The University of Johannesburg (UJ) proudly celebrates an outstanding achievement at the EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Challenge 2026 Gauteng Regional Rounds, hosted by Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) on 3–4 August 2026.
The regional competition brought together the top student entrepreneurs from five Gauteng universities the University of Johannesburg (UJ), the University of Pretoria (UP), Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), and Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). Students competed across five categories: Existing Business – Tech, Existing Business – General, Commercialisation of Academic Research, Innovative Industries, and Social Impact, showcasing innovative business ventures and research-driven solutions that address real-world challenges.
Building on an impressive performance during the UJ Internal Rounds, UJ’s student entrepreneurs once again demonstrated excellence by securing four of the five category titles, earning their place at the EDHE National Finals.
UJ Regional Round Winners
- Existing Business – Tech: Kamogelo Selepe – ArcaneEdge
- Existing Business – General: Katlego Madumo – Madiic Design Studios
- Commercialisation of Academic Research: Tumelo Phasha – ResistIQ
- Innovative Industries: Samukelisiwe Nomusa Shongwe – Humus Africa Locator (Pty) Ltd
This exceptional performance reflects the strength of UJ’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the University’s commitment to nurturing innovative, impact-driven entrepreneurs who are developing solutions with the potential to transform industries and communities.
The EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Challenge is one of South Africa’s flagship entrepreneurship initiatives, aimed at identifying, developing, and celebrating the country’s leading student entrepreneurs. Through mentorship, coaching, networking opportunities, and national exposure, the competition empowers students to commercialise innovative ideas and build sustainable businesses.
As Regional Round winners, each UJ finalist received a R5,000 prize from EDHE in recognition of their achievement. They will also participate in an intensive coaching and bootcamp programme to further develop their ventures and refine their pitches ahead of the National Finals.
Meet UJ’s Winning Entrepreneurs
Kamogelo Selepe – ArcaneEdge
Winner of the Existing Business – Tech category, Kamogelo Selepe is the CEO and Founder of ArcaneEdge, a digital marketplace platform currently in development that seeks to expand opportunities and improve access within the digital economy. She is also the Founder of Becoming Her, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering women through initiatives that promote financial independence and physical and emotional well-being.
Katlego Madumo – Madiic Design Studios
Winner of the Existing Business – General category, Katlego Madumo leads Madiic Design Studios, a multidisciplinary design business delivering innovative and creative solutions across a range of design disciplines. The studio transforms ideas into functional, market-ready solutions through a collaborative, user-centred approach that promotes innovation, sustainability, and quality.
Tumelo Phasha – ResistIQ
Winner of the Commercialisation of Academic Research category, Tumelo Phasha developed ResistIQ, a cloud-based Clinical Decision Support System designed to assist microbiology laboratories by interpreting bacterial genomic sequencing data and generating clinically actionable antimicrobial resistance reports. The platform supports evidence-based antibiotic prescribing and strengthens antimicrobial stewardship.
Samukelisiwe Nomusa Shongwe – Humus Africa Locator (Pty) Ltd
Winner of the Innovative Industries category, Samukelisiwe Nomusa Shongwe founded Humus, a digital memorial platform that enables families to preserve and honour the memories of their loved ones. Through its mobile application, users can create personalised digital memorials, upload photographs, securely store gravesite coordinates, and access memorial information from anywhere in the world.
A Celebration of Innovation
The University also extends its sincere appreciation to the adjudicators, mentors, coaches, organisers, and the EDHE team whose expertise and commitment contributed to the success of both the UJ Internal Rounds and the Gauteng Regional Competition.
One competition. Five universities. Five categories. Four UJ winners.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to the University of Johannesburg’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and the commercialisation of ideas that create meaningful social and economic impact.
Congratulations to our outstanding student entrepreneurs for proudly flying the UJ flag. We wish them every success as they prepare to represent the University at the EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Challenge National Finals.
