The EDHE Absa Innovation Challenge, a national entrepreneurship competition, will be officially launched at MUT. The initiative, a partnership between Universities South Africa (USAf) and Absa Bank, aims to empower students and recent graduates from South Africa's 26 public universities to develop innovative, impactful, and scalable solutions addressing societal challenges. Goals: Promote youth entrepreneurship and financial inclusion Address graduate unemployment Encourage both tech and non-tech innovation Support inclusive growth and transformation in higher education Key Partners & Guests: Prof Nokuthula Sibiya, VC & Principal, MUT Dr Phethiwe Matutu, CEO, USAf Dr Edwell Gumbo, Director: Entrepreneurship, USAf Dr Steven Zwane, Managing Executive, Absa Dr Bhekabantu Ntshangase or Prof Mathabeng Ramogale, MUT Programme Features: Speeches by national leaders Student exhibition of innovative startups Showcases from: MUT DUT UKZN UNIZULU Live broadcast by MUT Radio Networking lunch Competition Highlights: Open to students and alumni (last 3 years) from all 26 public universities Top 20 finalists attend a bootcamp and mentorship programme Final pitch: 19 November 2025 Awards ceremony: 21 November 2025 Prizes: 🥇 R500,000 🥈 R250,000 🥉 R150,000 4th: R100,000 5th: R50,000