The Student Project Fund initiative empowers the next generation of engineers by supporting hands-on innovation, experimentation and problem-solving
RS South Africa, a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a leading MRO products and services provider for industrial customers, has announced the winners of the 2026 Student Project Fund, an initiative designed to empower the next generation of engineers by supporting hands-on innovation, experimentation and problem-solving.
This year’s programme awarded 13 students from universities across South Africa with R10 000 worth of RS products each to help transform their ideas into working prototypes. The winning projects span diverse fields including renewable energy, robotics, healthcare technology, logistics automation and STEM education, demonstrating the remarkable ingenuity emerging from South Africa’s future engineering talent.
“The Student Project Fund is more than a sponsorship programme; it is an investment in the thinkers, builders and innovators who will shape South Africa’s future. By giving young engineers the opportunity to test ideas, solve real-world problems and learn through practical application, we help them move beyond concepts and turn innovative ideas into tangible solutions that address real challenges in society,” says Dirkie Human, Education and Social Impact Specialist at RS South Africa.
Turning Waste into Sustainable Energy
Tshepo Mofokeng, a final-year Electrical Engineering student at Tshwane University of Technology, is developing an innovative biogas-to-electricity system that converts organic waste into usable energy. The project uses anaerobic digestion and thermoelectric generation to transform waste into a reliable source of electricity, while integrating smart monitoring and automation technologies.
The solution has the potential to support households, farms and small communities while simultaneously reducing environmental pollution. “Organic waste is often seen as something to dispose of, but it represents an untapped energy resource. By converting the biogas it produces into electricity, we can help supplement South Africa’s power grid,” says Mofokeng.
Building the Future of Robotics Education
Nkosingiphile Langa, a full-time PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering and a part-time research engineer at SMART Lab at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, is working to strengthen robotics education through his Counter Space Learning STEM initiative.
Developed within his newly established non-profit organisation (NPO), Counter Space Learning, the toolkit aims to introduce learners to robotics, coding and problem-solving practically and engagingly. The project has already been piloted and will now be refined and expanded to reach more schools across the country.
“We want to build a toolkit that assists learners and strengthens robotics education in South Africa. With support from the Student Project Fund, we can further improve the design and make it more accessible to schools,” explains Langa.
Advancing Smart Warehouse Automation
Final-year Electrical Engineering student Theto Nonyane from Nelson Mandela University is developing an indoor Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) that uses ultra-wideband localisation technology to navigate indoor environments where traditional GPS systems are ineffective.
The AGV is designed to detect obstacles, avoid collisions and transport materials efficiently within warehouse environments. As South Africa’s logistics and warehousing sectors continue to grow, technologies such as these could play an important role in improving operational efficiency and automation.
“Automation is shaping the future of logistics, and this project allows me to explore practical solutions for South African warehouses. The support from the Student Project Fund will help accelerate the development of this technology,” says Nonyane.
By supporting projects such as these, RS South Africa aims to help students gain practical experience while addressing real-world challenges facing industries and communities.
The company’s commitment extends well beyond funding. Through ongoing engagement with universities, STEM outreach programmes and industry partnerships, RS continues to support students throughout their academic journey, providing opportunities for learning, mentorship, visibility and professional development.
The Student Project Fund forms part of RS South Africa’s broader investment in education and skills development. This includes initiatives that bring engineering concepts into schools, collaborations that provide students with access to resources and expertise, and programmes designed to prepare young people for careers in engineering, technology and industry.
As industries evolve and technological advancement accelerates, nurturing young talent has never been more important. By empowering students to innovate, experiment and solve practical problems, programmes such as the Student Project Fund contribute to building a stronger, more sustainable and more competitive South Africa.
“What excites us most is not only the projects themselves, but the people behind them. Through the Student Project Fund, RS supports students throughout their academic journey, helping them develop the skills, confidence and practical experience needed to become the innovators, problem-solvers and industry leaders of tomorrow. We strongly believe that many of these ideas have the potential to create lasting positive change for South Africa and beyond,” concludes Human.
RS South Africa invites educators, students and industry partners to join in championing innovation and skills development. Together, we can empower the next generation of engineers to solve real-world challenges and drive South Africa forward.
To view all 13 winning Student Project Fund projects and learn more about the students behind these innovative solutions, visit: Student Project Fund
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Author: Basetsana Motsieloa from NGAGE on behalf of RS South Africa.
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