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Cultivating Innovation for Societal Impact

Cultivating Innovation for Societal Impact

...ImpactLab Hackathon Ignites Student Innovation

In a spirited display of ingenuity and collaboration, the ImpactLab Hackathon brought together some of Namibia’s most promising student innovators in a dynamic, solution-driven environment. This pioneering initiative was made possible through a strategic collaboration between Schoemans, NUST and MTC.

Aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges through practical, tech-based solutions, the hackathon created a vibrant platform for critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.

Five student teams enthusiastically jumped into the ideation process, with the first day marked by purpose and creativity. “Students were actively engaged, exploring innovative solutions for societal issues around Namibia,” noted Dr Gereon Kapuire, an academic in the Faculty of Computing and Informatics (FCI).

Over the course of several days, participants tackled issues such as digital inclusion, food security, and sustainable service delivery. With guidance from mentors and support from technical experts, teams demonstrated initiative and adaptability in responding to real development needs.

Cultivating Innovation for Societal Impact
Cultivating Innovation for Societal Impact

The culmination of the event was a pitch of high-impact prototypes. The final presentations revealed not only technological creativity but also deep sensitivity to local challenges.

Winning team TechTonics impressed judges with their originality and vision, while runner-up Feed Forward Namibia presented a concept with strong practical potential. “Being part of this hackathon taught us how to work under pressure and think beyond the classroom. We feel more confident knowing our ideas can make a real difference.” shared a student from the group named TechTonics.

“NUST extends its sincere appreciation to Schoemans and MTC for their vital support. The University also commends all participants for their creativity, discipline, and collaborative spirit—hallmarks of the innovation emerging from Namibia’s next generation,” expressed Dr Kapuire.

More than just a competition, the ImpactLab Hackathon united future innovators in shaping solutions that matter—solutions with the potential to create a more connected and equitable future.

Cultivating Innovation for Societal Impact
Cultivating Innovation for Societal Impact
Author: Kachana Beatrice Ndabeni
NUST SHIELD

 

A-Z Listing

ADS Academic Development and Support
ADSTLT Academic Development Support, Teaching, Learning and Technology
ALUMNI Alumni and NUST Foundation
ATPI Agriculture Trade Policy Institute
BI Business Intelligence
BRC Biodiversity Research Centre
BUSH Biomass Utilisation by Sustainable Harvest
CE Cooperative Education
CED Centre for Enterprise Development
CEI Corporate Engagement and Internationalisation
CEMB Centre for Excellence in Mineral Beneficiation
CSQA Corporate Strategy and Quality Assurance
DSS Department of Student Services
DTBS Digital Transformation Business Services
DVC-FO Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Finance and Operations
DVC-RIP Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Partnerships
DVC-TLT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning and Technology
EOSA Earth Observation and Satellite Application
EOSARTC Earth Observation and Satellite Applications Research and Training Centre
FabLab Fabrication Laboratory
FCHSE Faculty of Commerce, Human Sciences and Education
FCI Faculty of Computing and Informatics
FEBE Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
FHNRAS Faculty of Health, Natural Resources and Applied Sciences
Finance Finance
Hotel School NUST Hotel School
HP-GSB The Harold Pupkewitz Graduate School Of Business
HR Human Resources
HTTPS High-Tech Plaza Select
ILMI Integrated Land Management Institute
INCEIT India-Namibia Centre Of Excellence In Information Technology
MTC Mathematics Tutoring Centre
MTI Material Testing Institute
NBII Namibian Business Innovation Institute
NEI Namibia Energy Institute
NGIL Namibia-German Institute For Logistics
NGSA Namibia Graduate School of Accounting
NIST Namibia Institute of Space Technology
NQF Qualifications Registered on NQF
P3ICL Protecting, Preserving and Promoting Indigenous Knowledge Cultures and Languages
PDQA Programme Development and Quality Assurance
Registrar Office of the Registrar
SCIONA Skeleton Coast IONA transfrontier park Technology for Conservation
VC Vice Chancellor
Writing Unit Writing Unit