Information technology company Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has launched its TCS Sustainathon – a problem-solving competition aimed at getting youth to develop and execute innovative ideas to address real-world issues using technology – in South Africa.

The theme for the South African edition of the TCS Sustainathon is ‘Zero Hunger’, which is focused on finding ways to ensure adequate nutrition and food security for children and South Africans living in underprivileged communities. The ideas can be linked to changes in policy, design or broader society.

To build on their ideas, participants will have the opportunity to work with the Sustainathon’s challenge partners retailer Pick n Pay, consumer goods company Unilever and clearing house BankservAfrica, along with strategic partners such as the Western Cape Department of Education, the Sustainability Institute and the United Nations Global Compact South Africa.

Registrations for the TCS Sustainathon South Africa are now open to students between 15 and 17 years of age in the Western Cape. Upon registration, participants will be able to attend a programme of briefing webinars, before the final concept submission and the TCS Sustainathon grand finale at the Sustainability Institute at Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape.

The ten finalists will be announced on November 8.

The winning team will receive a cash prize of R30 000, while second place will win R20 000 and third place R10 000. The seven other finalist teams will receive R5 000 each.

“The challenge will give our young people an opportunity to creatively harness technology and conceive innovative solutions to address societal problems such as hunger and shape a better future for everyone,” TCS South Africa country manager Langa Dube says.

TCS Sustainathon has previously taken place in the UK, Europe, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and India.

Those interested can register at: https://www.sustainathon.tcsapps.com/events/ongoing/SA2022