The City of Johannesburg, in partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand, will announce the Smart City Innovation Challenge winners at an awards ceremony on 01 April 2026 at the Wits Origins Centre.
The Smart City Innovation Challenge is an initiative between the City and Wits University aimed at harnessing innovation and technology to address urban challenges and improve service delivery. It brings together young innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to develop practical, scalable solutions that respond to the evolving needs of Johannesburg as a modern, connected city.
Over the course of the challenge, participants have worked on cutting-edge solutions aligned with key smart city priorities, including digital transformation, data-driven governance, and sustainable urban development. The handover ceremony will mark the culmination of this process, where winning solutions will be formally presented to the City for potential implementation.
Seven finalists will be recognised at the ceremony:
- 1st Place: R300,000 Pilot Grant (1 winner)
- 2nd Place: R200,000 Pilot Grant (2 winners)
- 3rd Place: R100,000 Pilot Grant (4 winners)
Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg Cllr Dada Morero emphasised the importance of such initiatives in driving the City’s vision forward.
“The Smart City agenda remains one of the City’s key priorities as we work to build a more efficient, responsive, and inclusive Johannesburg. Initiatives such as the Smart City Innovation Challenge demonstrate the power of collaboration in unlocking innovative solutions that can transform how we deliver services to our residents.”
The Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, known as a hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship, provides the ideal platform for this milestone event, bringing together government, academia, and the private sector under one roof.
Members of the media are invited to attend the ceremony and witness firsthand the innovative ideas that are shaping the future of Johannesburg.
Event Details:
Date: 01 April 2026
Venue: Wits Origins Centre, Braamfontein
Time: 08:00
SUPPLIED.
