The PhD student in Architecture at Durban University of Technology (DUT) and founder of Project X, Hlengiwe Mbalenhle Ngubane is revolutionising the construction industry with her innovative digital platform. With a passion for merging traditional African building knowledge with modern technology.
Ngubane’s journey began with her entrepreneurial spirit and her desire to create a platform that would improve transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in construction across Africa. Through innobiz DUT’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, she developed Project X, a digital construction management platform that offers real-time site monitoring, material tracking, and document coordination.
“Being selected as a finalist in the 2025 Alliance Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, it is truly an honour to be recognised as a finalist. This competition validates the hard work and vision behind Project X and reaffirms my belief that innovation in construction can have a meaningful impact on both industry and community,” she said.
Project X has the potential to transform the construction industry across Africa. With its advanced features such as AI-driven risk alerts, BIM integration, and circular economy tools for waste reduction, the platform is poised to make a significant impact.
Sharing her thoughts was Dr Pinkie Ntola, Interim Director of Technology, Transfer and Innovation at DUT who indicated that this competition will offer a platform to enhance the brilliance of student innovators and entrepreneurs who are aiming to solve some of the world’s most urgent urban challenges.
According to Ngubane, empowerment enables students to gain the confidence and skills necessary to proactively create opportunities. She also believes that entrepreneurship and academics complement each other, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical ways and develop resilience through initiatives like innobiz DUT’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
With the final competition taking place on 30-31 October 2025, Ngubane is focused on refining her solution, building partnerships, and preparing to implement Project X at a pilot scale. Her goals are to complete her PhD research, expand Project X into a fully functional, market-ready platform, and advocate for sustainable, technology driven construction practices across Africa.
Ngubane’s advice to future students entering competitions like this is to believe in their idea and not be afraid to share it. “Use these opportunities to learn, get feedback, and connect with others who can support your journey. The exposure and experience are as valuable as the competition outcome,” Ngubane explained.
She concluded by saying that competitions like these proved that Africa’s youth had the creativity and drive to solve pressing challenges, and she was grateful to innobiz DUT’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the organisers for giving them the space to showcase their vision.
“This competition is more than just a showcase, it is a platform for our student innovators and entrepreneurs to apply their creativity, research, and passion to real-world urban challenges. It connects them with global peers, fosters cross-cultural collaboration, and exposes them to international best practices. Through this experience, they are not only representing our institution but also proving that our young innovators have the ideas and drive to shape sustainable cities of the future. We wish them every success as they enter the finals,” concluded Dr Ntola.
Pictured: Hlengiwe Mbalenhle Ngubane
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
