The two-and-a-half-day challenge allowed students to experiment with artificial intelligence (AI) and develop solutions to challenges in sectors such as mining, agriculture and public administration.
Held under the themes of innovation, entrepreneurship and responsible AI, MAISH aimed to equip students with the skills and mindset to move from technology consumers to creators of technology-driven solutions.
Only 100 students were selected from hundreds of applicants, providing participants with an environment that simulated aspects of the professional workplace. The challenge focused on three core pillars: addressing pressing societal challenges, empowering people through technology and exploring entrepreneurial opportunities.
Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences (FANS), Professor Ndiko Ludidi, emphasised the importance of understanding the human problems that technology seeks to address.
Encouraging students to prioritise critical thinking, teamwork, problem definition, testing and effective communication, Professor Ludidi said, “Technology alone does not solve problems; its value depends on the people who design it, how they use data, the values they bring to the process and whether they remain focused on the needs of their communities.”
Encouraging Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Head of the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at UMP, Professor Ntombovuyo Wayi-Mgwebi, highlighted the need for students to look beyond traditional employment pathways and explore opportunities to become innovators and entrepreneurs.
“Students need to move from being job seekers to becoming innovators and entrepreneurs,” she said, emphasising the role of technology in addressing challenges such as youth unemployment and food insecurity.
The challenge also required students to make quick decisions, manage setbacks, present their ideas and defend their solutions. Mr Mashitishi Phurutsi from TUT said the event simulated aspects of the modern IT workplace, where professionals are required to collaborate, prioritise tasks, make decisions under pressure and continuously adapt to changing technologies.
The winning teams developed solutions addressing challenges in mining, the public sector and agriculture, demonstrating the potential of student innovation to respond to real-world needs.
Participants were encouraged to consider how AI can help transform ideas into practical solutions and to think creatively about the possibilities presented by emerging technologies.
Following an intense competition featuring innovative ideas and practical AI-driven solutions, four groups emerged as the 2026 MAISH winners. They were:
- First place: MineLink
Solution: AI-Powered Safety and Health for Underground Mine Workers.
- Second place: SignSure
Solution: AI-Powered Identity Verification for Digital Signatures in the public sector.
- Third place: AgricShield AI
Solution: AI-Powered Market Recovery in agriculture.
- Fourth place: MineGuard
Solution: Intelligent Mine Safety and Early Warning Platform.
The competition provided a dynamic environment in which students could challenge themselves, collaborate and explore the possibilities of AI. It also highlighted the value of creating opportunities for students to apply their knowledge, respond to societal challenges and strengthen their technical and professional skills.
For UMP, MAISH contribute to developing graduates who can think independently, act with integrity and contribute meaningfully to society through knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by JB Creative Cinema. Copyright © UMP.