The University of Johannesburg’s Technopreneurship Hackathon, in collaboration with the Centre of Business and Economics (CBE), recently concluded with tremendous success. The event, known as #TPCHackCBE2023, brought together teams of talented students from the University of Johannesburg to showcase their exceptional innovation and problem-solving skills in tackling real-world challenges.
The Role of the Center of Business and Economics (CBE)
Mary Vaughn, a key figure from the Centre of Business and Economics (CBE), played a significant role in the Technopreneurship Hackathon. The CBE, located in the Dean’s office, provided crucial support to ensure the smooth execution of the event. Moreover, the CBE actively contributed ideas to the hackathon by surveying its academics at the start of the year, seeking insights into the challenges and frustrations experienced by faculty members, particularly in areas that could benefit from automation.
The responses from the survey were collected and compiled by the CBE, which was then shared with the Technopreneurship Centre. These problem statements formed the foundation of the hackathon, providing participating students with genuine challenges that required automated solutions. The identified problems primarily revolved around administrative and research-related issues that burdened academics, consuming valuable time that could be better utilized for teaching and other essential tasks.
By participating in the hackathon, students had the opportunity to tackle these problems head-on and create automated solutions such as dashboards and flagged systems. The ultimate goal was to simplify and streamline everyday processes, enhancing overall success within the College of Business and Economics, which boasts one of the largest student populations at the University of Johannesburg, accounting for approximately 38% of the university’s students.
Participant Selection and Categories
The hackathon primarily targeted undergraduate students from the School of Consumer Intelligence within the CBE, ensuring a diverse range of participants from different academic levels, including first-year to third-year undergraduates.
Thrilling Challenges and Outstanding Winners
Over an exhilarating weekend, the participating teams fearlessly embraced the challenges presented by the College of Business and Economics at the University of Johannesburg. The challenges were divided into three categories, each demanding creative and practical solutions that addressed the needs of the business and economic landscape.
In the Administrative Challenge, Team Fearless emerged victorious, showcasing their remarkable ability to develop efficient and effective solutions for streamlining administrative processes. Their solution demonstrated innovative thinking and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by administrative staff.
Team HackAreTech stood out in the Postgraduate Challenge, impressing judges with their ground-breaking ideas and technological prowess. Their solution displayed a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the business and economics field, offering a unique approach to addressing existing issues.
In the Research Challenge, it was Team X claimed the top position. Their exceptional research skills, coupled with their ability to think critically, enabled them to propose viable solutions to pressing challenges faced by businesses and economies. Their solution demonstrated a thorough analysis of the research landscape and highlighted their expertise in providing practical solutions.
Celebrating the Winners and Encouraging Future Success
Congratulations to all the winners of the #TPCHackCBE2023 hackathon! Your achievements are a testament to your hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. This victory not only recognizes your exceptional abilities but also underscores the promising future that lies ahead for each of you.
As the winners embark on their journey to bring their visionary solutions to life, they are encouraged to embrace the boundless opportunities that await them. This success serves as a stepping stone toward greater heights and opens doors to remarkable possibilities. The University of Johannesburg and the Center of Business and Economics are proud to be part of this journey and are committed to supporting these budding technopreneurs in their future endeavors. The University and the CBE will continue to provide mentorship, resources, and guidance to help the winners refine and implement their solutions, ensuring their potential is fully realized.
