10/06/2026
‼️ Reminder ‼️
SAIIE36 Student Competition 2026 | Entries Open
Calling all Industrial and Systems Engineering students in Southern Africa!
The SAIIE Student Competition, now in its fourth year, gives students the opportunity to showcase innovative, practical solutions to real-world challenges using Industrial and Systems Engineering principles.
This year’s problem focuses on a challenge that affects many South Africans daily: long waiting times and operational inefficiencies in public services.
Students are invited to develop solutions that use AI or Analytics to improve queues and reduce waiting times in public service environments such as clinics, banks, university administration offices, licensing departments, or hospitals. Submissions must also demonstrate how AI was used ethically in the proposed solution.
Project Phase
To enter, students must submit an application and a short abstract of no more than 150 words. Entries will be pre-screened, after which 5 finalist teams will be selected and allocated mentors. The final winners will be announced on 7 August 2026, with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes awarded.
The winning team will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to attend and present their solution at the SAIIE36 Conference, taking place from 19 to 21 October 2026.
Important Deadlines
Application and abstract submission: 12 June 2026
Shortlisted abstracts and mentor allocation: 26 June 2026
Video and supporting materials submission: 30 July 2026
Q&A and winner announcement: 7 August 2026
Submission Link
Submit your application here:
https://forms.gle/rHrWwaipBXSbz3NZA
Take on the challenge, apply your skills, and show how Industrial and Systems Engineering can help build more efficient, ethical, and people-centred public services.