The 5th Annual Limpopo Varsity Hackathon Promotes Innovation in Agriculture

The 5th Annual Limpopo Varsity Hackathon (LVH) brought together hundreds of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Agriculture students for three days of collaboration, critical thinking and innovation.

The Ganadores, the winning team of 2026 Limpopo Varsity Hackathon. Hosted by the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), in partnership with the University of Limpopo, the University of Venda, and mLab, the event was held from 8 to 10 October 2026 under the theme Agri Hack: Hacking for Agriculture, challenging students to explore innovative solutions to agricultural challenges.

Speaking on behalf of the Polokwane campus rector, Academic Manager Prof Ricky Mukonza commended the partners and sponsors for supporting an initiative aimed at developing solutions to real-world challenges. He encouraged students to collaborate, share knowledge and think beyond conventional approaches in their pursuit of innovative ideas.

Mashitishi Phurutsi, Faculty of ICT First Year Foundation Unit Manager and Chief of the Faculty of ICT University Hackathon Series, highlighted the educational value of hackathons in fostering collaboration among students from different fields of study. “The purpose of these hackathons is to bring together students from different areas of knowledge to learn from one another,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, Goboitshepo Leroke, a representative of the Mpumalanga Artificial Intelligence Student Hackathon (MAISH), emphasised the role of hackathons in transforming ideas into practical solutions. He explained that these initiatives equip students with diverse skills and hands-on experience that can be applied in the workplace, helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements.

Dr Rita Raseleka talks about the importance of strategic partnerships. The programme also featured presentations exploring the role of technology and research in advancing agricultural innovation. Prof Pius Owolawi, Faculty of ICT Assistant Dean for Industry Liaison, Special Projects and Work-Integrated Learning, delivered a presentation titled “Smart Agriculture: Using Technology to Improve Farming Productivity and Sustainability”. His presentation focused on the potential of technology to improve agricultural productivity and promote sustainable farming practices.

Dr Rita Raseleka, Director of Research and Innovation, presented on “Advancing Innovation through Research and Strategic Partnerships”. She highlighted the potential of initiatives that promote research and innovation to help address South Africa's high unemployment rate. She also described the gathering as a space filled with ideas and innovation.

Dr Khulisa Sigama delivered the closing remarks. Following the final presentations, the top four teams were announced. First place went to The Ganadores, second place to The Elites, third place to The Commandments and Fourth place to Rumi Tech.

Delivering the closing remarks, Dr Khuliso Sigama, Faculty of ICT Academic Manager at the Polokwane campus and the Chief Executive Organiser of the LVH, thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the hackathon series. The 5th Annual Limpopo Varsity Hackathon provided a platform for students to exchange knowledge, explore technology-driven agricultural solutions and apply their skills to real-world challenges.