TUT hosts BRICS+ Youth Innovation Summit to drive global solutions

TUT hosted the 4th BRICS+ Youth Innovation Summit, bringing together young innovators to tackle sustainability, AI digitisation, and food security challenges.

Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, DVC for Research Innovation and Engagement, opened the 4th BRICS+ Youth Innovation Summit at the Tshwane University of Technology, positioning youth innovation at the centre of global development.

The two-day summit took place at the Prestige Auditorium on the Pretoria Campus and provided a platform for young innovators to address sustainable development, green innovation, artificial intelligence, digitilisation and Agri-tech for food security.

Dr Papu-Zamxaka said the University’s Institutional Strategic Plan 2026 to 2035 aims to position TUT as South Africa’s leading entrepreneurial University. She said the University focuses on developing future-ready graduates who think critically, solve complex problems and create value in a rapidly changing world.

She said strategic partnerships such as the collaboration with the South African BRICS Youth Association strengthen knowledge exchange, joint research and capacity building across BRICS institutions. She added that collaboration enables solutions to global challenges such as climate change digital transformation and socio-economic inequality.

According to Raymond Matlala, Chief Executive Officer of the South African BRICS Youth Association, the summit creates a platform for young people to showcase ideas, pitch projects and expand networks to scale their innovations.

Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister in the Presidency for Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities, said BRICS leaders recognise the youth as a driving force in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. She said innovation must protect sovereignty and support self-determination while promoting entrepreneurship and inclusive development.

Chikunga added that the government is strengthening youth development by introducing coding and robotics in public schools and by building a coordinated national education system led by the Department of Science and Technology and Innovation.

Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former African Union Commission Chairperson, said the summit unites young people across nations to shape a shared future. She said the BRICS holds growing global significance and has the potential to advance a more inclusive and balanced world through cooperation.

Winners of the youth innovation presentations were announced at the end of the summit.