Students Spark Innovation at Standard Bank’s UniHack Challenge
Students Spark Innovation at Standard Bank’s UniHack Challenge
Johannesburg, South Africa – April 8, 2025 >> Read more: Business News
Bright ideas and cutting-edge technology took center stage as university students from across South Africa showcased their talent at the 2025 edition of Standard Bank’s UniHack Competition. Held at the bank’s Rosebank headquarters over the weekend, the event highlighted the growing influence of student-led innovation in shaping the future of financial technology and entrepreneurship.
The UniHack Competition, now in its fifth year, brought together over 150 students from 10 universities to tackle real-world challenges using artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics. Participants had just 48 hours to develop and present working prototypes that addressed themes ranging from financial inclusion and climate change to cybersecurity and digital banking.
Top Honors for FinTech Inclusivity App
This year’s winning team, TechTribe from the University of Cape Town, developed “iSave”, a mobile platform aimed at helping informal traders in townships manage finances, access microloans, and build digital credit histories. The app uses machine learning to assess financial behavior and recommend tailored saving and investment strategies.
“Many informal traders don’t have access to traditional banking, and we wanted to change that,” said team leader Zinhle Moyo. “iSave is about breaking barriers and giving communities control over their money.”
Standard Bank’s Group Chief Information Officer, Brenda Kubheka, praised the team’s solution: “These young innovators are solving problems that matter. Their understanding of how to use tech for good is both refreshing and inspiring.”
Runner-Up Projects Show Broader Impact
Second place went to a team from Wits University for “EcoTrack”, a blockchain-powered supply chain tool that helps consumers trace the carbon footprint of their purchases. The third prize went to Stellenbosch University’s team for “CyberGenie”, an AI-powered assistant that educates users on digital safety and detects phishing threats in real-time.
Beyond the Hackathon
In addition to prize money and mentorship opportunities, the top three teams were offered the chance to join Standard Bank’s Innovation Incubator Programme, which helps scale student-led ideas into market-ready startups. The bank also announced that it would pilot iSave within selected communities later this year.
The competition not only demonstrated the potential of youth-driven tech solutions, but also underlined the importance of collaboration between corporates and academia.
“South Africa’s future lies in its young minds,” said Standard Bank’s Head of Youth Development, Thabo Mahlangu. “Through platforms like UniHack, we’re creating spaces for students to turn creativity into impact.”
As the hackathon wrapped up, one thing was clear: innovation is alive and well among South Africa’s students—and it’s paving the way for smarter, more inclusive futures.
