Mintek, in partnership with the National Research Foundation (NRF), will host the third Mintek SCi – Science Convention for Innovators in Engineering, Science and Technology between 29 September and 02 October in Randburg, Gauteng. Held under the theme: “The Next Frontier: Emerging Scientists Driving Change,” the event will bring together over three-hundred (300) emerging researchers, industry leaders, government, academia and other stakeholders to explore innovative solutions to challenges in the minerals sector.

The 2026 programme highlights the strategic role of collaboration between research institutions and industry in strengthening South Africa’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem. The convention partnership takes place in the context of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Mintek and the NRF in 2025, which marked an important commitment by the two organisations to deepen collaboration in research, innovation, human capacity development and other areas of mutual interest. Importantly, the partnership is moving beyond the signing of an agreement towards tangible collaboration, programmes and opportunities such as this gathering.

Mintek SCi provides an important platform through which this partnership can mature and deliver impact. Through this partnership, Mintek and the NRF are connecting emerging research with industry applications, promoting knowledge exchange and developing the next generation of researchers and innovators.

Three key events that form part of the Mintek SCi 2026 programme include the Disruptive Research Roundtable, the Mintek SCi Grad Hackathon, and the Mintek SCi Symposium, held on various days.

The Disruptive Research Roundtable | 29 September 2026

The Disruptive Research Roundtable will be held at The Fairway Hotel in Randburg on 29 September. The Disruptive Research Roundtable will convene representatives from industry, government, academia, civil society and science councils. Under the theme “The Quadruple Helix in Science: Solving the Mineral Problems of the Future,” the roundtable will examine how South Africa's innovation system can work differently and more collaboratively to address emerging mineral challenges.

Mintek SCi Graduate Hackathon | 1–2 October 2026

The Mintek SCi Grad Hackathon will challenge emerging researchers and innovators to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges in the minerals sector. Finalist teams will present their solutions during the main Mintek SCi Symposium on 2 October.

Mintek SCi Symposium | 2 October 2026

The flagship Mintek SCi Symposium will bring together emerging researchers from Mintek, academia, industry and research institutions to showcase research, exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for collaboration. Prof Loyiso Tyobeka, Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), will deliver a keynote address at the Mintek setting.

The 2026 programme will focus on four key themes: Critical Minerals, Energy, Emerging Technologies, and Sustainability and Circular Economy. Research topics include sustainable mineral extraction and beneficiation, rare earth elements, energy storage and hydrogen technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning, digital twins, advanced process control, water management, decarbonisation, and converting waste streams into sources of value.

Mintek SCi is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application, giving researchers aged 35 and under opportunities to present their work, receive peer feedback, and build professional networks.

The 2026 edition demonstrates the importance of partnerships in advancing research and innovation that respond to real-world challenges. By bringing together researchers, innovators, industry and other stakeholders, Mintek SCi creates a platform for ideas to move from research into practical applications that can contribute to the future of the minerals industry.