“The 2026 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair will bring together over 300 South African finalists and 24 international participants to showcase innovative projects tackling health, education, and AI challenges. The event underscores South Africa’s commitment to nurturing young scientific talent and creating pathways into STEM careers.”
South Africa’s innovation landscape is once again in the spotlight as the 2026 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF) prepares to host hundreds of young innovators from across the country. Scheduled to take place at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre from September 29 to October 2, the event will feature 316 finalists from 35 regions across all nine provinces, alongside 24 international participants from countries including Brazil, India, Ireland, Russia, Lesotho, Namibia, China, Türkiye, Tunisia, Mozambique, and Ghana.
The Role of Innovation in Youth Development
The Eskom Expo has become a cornerstone of South Africa’s innovation ecosystem, offering young scientists a platform to transform ideas into impactful projects. Many of the showcased innovations are inspired by local community challenges, classroom questions, and everyday life problems. This grassroots approach ensures that the projects are not only academically rigorous but also socially relevant.
Key areas of focus include:
- Health and Wellbeing: Projects on glucose regulation, gluten reduction, sleep apnoea, and disease biomarkers.
- Education and Learning: Innovations aimed at boosting academic performance and accessibility.
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: Applications in disease diagnosis and assistive technologies for people with disabilities.
Empowering Disadvantaged Communities
According to Mologadi Motshele, acting CEO of the Eskom Development Foundation, the Expo is more than a competition—it is a pathway to opportunity, particularly for girls and learners from previously disadvantaged communities. By enabling these learners to progress from school-level projects to national and international platforms, the Expo creates tangible opportunities for bursaries, scholarships, and career advancement.
Global Collaboration and Exposure
The inclusion of international participants highlights the Expo’s growing global relevance. By bringing together young scientists from diverse backgrounds, the ISF fosters cross-cultural collaboration and exposes South African learners to global standards of research and innovation. This international dimension strengthens South Africa’s position as a hub for youth-driven scientific advancement.
Rewards and Opportunities
The Expo offers millions of rands in prizes and opportunities, including bursaries, laptops, tablets, and special awards. Notably, Siemens Energy will fund two higher-education bursaries worth approximately R1.35 million over four years, providing crucial financial support for students pursuing careers in engineering and related fields.
Long-Term Impact on South Africa’s Innovation Ecosystem
The Eskom Expo aligns with South Africa’s broader innovation agenda, which emphasizes STEM education, research commercialization, and AI integration. By nurturing young talent, the Expo contributes to building a pipeline of innovators who can address pressing national challenges such as healthcare accessibility, energy sustainability, and digital transformation.
Conclusion
The 2026 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists ISF is more than a science fair—it is a launchpad for future innovators. By combining local relevance with global exposure, the Expo ensures that South Africa’s youth are not only participants in the innovation economy but also leaders shaping its future. As the finalists prepare to showcase their projects later this month, the event stands as a testament to the transformative power of science, innovation, and education in building a more inclusive and sustainable society.
