The IIE’s Varsity College Waterfall Hackathon provides platform for students to explore and innovate
Team 4WM, comprising third-year BCAD students Kgothatso Theko, Ayabulela Jimlimb, Sibonelo Lukhele, and Karabo Yende, stood out among the competition with their innovative project, VC-ECO.
The world of technology is ever-evolving, and nowhere is this more evident than at the IIE Varsity College Waterfall’s Faculty of Computer Science Hackathon Challenge.
The college’s Team 4WM recently won the challenge hosted at the campus, surpassing 13 other teams and earning a R2 500 Takealot voucher.
The project, VC-ECO, was created by third-year Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Application Development students Kgothatso Theko, Ayabulela Jimlimb, Sibonelo Lukhele, and Karabo Yende. It impressed judges with its innovation and functionality, demonstrating their ability to apply classroom skills to real-world challenges.
VC-ECO is a digital ecosystem that serves as a central communication hub between institutions and students. It features a mobile app for students and a web app for institutions, offering event notices, course updates, general announcements, feedback submissions, and virtual student cards.
Developers from AVT and BET Software provided essential mentorship, contributing to the Hackathon’s success. AVT also identified an outstanding student during the competition, who will be announced later this year and offered an internship opportunity.
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Jimlimb shared his motivation for participating, stating, “The hackathon is an incredible opportunity to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in a collaborative, high-energy environment.”
He emphasised that each event brought new challenges, technologies, and connections, allowing participants to tackle real-world problems while developing new skills.
He noted that hackathons enabled students to apply their knowledge and adapt to new situations. “They remind us of the power of teamwork and how small ideas can evolve into impactful solutions when we collaborate. I am passionate about contributing to something bigger than myself, and hackathons provide the perfect setting for that.”
Jimlimb explained that the idea for VC-ECO emerged from recognising a gap in how people discover, organise, and engage with events digitally. “The way we connect with events, whether conferences, meetups, or social gatherings, has evolved significantly, especially with the rise of virtual and hybrid formats. However, many platforms still feel fragmented and cumbersome, lacking a seamless experience.
“We aimed to create a platform that simplifies event management for organisers while offering participants a richer, more engaging experience. Our goal was to build a space that fosters real connections, whether attendees are in person or online, integrating features like smart networking, personalised recommendations, and real-time interaction tools into a user-friendly platform.”
The Waterfall campus prides itself on fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration through events like the Faculty of Computer Science Hackathon Challenge.
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