ICISCET 2026 drives innovation and research excellence

The Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) strengthened its commitment to research excellence and technological innovation by hosting the 2026 IEEE International Conference on Innovative Computing, Intelligent Systems and Engineering Technologies (ICISCET 2026).

Prof Chunling Du, Conference Chair and Head of the Department of Computer Systems Engineering. Hosted through the Department of Computer Systems Engineering from 14 to 16 October 2026, the international conference brought together researchers, academics and industry experts to exchange knowledge, showcase research and explore emerging technological solutions. The conference commenced virtually on 14 October before moving to Emerald Resort & Casino in Vanderbijlpark for the in-person programme on 15 and 16 October.

Opening the physical proceedings, the Faculty of ICT’s Executive Dean, Dr Etienne van Wyk, welcomed paper authors, keynote speakers and faculty staff. His address set the tone for meaningful engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing between academia and industry.

A major highlight was the distinguished line-up of keynote speakers, who shared insights into emerging developments shaping computing, intelligent systems, energy optimisation and technological innovation.

Among them was Prof Andries Engelbrecht, who holds joint appointments in the Department of Industrial Engineering and the Division of Computer Science at Stellenbosch University. Internationally recognised for his contributions to computational intelligence, Prof Engelbrecht’s research spans swarm intelligence, neural networks and evolutionary computation. He has published more than 460 peer-reviewed papers and two textbooks and is an NRF A1-rated researcher who has supervised more than 80 master’s and doctoral graduates.

A paper author presents research during ICISCET 2026. Prof Xianming Ye, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering at the University of Pretoria, also addressed delegates. His research focuses on energy efficiency and demand-side management, building and industrial energy-system modelling and optimisation, renewable energy, microgrids, electric vehicles and explainable artificial intelligence.

His work includes research projects in microgrids and South Africa’s national Energy Performance Certificate programme for buildings, supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering in the United Kingdom and the National Research Foundation of South Africa.

Bringing an industry perspective to the programme was Fulvio Dona, Workstations Sales Specialist for HP Southern and Central Africa. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in client computing, product management, IT solutions and channel engagement, Dona shared expertise on identifying and implementing technology solutions for complex business environments. His contribution highlighted the value of collaboration between academia and industry in translating technological advances into practical applications.

On the final day, Dr Jabu Mtsweni, Head of the Information and Cyber Security Centre and Chief Researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), delivered a virtual keynote address. The programme continued with breakaway sessions, during which authors presented research spanning innovative computing, intelligent systems and engineering technologies.

Delegates attending ICISCET 2026. Research presentations remained at the heart of the three-day conference, providing scholars with a platform to share findings, exchange ideas, receive feedback and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in their respective fields. The sessions also stimulated critical discussion around emerging technologies and their potential to address complex challenges across various sectors.

Closing ICISCET 2026, Conference Chair Prof Chunling Du, Head of the Department of Computer Systems Engineering, thanked the keynote speakers, paper authors, Faculty of ICT staff and organising team for their contributions, dedication and commitment to the conference’s success. She also expressed appreciation to HP for its sponsorship and support.

The successful conclusion of ICISCET 2026 underscored the importance of international research platforms in strengthening academic networks, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and connecting scientific inquiry with real-world challenges.

Through initiatives such as ICISCET 2026, the Faculty of ICT continues to create valuable spaces where researchers, academics and industry professionals can exchange expertise, develop new perspectives and explore innovative solutions shaping the future of computing and engineering.

Conference attendees during the ICISCET 2026 programme. Fulvio Dona, Workstations Sales Specialist for HP Southern and Central Africa.

Prof Andries Engelbrecht. Prof Xianming Ye.

Dr Etienne van Wyk, Executive Dean of TUT’s Faculty of ICT.