Standard Bank, Africa’s largest technology shop, employing over 5000 IT specialists, is proud to announce the third annual UniHack event, set to take place in Cape Town on April 2nd and 3rd, 2025. Building on the success of the inaugural event in 2023 and the second iteration in 2024, this year’s UniHack promises to be an exciting platform for innovation, collaboration, and skills development.
Standard Bank’s technological infrastructure is unparalleled, enabling it to deliver cutting-edge solutions and drive digital transformation across diverse markets. Standard Bank has a vested interest to not only attract top talent to the bank, but also ensure that young specialists develop and nurture their interest in all thing’s technology. The UniHack is one way of doing this.
UniHack is an extension of the annual Group Kuunda Disrupt Hackathon, targeting selected graduates and designed to foster customer-centric, innovative solutions to everyday challenges. The event aims to provide students with a unique opportunity to develop their skills in an environment that mirrors today’s corporate setup.
“We are proud to build on the success of our inaugural UniHack with a third iteration. This event offers students a unique opportunity to develop innovative solutions in an environment that mirrors today’s corporate setup,” says Jörg Fischer, Standard Bank Group Chief Information Officer.
UniHack not only offers a platform for growth, learning, and competition but also serves as an opportunity to impress potential employers. Notably, two participants from last year’s event have been employed by Standard Bank, highlighting the tangible career prospects that UniHack can offer.
The two-day event will feature teams from the University of Cape Town (UCT), the University of the Western Cape (UWC), the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and Stellenbosch University. 11 competing teams will develop innovative solutions to various challenges relevant to financial services and broader society. Teams will have 24 hours to create their solutions, which will be judged by a diverse panel upon completion. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams.
“This year’s cohort is drawn from four prestigious universities, expanding the reach of the event and offering more opportunities to aspiring students,” adds Fischer. “This year’s UniHack will be a significant test case based on our expansionary focus. We hope to continue using platforms like this to identify young talent and develop future leaders.”
The importance of IT skills in driving South Africa’s growth cannot be overstated. As one of the largest information and communications technology (ICT) markets in Africa, South Africa has established itself as a technological and innovation hub on the continent.
Fischer says, “The IT sector is a key sector to build on future economic growth. Being out of step with the global pace of technology investment and skills is not an option in the global information race. Attracting young talent to the coal face so to speak is key to ensure that a pool of talent is attracted to this space.”
Standard Bank recognises the critical role of skills development in fostering innovation and economic growth. The bank has invested significantly in training and development programs to equip current and future employees with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing digital world. Initiatives like UniHack are part of Standard Bank’s broader commitment to nurturing talent and promoting continuous learning and development.
“At Standard Bank, we value the importance of learning and development, and we are excited to be hosting this event with a specific focus on young graduates who are looking to enter the burgeoning innovation sector,” says Fischer.
“We believe that through UniHack, the selected students will have an opportunity to put their innovative skills into action, engage with executives in the sector, and provide a sample of what working life entails.”
The benefits of UniHack extend beyond the immediate participants. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, the event helps to build a pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute to the growth and development of South Africa’s ICT sector. This, in turn, supports the broader economy and helps to position South Africa as a leader in technology and innovation.
Standard Bank’s commitment to skills development is evident in its various initiatives aimed at equipping employees with the knowledge and capabilities needed for the future. The bank’s investment in learning and development programs, including partnerships with leading technology companies, underscores its dedication to building a strong succession pipeline of future leaders.
//Staff Writer
