AI Takes Centre Stage at our Group Technology Hackathon
Standard Bank Group Technology has successfully concluded the 11th edition of its Kuunda Disrupt Hackathon, a three-day showcase of innovation, collaboration, and AI-powered problem-solving.
Held in Johannesburg, the event brought together 244 participants selected from 623 submissions, highlighting how artificial intelligence is transforming financial services across Africa.
This year’s hackathon went beyond coding—it was a platform for reimagining banking through intelligent systems. Teams tackled real-world challenges using AI, data analytics, and automation, demonstrating that innovation flourishes when technology is paired with deep business insight.
“It’s not just about solving problems,” said Jorg Fischer, Group CIO. “It’s about embedding a mindset where AI becomes a natural tool for innovation.”
Over the past three years, the Kuunda Disrupt Hackathon has generated more than 1,100 ideas, many of which have progressed to proof-of-concept and pilot phases. These ideas span client experience, operational efficiency, risk management, and financial inclusion—driven by AI.
AI-Powered Winning Solutions
- Insurance & Asset Management (South Africa): AI used to source, rank, and prioritise leads.
- Business & Commercial Banking (Zambia): Developed an AI Deep Search Engine for sales and ecosystem analysis.
- Corporate Functions (South Africa): Created a Strategic Agentic AI Tool for scalable solution design.
- Corporate & Investment Banking (Ghana): Built an AI-enabled CRM tool that transcribes and analyses client engagements.
- Personal & Private Banking (Botswana): Addressed OTP enhancements with secure banking tools and boosting digital adoption.
Participants hailed from across the 20 geographies where Standard Bank operates, reflecting the African spirit of collaboration and innovation.
The hackathon also served as a launchpad for ideas that blend human insight with intelligent systems, reinforcing Standard Bank’s commitment to digital transformation and AI-driven innovation.
Building Africa’s AI Talent
Standard Bank Group Technology continues to invest in internal academies and global tech partnerships to ensure employees remain at the forefront of technological advancement.
With teams collaborating across time zones and disciplines, the event proved that AI is not just a tool—it’s a catalyst for inclusive, scalable, and customer-centric innovation.
Africa is our home, we drive her growth!