Beyond the Prototype: Mastering Design Thinking to Build Investable Engineering Solutions at CPUT

As South Africa accelerates its Just Energy Transition, the role of the engineer is evolving. To meet the demands of a green economy, the next generation must think beyond graduation and traditional employment - moving toward innovation, ownership, and commercial impact.

On 23 February 2026, 3rd-year female engineering students at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) will step out of the lecture room and into the 'Innovation Sprint.'

Facilitated by TechWomen mentors and fellows - a mix of renewable energy experts, venture builders, and entrepreneurs; this 90-minute interactive workshop challenges students to stop thinking like students and start thinking like solution-driven innovators.

The Innovation Sprint: From Community Need to Market-Ready

Working in small groups, students will navigate the full lifecycle of a technical solution:

• Identify: Pinpoint a high-value renewable energy problem within a local community.

• Define: Establish a clear end-user and understand their specific needs.

• Design: Engineer a realistic technical solution using Design Thinking principles.

• Pathway: Outline the roadmap to transition a prototype into a fundable, market-ready product.

The session will culminate in fast-paced elevator pitches, where students receive direct, 'real-world' feedback from engineering, entrepreneurship, and renewable energy experts.

Building Alternative Pathways

This workshop is about more than an impact activity - it’s about economic empowerment. By bridging the gap between academic theory and innovation opportunities, we are helping students see how their final-year projects can become investable assets and self-emplyment.

"We are equipping young women to not just participate in the energy economy, but to own it."

Event Details:

• Venue: Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Building, CPUT

• Focus: 3rd Year Female Engineering Students

The countdown has begun. Stay tuned for updates from the sprint!