National mineral research council Mintek will host a Grad Hackathon for young innovators, including university students, unemployed graduates and interns under 35 years of age at the Mintek Science Convention of Innovators (Mintek-SCi) event in October.

The Hackathon challenges the teams to collaboratively develop tangible solutions for pressing real-world problems within a mentored environment.

Teams will tackle diverse issues ranging from applying AI to improve mineral processing efficiency and enhancing sustainable water use in mining operations, to developing Internet-of-Things solutions for predictive equipment maintenance and proposing viable renewable-energy alternatives for energy-intensive smelting processes.

The challenges also extend to broader societal concerns by tasking participants with creating advanced materials for proactive pothole repairs, designing nationwide systems for detecting geological hazards and engineering secure mine shaft closure systems to improve community safety, the research organisation says.

Under the theme 'The Next Frontier: Emerging Scientists Driving Change', the event aims to foster innovation among young researchers and scientists under the age of 35. It will be held on October 1 and 2 at Mintek's campus in Randburg.

The Mintek-SCi Symposium component provides a vital platform for emerging researchers, postgraduates and students under 35 to present and discuss cutting-edge work.

The event aims to strengthen the ecosystem connecting research, development and industry application, the research council adds.

“Mintek is opening its doors and resources through Mintek-SCi 2025 to empower the next generation of leaders. We are challenging our young scientists and engineers to bring us your most innovative ideas, your disruptive technologies for complex industry processes and everyday issues affecting our nation.

“We believe unleashing this potential is key to driving progress and securing a prosperous future for South Africa,” says Mintek CEO Dr Molefi Motuku.

The programme will feature keynote addresses by industry leaders, including Motuku, alongside multiple parallel technical sessions covering critical topics, such as critical minerals, unlocking resources, energy, emerging technologies and sustainability and circular economy.

Additionally, a dedicated panel discussion will explore 'The Road Ahead: Key Focus Areas for the Future of Mineral Research', Mintek says.

“Mintek-SCi is a strategic investment in the future,” says Mintek-SCi 2025 chairperson Dr Khuthadzo Mudzanani.

“By combining the Symposium and the Grad Hackathon, we are creating a dynamic space where the bright, emerging scientists South Africa needs can share research, directly apply their skills to challenges that matter, and foster innovation with agility and purpose,” she says.