Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has announced the winners of the fifth edition of TCS Sustainathon™ South Africa, its flagship competition that encourages university students to use technology to solve real-world sustainability challenges.

Team Still Lazy Tech, led by Msawenkosi Magwaza, Bongumusa Dladla, and Sipho Mokoena from Durban University of Technology, won the competition and the grand prize of ZAR 30,000. The winning team’s solution, SolarMind, uses AI to help resolve solar energy problems. It addresses unreliable electricity and rising energy costs, with the potential to scale across South Africa.

The second prize was awarded to team ComforTech, led by Pheliswa Mngadi, Eddie Tobias Mabilu, and Sanelisiwe Ngcobo also from Durban University of Technology, which received ZAR 20,000. Team Greenbyte Solution, led by Sizanobuhle Zulu, Nonhlanhla Ntuli, and Thapelo Tlhomelang from the University of Zululand, placed third and received ZAR 15,000. The top three teams also received gift vouchers, internship opportunities, and certificates. The remaining finalists received ZAR 5,000 each, with certificates and gift vouchers.

The grand finale, held in Sandton area, brought together some of South Africa's brightest young minds to develop AI-powered solutions focused on inclusive economic growth and a more sustainable future. The competition this year attracted more than 1,200 applications from across the country. The 10 finalist teams showcased their solutions at the grand finale.

This year's theme, “AI for Sustainable Futures,” inspired participants to use AI to address three priority areas:

• Community health and well-being
• Food security and agriculture
• Affordable and clean energy

The competition explored how AI can help communities live, work, grow, and respond to challenges. It emphasised sustainable, accessible, and human-centred solutions that deliver impact where it matters most.

TCS Sustainathon™ South Africa was held in partnership with the Tshwane University of Technology, Geekulcha, and Skills Lab. 

Langa Dube, Regional Director, TCS South Africa & Rest of Africa, said, “Our goal is to mentor and empower South Africa’s brightest minds by giving them a platform and practical tools to turn creative ideas into scalable, high-impact ventures. Their solutions demonstrate AI’s potential to build a more sustainable, inclusive, and economically resilient South Africa. I congratulate the winners, finalists, and participants in this year’s TCS Sustainathon.”

Catherine Bothma, Senior Manager, Pick n Pay School Club, said, “Our continued partnership with TCS Sustainathon™ South Africa reflects a shared commitment to identifying the next generation of innovators and changemakers in the region. Each year, the programme showcases the creativity, determination, and problem-solving abilities of the South African youth.  This year’s theme, 'AI for Sustainable Futures,' provided an exciting opportunity to address some of the country's most pressing sustainability challenges.  Congratulations to all the winners and I can’t wait to see them work towards the betterment of South Africa.”

Since its launch in 2022, TCS Sustainathon™ South Africa has grown into a recognised platform for youth-led innovation. Now in its fifth edition, the programme continues to evolve alongside South Africa’s priorities, building momentum and a pipeline of practical, impact-driven ideas.