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By Levy Masiteng
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has made a significant mark in the world of innovation, with its students clinching top spots at the G20 Tourism Hackathon.
The Catalysts, Map My Biz, and Ubuntu Unlimited at the G20 Tourism Hackathon Challenge. Photo: Supplied.
The competition was held late last month and brought together 46 youth from 21 institutions of higher learning.
UJ said the participants were challenged to develop AI solutions that drive job creation and sustainable growth in the tourism sector.
Two UJ teams took the top prizes, with the Catalysts team securing first place and a prize of R175,000.
In a statement, UJ said the team presented an innovative solution called Hologram Hub, which offers a digital platform that empowers rural communities to profile and preserve their unique cultural heritage, attracting tourists directly to their locations.
“The platform enables these communities to tell their own stories, promoting cultural preservation and economic growth,” the institution said.
Map My Biz took the second spot and pocketed R140,000.
Their innovation addressed the challenge of visibility for local entrepreneurs by combining offline accredited learning with AI-driven support and a global smart map.
Map My Biz’s Inganathi Zimela said the project ensured that rural entrepreneurs become visible, trusted, and adequately supported by international and domestic tourists. “Being part of the first ever G20 Tourism Hackathon South Africa was an inspiring and eye-opening experience for me. It challenged me to think with an innovative mindset about global tourism issues that need to be solved urgently,” added Zimela.
Catalysts team member Teagon Spykerman said being part of the hackathon was an “incredible experience”.
“This opportunity has taught me how to work better in teams, but more importantly, it has opened my eyes and made me believe in myself more,” Spykerman said.
Tracy Daniels, UJ academic head for hospitality, said she was proud of the outcome. “What an incredible job. The University of Johannesburg is the only university with students in the top two teams. An amazing, amazing achievement.”
The G20 Tourism Hackathon forms part of the South African Department of Tourism’s aim to promote sustainability and enhance the tourism experience through AI-driven solutions.
UJ said both teams will present their solutions at the G20 Ministerial Summit, showcasing their innovations directly to Tourism Ministers, which is expected to take place in November as part of the G20 Summit.
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