A practical introduction to AI development.
Boundless Academy hosted the challenge at its Soweto Campus with the Gauteng Department of Economic Development and GIZ. Participants explored AI-assisted development, worked in teams and presented their ideas to an industry panel.
The day connected a practical masterclass with guided development and pitching. It gave young people space to practise collaboration, explain their thinking and receive feedback on working concepts.
Learning with industry.
Luma Learn’s James Barnard contributed the masterclass and served as a judge. Matt Cornelius supported participants as a mentor and judge. The judging panel also included Keshan Athimoolam from Cisco and Hemu Choonilal from MTN. Mecer Inter-Ed contributed to the wider event collaboration.
Recognition for teamwork.
Three teams received awards: Binary Bosses, Mzansi Developers and API Avengers. The event recognised practical problem-solving and the ability to communicate an idea.
These were event prototypes. The challenge provides evidence of learning and participation; subsequent product launches and employment outcomes have not yet been established.
Why it matters.
Access to equipment is one part of opportunity. Guidance, feedback and the chance to build something together help learners put technology skills into practice. This is the kind of connection between learning and industry that we want to develop at Soweto Campus.
Watch the SABC Trendz Live segment (opens in a new tab)
Source: Boundless Soweto AI Challenge Event Feedback Report, version 1.9, reviewed 19 October 2026; event photograph archive. Television coverage: SABC Trendz Live, 11 July 2026. Photographs show the event, not generated scenes.
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