The Twin Transition Challenge South Africa is an innovation programme where digital transformation meets sustainability.

The challenge brings together ambitious students, forward-thinking businesses, and industry experts to tackle real-world challenges at the intersection of technology and the green transition. By focusing on the twin transition — digitalisation and sustainability — the programme explores how digital tools, data, and new ways of thinking can accelerate a more resilient and inclusive economy.

Students work in multidisciplinary teams on concrete challenges from private sector partners in key future-facing sectors such as circular economy, smart and green logistics, life sciences and health, and renewable energy. Guided by experts and mentors, teams move from insight to idea, and from idea to actionable concept, using design thinking and human-centred innovation methods.

The Twin Transition Challenge runs in Cape Town and Johannesburg and culminates in a National Grand Finale, where teams pitch their solutions to a professional jury and a wider network of companies, policymakers, and ecosystem partners. It is a moment of visibility, connection, and momentum.

In short, the Twin Transition Challenge:

• Empowers students with future-ready digital and entrepreneurial skills
• Helps businesses unlock new sustainable and digital opportunities
• Connects talent, technology, and industry around real impact
• Tests a scalable model for driving sustainable digital innovation in South Africa

The Twin Transition Challenge is more than a competition. It is a platform to experiment, collaborate, and build solutions that shape the future — where technology meets sustainability for tomorrow.

The Twin Transition Challenge is designed to create value for students, businesses, and the wider innovation ecosystem.

For students, the programme builds practical skills in digital innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Participants gain hands-on experience working on real business challenges, develop future-ready competencies, and strengthen their professional networks.

For the private sector, the challenge fosters active collaboration with emerging talent and supports the development of innovative digital solutions that contribute to sustainability goals. Partners gain fresh insights, new ideas, and a clearer view of economic opportunities created by the twin transition.

For the innovation ecosystem, the programme tests and validates the Twin Transition Challenge as a scalable model for accelerating sustainable digital innovation in South Africa. It strengthens collaboration between education, industry, and ecosystem organisations, and lays the groundwork for a self-sustaining programme beyond the pilot phase.