Two South African teams lead the charge for real-world change in annual SAS Hackathon

Commencing earlier this year, the SAS 2023 Hackathon aims to inspire 104 teams from 74 countries to be curious and passionate; to invent something new that could change our daily lives, the way we do business, or approach humanitarian causes. South Africa has two teams, from Absa and Dake Solutions, participating in this prestigious event this year, which reinforces the country’s commitment to finding innovative, data-driven ways of overcoming the pressing issues facing local markets.

The annual Hackathon is seeing 530 hackers and 140 organisations spanning nine industries participate using the SAS Viya artificial intelligence, AI-based automation platform. SAS Viya is making it possible for participants to integrate teams and technology thereby enabling all types of SAS and open-source users to collaborate.

“The Hackathon runs for six weeks and provides corporates with the ideal platform to get a sense of the capabilities of SAS Viya in virtually real-world conditions. They also have the opportunity to use SAS technology to drive collaboration internally across their different business units,” says Tumi Nomlomo, Senior Business Solutions Manager at SAS in South Africa and 2023 Hackathon mentor.

The Hackathon is structured in such a way that teams receive the means through SAS technology to transform use cases from ideas to reality. The intention is to stimulate further creative solutions among participating organisations.

“Now in its seventh year, the SAS Hackathon is an enabler for deeper engagement and provides the means to stimulate innovation. More than that, through the two South African teams, the country is highlighting how data analysis can combine with solutions that can drive real social change,” says Stephan Wessels, SAS Head of Customer Advisory for South Africa and 2023 Hackathon ambassador.

One of the criteria is whether the team develops an algorithm or application that addresses an untapped gap in the industry of choice. Judges will look at the uniqueness and usability of the proposed solution with a focus on the sustainable economy.