Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) launched the third annual South African edition of its hackathon, TCS Sustainathon, which encourages young people to develop technological solutions to solve real-world problems.

The TCS Sustainathon is a global challenge that encourages young people to use technology to tackle social, economic, and environmental challenges and ensure a sustainable future.

The company introduced the South African edition today, stating the hackathon allows young people to work together with private businesses, non-profit groups, and government agencies to develop solutions to sustainability challenges.

This year the competition challenges students to bring forth ideas for ‘clean and affordable energy’.

Entries for TCS Sustainathon South Africa are open from September 20 to October 25 and the challenge is open to teams of students, postgraduates, and recent graduates.

Entries begin with an online proposal. 10 teams will be selected, who will then have the chance to pitch their ideas at the finale.

The winning team will collect a cash prize of R35,000, while second place will win R25,000, and third place R15,000, along with an opportunity to intern with TCS.

Langa Dube, TCS regional director for South Africa and Rest of Africa, said “South Africa is a country with a remarkable knack for innovation. And the youth are a fundamental source of this transformative power. 

"That’s why, through the TCS Sustainathon, we want to tap into their brilliance to help solve some of the real-life environmental issues facing the world today. We’re creating a space where they can address these problems through policy, design and innovation.”