Two student teams from Durban University of Technology (DUT) have taken the top two positions at the 5th edition of the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Sustainathon South Africa, with Still Lazy Tech winning the competition and ComforTech securing second place.
The teams competed against universities from across South Africa at the grand finale, held at the Radisson Blu in Sandton, Johannesburg, on 1 September 2026.
The students, from the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics and the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, participated through the ARM Engaged Lab EPIP programme. They were among 10 university teams selected to present their prototypes and pitch their solutions at the final stage of the competition.
This year’s Sustainathon, themed AI for Sustainable Futures, challenged students to use technology and artificial intelligence to develop solutions addressing challenges linked to three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, and Affordable and Clean Energy.
The scale of the competition made DUT’s achievement particularly notable. More than 1 200 registrations were received, with 65 submissions from more than 40 institutions before 10 university teams were selected to compete in the grand finale.
TCS has hosted the Sustainathon in South Africa since 2022, giving students an opportunity to develop and showcase technology driven solutions to real world challenges.
Turning research into a working solution Still Lazy Tech, a team comprising Musa Magwaza, Bongumusa Dladla and Sipho Mokoena from the Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, emerged as the overall winner with Solar Mind, an intelligent Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) system designed to help solar panels maximise electricity generation.
The system continuously adjusts the operating point of a solar panel to capture the maximum available power as conditions change.
The project grew from research comparing reinforcement learning with traditional control methods for MPPT controllers. The students identified a gap between machine learning research and its practical implementation, particularly in the application of reinforcement learning.
They then developed a working prototype that combines IoT functionality, cloud based monitoring, a Human Machine Interface (HMI) and a user dashboard.
The system’s AI model can identify conditions that affect solar panel performance, including shading caused when buildings or other structures block sunlight from reaching a panel. Their work earned them first place and a R30 000 prize.
Reflecting on the achievement, Musa Magwaza said the recognition had strengthened the team’s determination to take Solar Mind further.
“We are extremely excited and proud to have secured first place. This recognition motivates us to continue developing Solar Mind and turn our idea into a solution that can make a meaningful impact,” said Magwaza.
DUT’s second finalist, ComforTech from ARM Engaged Lab brought a different focus to the competition by developing a digital tool aimed at connecting people who need mental health assistance with professionals who can provide support.
The team comprises third year Business Analysis student Pheliswa Mngadi, Advanced Diploma in ICT: Applications Development student Tobias Eddie Mabilu and Advanced Diploma in ICT: Business Intelligence student Sanelisiwe Ngcobo.
The idea was initially developed around a proposed hackathon that would bring students together to create a digital platform focused on mental health support. When the team was unable to secure sponsorship for the initiative, the TCS Sustainathon provided an opportunity to develop and present the concept.
The team secured second place at the grand finale, earning the team a R20 000 prize.
For Tobias Mabilu, the achievement was both a proud moment for the team and encouragement to continue developing their idea.
“Coming second has been an incredible experience for us. We are excited to see our idea recognised and grateful for the opportunity to showcase what we can achieve as students,” said Mabilu.
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, Professor Oludayo Olugbara, praised the collaboration between the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics and the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment in supporting student innovation.
“The success of our students shows that our partnership is working very well. I am proud of their achievement and encourage them to continue making their faculties and DUT proud. This also demonstrates that our EPIP model of instruction is working, and replicating this approach across science, engineering and technology programmes could help reshape DUT and strengthen its position among the world’s leading universities,” said Professor Olugbara.
The success of the two teams demonstrates the value of giving students opportunities to apply their academic knowledge to practical challenges. Through EPIP, students are able to work on ideas, develop prototypes, receive mentorship and test their solutions in settings beyond the classroom.
Having DUT teams take first and second place in a national competition of this scale also highlights what can be achieved when academic disciplines, practical learning and innovation come together.
Pictured: EPIP initiative leaders Executing Dean Prof Oludayo Olugbara, Mr Fanie Ndlovu, Mrs Ugeshni Moodley, and students that won the TCS competition.
Photographer: Sifundo Thwala.
Sinamile Sithole
