Eskom Expo for Young Scientists alumnus Hamzah Ismail proudly represented South Africa at the prestigious International Swiss Talent Forum (ISTF), held from 17 to 21 February 2026 at the Centre Loewenberg in Murten, Switzerland.
The event brought together exceptional young innovators from around the world to collaborate on real-world global challenges. This year’s challenge focused on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), specifically addressing how to increase access to clean water in healthcare facilities.
Reflecting on the experience, Hamzah, a former St Dominics Newcastle School learner in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal said: “In many low-income communities, clinics operate without reliable clean water, compromising infection control and placing both patients and healthcare workers at serious risk.”
“The task required us to think beyond infrastructure and develop sustainable, context-specific solutions that incorporate effective operational models, behavioural change, and nature-based approaches to strengthen long-term public health systems,” he added.
Hamza reflected that the experience pushed him to collaborate across cultures, think critically under pressure, and contribute to innovative solutions aimed at building more resilient healthcare facilities worldwide.
“It was wonderful meeting new people from other countries that also had a different approach to the challenge, and altogether, our different thoughts and opinions contributed to an amazing solution,” he said.
Hamzah is no stranger to the international stage. He previously represented South Africa at the International Festival of Engineering, Science and Technology in Tunisia (I-FEST²) through Eskom Expo, where he earned a Bronze medal for his outstanding research.
At I-FEST², Hamzah showcased his innovative project titled “Developing eco-friendly, fire-retardant plastic bricks as an alternative in modern construction” in the Environmental Science category. His project was selected for the fair due to its strong environmental impact, practicality, and remarkable scientific merit, positioning it as a powerful example of South Africa’s contribution to global engineering and technology challenges.
The project addressed the urgent issue of plastic waste by repurposing it into eco-friendly, fire-retardant construction materials. With the potential to revolutionise the construction industry, the innovation promotes sustainable, cost-effective and safer building practices while contributing to the fight against plastic pollution. With further development, the solution could be scaled for global implementation.
Hamzah’s journey began at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair in 2024, where he was awarded a Gold medal while in Grade 11. His participation in Eskom Expo played a pivotal role in unlocking international opportunities and shaping his path as a global young innovator.
“A sincere thank you to Eskom Expo for Young Scientists for providing the platform and pathway that made this remarkable opportunity possible,” he said.
Registration to take part in the Eskom Expo is open, with workshops underway across South Africa. School learners in Grades 4–12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, NC(V) Level 2 to NC(V) Level 4 students, can register their research projects by clicking here. Workshop dates and venues can be accessed by clicking here.
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