The Global HackAtom 2026 is an international 24-hour innovation challenge where student teams develop practical solutions for the nuclear sector. 

The competition brings together some of the brightest minds from around the world, with national stages hosted in Rosatom partner countries. Winning teams will advance to the Global Grand Final in Russia (September 2026).

Theme: Nuclear Energy Solutions for Sustainable Development of Africa's Coastal Regions

South African National Stage

  • Dates: 5–6 May 2026
  • Venue: University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa Campus
  • Format: 24-hour hackathon challenge + 10-minute team presentations
  • Working language: English

Who can Participate?

  • Student teams from South African universities
  • Teams of 6 members (5 students and one research supervisor)
  • Open to all fields of study (engineering, IT, data, innovation, etc.)
  • Suggested roles include:
    • Team Captain
    • Engineers
    • IT Specialists
    • Presenters
  • No restrictions on technologies used

Challenge Overview

  • Develop innovative solutions for real nuclear industry problems
  • Work collaboratively under a 24-hour time constraint
  • Present your solution in a 10-minute pitch

Prize

The winning team will proudly represent South Africa at the Global Grand Final in Russia in September 2026.

Registration and Application

Interested students must complete the official registration form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgaLu9VyAEnKnSnk0r51L4qzq9d9bPISdeLgYxI6EWrKeJCQ/viewform 

Deadline for applications

Register your team before 30 April 2026

Contact

For additional details, please feel free to contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Note

Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

 

 

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