Mathematics, Engineering & Computer Science Development Competition. Showcase your innovations, win prizes, and shape the future of STEM in South Africa.
From registration to recognition - your journey through South Africa's premier STEM innovation competition.
Complete your profile, submit documentation, and verify your identity. Your information is protected by POPI Act.
Choose your primary category and sub-category. Select from Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, IoT, and more.
Upload your working prototype, documentation, and project details. Include demo videos and technical specifications.
Accept terms, confirm AI usage disclosure, and submit your entry for evaluation by our expert panel.
Multiple categories with specialized tracks for every STEM discipline. Multiple winners per category ensure broad recognition.
Mathematical modeling, algorithmic solutions, statistical analysis, and computational mathematics innovations.
Mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, and other engineering innovations solving real-world challenges.
Software applications, AI/ML solutions, algorithms, cybersecurity, and innovative computing paradigms.
Internet of Things devices, embedded systems, smart sensors, and connected hardware innovations.
Scientific computing, research tools, data analysis platforms, and laboratory automation systems.
Cross-disciplinary innovations, emerging technologies, and creative solutions that don't fit traditional categories.
Real-world software challenges released every quarter. Tackle pressing industry problems with innovative solutions.
Urban planning and infrastructure optimization
Develop solutions for traffic management, waste optimization, energy efficiency, or citizen services in smart cities.
Medical technology and patient care solutions
Create tools for patient monitoring, medical data analysis, telemedicine platforms, or diagnostic assistance systems.
Environmental monitoring and sustainability
Build solutions for carbon tracking, renewable energy optimization, environmental monitoring, or sustainable practices.
Financial technology and digital payments
Design platforms for financial inclusion, digital banking, cryptocurrency solutions, or innovative payment systems.
These quarterly challenges offer additional opportunities for recognition, industry connections, and solving real-world problems.
Direct access to industry partners and potential employers
Extra prize pools beyond the main competition
Solutions that address actual industry challenges
Affordable entry fees to support learning and innovation. Free for students to ensure equal access to opportunities.
Requirements: Valid student ID and enrollment verification
Includes: Professional-grade evaluation and industry connections
SSL encrypted payment processing
Full refund before August 31st
Immediate registration confirmation
Leading organizations supporting innovation and STEM development in South Africa.
Supporting FinTech innovation and digital transformation
Leading tech firms providing mentorship and career opportunities
Supporting national STEM development and innovation initiatives
Join us in supporting the next generation of STEM innovators. Partner with MECS Dev to access top talent and drive innovation.
Partner With UsYour privacy and intellectual property are our top priorities. We adhere to strict data protection standards.
Full compliance with South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act. Your data is protected and never sold.
Your intellectual property remains yours. We only require read-only access for evaluation purposes.
Enterprise-grade security measures protect your information throughout the competition process.
NEVER send us your source code directly. We only require read-only repository access for evaluation. Anyone asking for source code files is not affiliated with MECS Dev. Report suspicious requests to security@uorivo.com immediately.
Transparent evaluation process that recognizes both traditional development and AI-assisted innovations fairly.
Honest disclosure ensures fair evaluation
Human-written code with standard tools and libraries. Baseline scoring with full innovation credit.
AI used for debugging, optimization, or specific components. Evaluated on implementation and innovation.
Primarily AI-generated code. Higher starting score but evaluated on problem-solving and customization.
Comprehensive assessment framework
Advanced automated analysis helps ensure fair evaluation and prevents fraudulent submissions.
Automated detection of AI-generated patterns and coding styles
Automated testing of functionality, performance, and edge cases
Human expert evaluation of innovation and technical merit
Join MECS Dev 2026 and showcase your innovations to industry leaders and academic experts.
Complete your profile and upload required documentation
Choose your primary category and relevant sub-categories
Upload project information, demo videos, and repository links
Accept terms, declare AI usage, and submit your entry
September 30, 2026 - 23:59 SAST
Questions? Contact us at support@uorivo.com
Everything you need to know about participating in MECS Dev 2026.
Anyone with innovations in Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, IoT, or related STEM fields can participate. Students enter free with valid student ID, while professionals pay R250.
Yes! We welcome group entries from institutions, companies, and collaborative teams. One person must be designated as the primary contact for the team.
A working prototype demonstrates your core concept with basic functionality. It doesn't need to be production-ready but should show your innovation in action through a demo or video.
We only require read-only repository access for evaluation. Your IP remains yours. We never store source code and are fully POPI Act compliant with enterprise-grade security measures.
AI usage is perfectly acceptable! You must disclose the extent of AI usage during submission. AI-generated projects start with higher baseline scores but are evaluated on customization and problem-solving approach.
Winners will be announced in December 2026 after thorough evaluation by our expert panel. All participants will receive feedback on their submissions.
Yes! Each category will have multiple winners to recognize diverse innovations. This includes category winners, innovation awards, and special recognition prizes.
Each entry can be submitted to one primary category, but our judges may consider it for cross-category awards if your innovation spans multiple disciplines.
Our support team is here to help you with any questions about registration, categories, or submission requirements.
MECS Dev 2026 is your platform to showcase innovations, connect with industry leaders, and shape the future of technology in South Africa.
Supported by leading South African universities and industry partners • POPI Act Compliant • IP Protected
