EDHE Absa Innovation Challenge Launch Second Session - 2025

The EDHE Absa Innovation Challenge, a national entrepreneurship competition, will be officially launched at MUT. The initiative, a partnership between Universities South Africa (USAf) and Absa Bank, aims to empower students and recent graduates from South Africa's 26 public universities to develop innovative, impactful, and scalable solutions addressing societal challenges.

Goals:

Promote youth entrepreneurship and financial inclusion

Address graduate unemployment

Encourage both tech and non-tech innovation

Support inclusive growth and transformation in higher education

Key Partners & Guests:

Prof Nokuthula Sibiya, VC & Principal, MUT

Dr Phethiwe Matutu, CEO, USAf

Dr Edwell Gumbo, Director: Entrepreneurship, USAf

Dr Steven Zwane, Managing Executive, Absa

Dr Bhekabantu Ntshangase or Prof Mathabeng Ramogale, MUT

Programme Features:

Speeches by national leaders

Student exhibition of innovative startups

Showcases from:

MUT

DUT

UKZN

UNIZULU

Live broadcast by MUT Radio

Networking lunch

Competition Highlights:

Open to students and alumni (last 3 years) from all 26 public universities

Top 20 finalists attend a bootcamp and mentorship programme

Final pitch: 19 November 2025

Awards ceremony: 21 November 2025

Prizes:

🥇 R500,000

🥈 R250,000

🥉 R150,000

4th: R100,000

5th: R50,000