Online Reporter
Nkosilathi Sibanda [email protected]
YOUNG Zimbabwean innovators have an opportunity to access funding, technical mentorship, incubation support and investor-readiness training under the MineTech Innovation Challenge 2026, an initiative aimed at harnessing technology to address challenges facing the mining sector.
The programme, fronted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Government and the Zimbabwe School of Mines seeks to empower young people to develop practical, technology-driven solutions.
The end goal being offering solutions that can improve mining productivity, safety, promote environmental sustainability and enhance mineral value addition.
The initiative is also expected to give young innovators a platform to turn their ideas into viable businesses while connecting them with technical experts, facilities and potential investors.
Top 10 finalists are set to receive funding support to develop and advance their innovations, the UNDP said in a statement this week.
“The finalists will also have access to MineTech Hub facilities, technical mentorship, investor-readiness training and six months of incubation support. The challenge is open to Zimbabwean individuals and teams below the age of 35, including students, researchers, entrepreneurs and start-ups.”
Participants are being encouraged to come up with innovative solutions using artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to tackle real challenges in the mining industry.
The initiative comes as the country continues to seek greater participation of young people in economic development, with innovation and technology providing opportunities for youths to create businesses, employment and locally developed solutions.
“For young entrepreneurs and researchers, the programme provides an opportunity to move ideas from the conceptual stage towards solutions that can potentially be adopted by the mining industry.
“It also creates a platform for collaboration between young innovators, the mining sector, technical institutions and investors, helping to strengthen the link between innovation and industry.
The application deadline has been extended to Friday, 2 October 2026.
