MTN Digital Innovation Enactus Challenge 2026
Summary
The 2026 MTN Enactus Digital Innovation Challenge is a National Special Competition empowering university students to design, prototype, and launch scalable digital solutions addressing Health, Education, Agriculture, Water Scarcity, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Students apply Design Thinking and Lean Business methodologies while leveraging No-Code and Low-Code platforms to build monetized digital services aligned with MTN’s digital inclusion strategy.
Finalists of the MTN Digital Innovation Challenge on stage at the Enactus South Africa National Expo 2025.
Overview
The MTN Digital Innovation Enactus Challenge 2026 empowers university students to design, build, and launch scalable digital products and services that address key social challenges in Health, Education, Agriculture, Water Scarcity, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Participants go through a structured innovation journey that includes building both a digital solution and a digital business. The programme begins with a Design Thinking Bootcamp where teams define real problems and validate user needs. This is followed by No-Code and Low-Code Masterclasses that support teams in developing functional Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).
Teams then enter a Solution Refinement phase focused on strengthening Problem–Solution Fit and Solution–Market Fit with guidance from expert coaches. A 24-hour Builderthon provides an intensive working session to finalise prototypes with direct mentorship and technical support.
Beyond product development, The Top 15 teams also learn how to build sustainable digital businesses through training in planning, go-to-market strategy, sales readiness, and brand development. By the end of the programme, participants have both a working digital solution and a clear business model for growth and impact.
Eligibility Requirements
Participation is open to registered university students in South Africa.
Solutions must:
- Be digital and aligned to one or more focus areas: Health, Education, Agriculture, Water Scarcity, or Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
- Demonstrate willingness to learn and use No-Code or Low-Code platforms to develop an MVP, or be able to code an MVP with limited technical support
- Commit to full participation in training and development sessions
By entering the competition, students agree to affiliate with Enactus at their institution if not already affiliated.
Funding Stages
- Top 25 Semi-Finalists: R8,000 in grant funding
- Top 15 Finalists: R25,000 in development funding plus a laptop
- Top 5 Teams: Up to R100,000 in additional funding
Winnings will not be paid out in cash and will only be used to pay approved service providers.
Commitment Clause
Acceptance of grant funding constitutes a contractual obligation.
Non-compliance with programme requirements may result in:
- Withdrawal of funding
- Return of purchased assets
- Restriction from participation in future Enactus opportunities
Please note that this is a commitment to a 12-month programme of building and developing the business, not only a pitch competition. Winnings will not be paid out in cash.