Ideas become opportunities as Eskom Expo International Science Fair gets underway
Outstanding participants will have the chance to receive bursaries, cash prizes, laptops and tablets.
More than 340 young scientists from South Africa and around the world have gathered in Gauteng for the 2026 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF), where they will showcase innovative research projects and compete for bursaries, prizes and international opportunities.
The event is taking place at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre from 29 September to 2 October.
A total of 316 South African finalists from 35 regions across all nine provinces are joined by 24 international participants from Brazil, India, Ireland, Russia, Lesotho, Namibia, China, Türkiye, Tunisia, Mozambique and Ghana, with some taking part virtually.
Throughout the week, participants will network with fellow young scientists, attend Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) career exhibitions, and engage with universities and industry professionals to explore future study and career opportunities.
Learners will also attend a Mathematics Show presented by Steve Sherman of Living Maths.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation, Mologadi Motshele, said investing in young scientists is an investment in South Africa’s future.
“South Africa’s future economic growth depends on our ability to develop a strong pipeline of scientists, engineers and innovators. Our investment in the Eskom Expo is, therefore, an investment in the country’s future skills base,” she said.
Motshele added that it was encouraging to see girls and learners from previously disadvantaged communities participating and demonstrating what they could achieve when given opportunities.
Outstanding participants will have the chance to receive bursaries, cash prizes, laptops and tablets.
Siemens Energy will award two full engineering bursaries worth R1.3 million, while additional bursaries will be offered by the University of Pretoria and the University of the Witwatersrand. Cash prizes of up to R75,000 will also be presented.
Eskom Expo Executive Director Parthy Chetty said the event brings together some of the brightest young scientific minds from South Africa and 14 other countries.
“The ISF provides a unique platform for learners to showcase groundbreaking research, exchange ideas, and inspire solutions to global challenges,” Chetty said. “We commend every participant and look forward to witnessing discoveries that will resonate far into the future.”
Members of the public will be able to view the science projects and meet the young researchers during a public viewing session on Thursday, 1 October, from 15:00 to 17:00.
