Fifty young innovators will compete to develop technology solutions addressing some of Gauteng’s biggest challenges at the provincial YTE G13 Hackathon Finale.
The Gauteng Department of e-Government, in partnership with Microsoft, will host the two-day competition on 7 and 8 July 2026 in Johannesburg, bringing together 10 teams of young innovators from across the province.
The finalists earned their places after competing in regional hackathons held across Gauteng during June as part of the department’s Youth Month programme. Two winning teams from each of the province’s five regions progressed to the finale.
Each team consists of five participants who will now compete to develop practical and impactful digital solutions for challenges facing Gauteng communities.
The young innovators will focus on issues including crime and public safety, service delivery, healthcare, education, employment creation, energy security and water security.
The YTE G13 Hackathon is designed to give young people an opportunity to use technology to solve problems experienced in their own communities, while developing practical skills in collaboration, innovation and problem-solving.
Over the two-day competition, the 50 finalists will work together to develop and refine their ideas before presenting technology-based solutions aimed at responding to Gauteng’s priority challenges.
The programme also creates an opportunity for young technology talent to gain exposure to government and the broader technology sector while demonstrating how locally developed ideas can contribute to better services and stronger communities.
At the closing ceremony on 9 July, one team will be crowned the overall G13 Hackathon Champion and recognised as Gauteng’s top young technology innovators for 2026.
The closing ceremony will be led by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi together with Gauteng MEC for e-Government Bonginkosi Dhlamini.
The competition comes as South Africa continues to look towards digital innovation and technology skills as important tools for addressing social challenges and expanding opportunities for young people.
By connecting young innovators with real public challenges, the programme gives participants the opportunity to move beyond theoretical ideas and develop solutions with potential applications in communities.
The YTE G13 Hackathon Finale takes place on 7 and 8 July 2026 from 10:00, with the closing ceremony scheduled for 9 July 2026 at 10:00 at the Microsoft offices in Johannesburg.
