On 2 October 2025, the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Chemical Engineering students demonstrated their innovation and technical excellence by winning the Mintek Sci 2025 Hackathon. Themed “Status Quo is Boring,” the competition challenged participants to rethink conventional practices and design creative, sustainable solutions to real-world problems.
Teams from universities across South Africa competed in this high-intensity challenge, applying their academic knowledge to issues spanning environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and resource management. Among eight teams entered by UJ, Team H2Optimise emerged as the overall winner, impressing judges with their forward-thinking solution to sustainable water management in the mining sector.
H2Optimise developed an AI-integrated model to reprocess water from tailing dams, combining advanced chemical engineering principles with data-driven technology. Their approach not only addressed one of mining’s most persistent challenges — water reuse — but also showcased how engineering innovation can contribute to more sustainable industrial practices.
“Winning the hackathon was an incredible experience that pushed us to think outside the box,” said Mr Siyabonga Ndebele, one of the winning team members. “Addressing sustainable water management not only broadened my understanding but also made me realise our potential to create real change in the industry.”
Reflecting on the achievement, Mr Bonolo Mabele, team leader of H2Optimise, added:
“The hackathon showcased the incredible talent of our students. Applying theoretical knowledge to practical challenges not only enhanced our learning but prepared us to be leaders in sustainable engineering.”
The students’ success drew praise from the Department of Chemical Engineering. Mr Meta Jonathan Mvita, lecturer in the department, commended their performance, noting that such initiatives bridge the gap between academia and industry:
“The level of innovation displayed by our students was truly impressive. It’s important for academia to support such platforms, as they prepare students to tackle pressing environmental challenges and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Head of Department Dr Major Mabuza highlighted the broader significance of the students’ work:
“Seeing young engineers focus on sustainable practices in mining gives me hope for the future. Their commitment to addressing community issues, like water management, reflects a growing awareness of the importance of responsible resource use.”
Representatives from Mintek also lauded the calibre of the student projects. Dr Edouard Malenga emphasised the relevance of their ideas for industry:
“The innovative approaches presented at the hackathon, particularly regarding water management in mining, are crucial for our industry’s future. It’s inspiring to see students actively engaging with environmental sustainability.”
The Programme Director at Mintek echoed this sentiment, adding:
“The creativity and technical knowledge demonstrated by the students were remarkable. Projects like H2Optimise show that the next generation of engineers is ready to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in our field.”
UJ’s triumph at the Mintek Sci 2025 Hackathon underscores the university’s growing reputation for producing solution-oriented graduates. It also reaffirms UJ’s commitment to empowering students to lead in innovation, sustainability, and the responsible application of technology.
