particularly those who have continued to develop their solutions amid the pandemic.

One of last year’s top 15, software developer Farisani Nonyana, says, “The recognition had a positive impact on my career. I’ve received a couple of job offers so I’m grateful for the exposure and the opportunities.”

Another 2020 finalist, Kutlwano Tshatiwa, who’s also a software developer and the ‘Rising Star’ of TADHack Johannesburg 2020, says being part of the Top 15 Geeks list gave him access to industry experts who helped him find a niche to focus his career on. He appreciates the advice because "tech is very broad and it’s difficult to master anything if you’re trying to be a jack-of-all-trades".

“I chose machine learning and AI because they’re the future.”

Tshatiwa completed a Stanford University machine learning certificate through Coursera. He’s currently doing a deep learning specialisation course.

Mentors are an important part of Geekulcha's ecosystem and the organisation has once again sent out a call for mentors to sign up and help drive local geek culture while guiding tomorrow’s captains of industry.

Nominations for the Top 15 Young Geeks are open till 31 March. The top 15 will be announced in June to mark Youth Month.

To nominate outstanding young techies, go to: https://www.geekulcha.dev/young-geeks/nominate

* The programme is held in association with ITWeb and Brainstorm Magazine.