THE Faculty of Engineering at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), emerged as the Overall Champion at the 2026 Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers (ZIE) World Engineering Day Hackathon.
In a rigorous competition featuring 12 university teams from across Zimbabwe, NUST demonstrated unparalleled innovation by securing both first and second place.
Midlands State University (MSU) came third.
NUST Director for Communication and Marketing, Mr Thabani Mpofu said the victory underscores the University’s commitment to providing world-class industrial and environmental solutions.
“These victories highlight the NUST Faculty of Engineering as a leader in pioneering sustainable technology. We wish our winning team the best as they “Think in Other Terms” in Indonesia.
“As national winners, the team will represent the country on the global stage at the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) Global Hackathon from 28 February to 4 March 2026 in Jarkata, Indonesia,” he said.
Mr Mpofu said for first place, the Department of Civil and Water Engineering’s innovation sort to address the challenge on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 14 and 15 on Life Below Water and Life on Land.
He said the team developed a revolutionary Constructed Wetland System.
“Using an ingenious approach to circular engineering, the team repurposed Platinum Granulated Furnace Slag and Alum Sludge to create a reactive substrate. This system is designed to reverse heavy metal contamination and eutrophication in the Umguza River,” he added.
He said for the second place, the Department of Electronic Engineering sort to address the challenge on SDG 12 of Responsible Consumption and Production.
Mr Mpofu said the students developed an innovation, AURORO-Nexus, an advanced digital twin platform designed to optimise energy efficiency and sustainability in commercial and residential infrastructure, paving the way for a smarter, greener Zimbabwe.
Other participating universities were Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE), Zimbabwe National Defence University (ZNDU), Fossil, DW Software and Robotics and Tin Computer Labs. – Chronicle/NUST News Hub.