From school science fair to Solar Innovation: TUT Student powers ahead to National Pitch

A childhood fascination with innovation has evolved into a groundbreaking solar technology venture, earning TUT student entrepreneur Thabang Moashetsi a place at the national stage.

Thabang Moashetsi What began as a Grade 7 visit to the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists has transformed into an inspiring entrepreneurial journey for Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Computer Science student Thabang Moashetsi, whose innovative solar technology is now headed for the prestigious National Pitch competition in November 2026.

Moashetsi is the founder of Allketek Energies, a startup developing the Autonomous Solar Asset Management System (ASAMS), an innovative solution designed to improve the cleaning, maintenance and monitoring of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. The technology addresses one of the key challenges facing the renewable energy sector by automating essential maintenance functions that help solar systems operate at peak efficiency.

His passion for innovation was ignited in 2019 when a teacher introduced him to the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. During the event, he was inspired by the story of a young inventor who had created a medical dispenser to assist elderly, deaf and visually impaired individuals through the use of light and sound alerts.

“That story changed how I viewed innovation,” recalls Moashetsi. “Throughout high school, I continued to develop prototypes and present them to panels of judges at the Expo. Those experiences strengthened my confidence in problem-solving and sparked my interest in using technology to address real-world challenges.”

His innovation journey continued at Vuselela TVET College, where he received training in solar PV mounting and gained hands-on experience installing solar systems. It was there that he identified an opportunity to solve a recurring industry challenge.

“If solar panels require regular cleaning and maintenance to perform effectively, could some of that work be automated?” he asked. That simple yet powerful question became the foundation of ASAMS.

Designed as an integrated solution, ASAMS combines autonomous movement, automated cleaning, intelligent sensors, monitoring capabilities and fault detection technology. The innovation draws on Moashetsi’s practical experience in solar installations and his academic expertise in Computer Science.

He credits TUT with providing the knowledge and environment necessary to transform the concept into a viable technological solution.

“Through my Computer Science studies, I gained knowledge in software development, automation, sensors, data systems and control technologies, enabling me to contribute to the project's technological and software components,” he says.

Beyond technical skills, TUT also fostered an ecosystem where academic learning, entrepreneurship and innovation intersect, allowing him to develop solutions with real-world impact.

A major milestone came when Moashetsi and his team participated in the NWU × ABSA × YAEI Entrepreneurship and Innovation Event, where they showcased ASAMS to industry experts, entrepreneurs and judges. The experience provided valuable exposure and critical feedback that helped refine both the technology and its commercial proposition.

“Communicating a complex technological innovation within a limited timeframe was challenging, but it reinforced an important lesson,” says Moashetsi. “Having an innovative idea is only part of the innovation journey. The ability to communicate its value effectively is equally important.”

Behind the success of ASAMS is a multidisciplinary team whose expertise spans engineering, business operations, marketing and technical development. The team includes Moashetsi as Project Lead, Researcher, Programmer and PV Mounter; Oupanyana Bojang as Head of Structural Design; Mahomed Khan as Chief Operations Officer; Sienki Bojang as Structural Design Assistant; Oratile Matlhako as PV Mounter and Installer; Raymond Chisinahama as Marketing Strategist; and RS SA, which provides advisory support on component procurement.

Their dedication and hard work paid off when ASAMS was shortlisted for the National Pitch Competition, while also securing R10 000 in prize money. For the team, the achievement represents recognition of years of perseverance, innovation and determination despite resource constraints.

“It was a special moment for the team and me,” reflects Moashetsi. “My immediate thought was that this was not the end of the journey, but another opportunity to build further.”

As they prepare for the National Pitch on 18 November 2026 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, the team remains focused on enhancing the prototype’s autonomous movement, cleaning mechanisms, electronics, control systems and monitoring capabilities. They are also refining their business model and presentation to showcase the full technical and commercial potential of the innovation.

For Moashetsi, the journey from a curious Grade 7 learner to a national-level innovator demonstrates the power of curiosity, education and determination. His story serves as a reminder that transformative ideas often begin with a single spark and that, when nurtured, they can grow into innovations capable of shaping a more sustainable future.