11
May

Rwanda Energy Group has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and collaboration with academic institutions after joining Rwanda Polytechnic in the closing ceremony of the annual “RP Skills Challenge 2026 Edition: Hackathon” held on Friday, May 8, 2026.

The competition brought together students, industries, and institutions to develop technological innovations aimed at solving real-life operational challenges faced by companies and organizations in Rwanda. Through the Hackathon, students were given an opportunity to apply practical skills, think critically, and collaborate in designing innovative solutions tailored to industry needs.

Among the standout projects during the competition was an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered solution developed to help Rwanda Energy Group combat theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure. The project was developed by RP Musanze students Eric Ndikumana and Ishimwe Steven.

The innovative solution uses cameras and sensors integrated with Artificial Intelligence technology capable of detecting suspicious movements around power installations such as substations. Once a person is detected, the system analyzes the activity in real time and immediately alerts relevant REG teams for quick intervention.

Speaking about the innovation, Eric Ndikumana From RP Musanze explained that the uniqueness of the project lies in the ability of the AI-powered cameras not only to detect individuals but also to analyze their actions.

“The innovation in our project is that even if a thief attempts to enter REG facilities such as substations, we installed cameras and sensors capable of detecting anyone approaching. The camera captures the person and sends the information to Artificial Intelligence (AI), which analyzes the situation and immediately alerts all relevant REG departments so they can quickly respond and apprehend the thief. What is unique is that the cameras can analyze what the person is doing, not just detect their presence,” he said.

His teammate, Ishimwe Steven, expressed hope that the project will move beyond the prototype stage and eventually be implemented to produce tangible results.

“Our wish is for our project to be implemented so it can start producing results,” he noted.

Rwanda Energy Group highlighted that the company already maintains strong collaboration with Rwanda Polytechnic in various initiatives and that this new innovation further strengthens the partnership between industry and academia.

Jean Paul Iradukunda, Head of the Department of Innovation and Technology Development at REG, praised the students for their creativity and technical capabilities, saying the project demonstrates the quality of practical education being delivered at Rwanda Polytechnic.

“The students are capable, and RP provides quality education. You can clearly see progress. Regarding the project they developed, they did a good job, although it still needs further refinement and additional features. What they created clearly has the potential to help REG. We will work closely with them to see what can be improved and begin with a pilot project. If we find that it delivers results, we will present it to senior management, and if it proves successful, we can develop it into a fully operational project for REG infrastructure,” he said.

The Hackathon attracted participation from 48 students grouped into 18 teams who worked on six industry challenges submitted by different companies and institutions. The projects covered sectors including technology, mining, telecommunications, manufacturing, and sustainable energy.

Within the Digital and Social Transformation Cluster, participating companies included Airtel Rwanda, which received an Inventory Management System for End User Equipment; De Lorenzo Global, for which students designed a Smart City Virtual Laboratory for TVET institutions; and Rwanda Energy Group, whose challenge inspired the AI-powered anti-vandalism solution.

Other innovation clusters included the Transformative Manufacturing Cluster, where students developed a multi-purpose hydraulic press for REMCO and designed a tin recovery system for GAMICO. In the Sustainable Energy Cluster, students designed a solar energy plant solution for Inyange Industries to support pumping and lighting systems.

The closing ceremony was attended by the State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Claudette Irere, who commended the students for their innovation and urged stronger collaboration between technical institutions and industries to ensure that such projects are implemented and scaled up.

“What we are asking for is collaboration between technical schools like these and the private sector, because without such cooperation, these innovations remain here unused. We also encourage teachers to stay updated with current trends and integrate them into what students learn,” she said.

The Director General of Rwanda Polytechnic, Dr. Sylvie Mucyo, also emphasized the institution’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with industries to ensure students’ innovations transition from prototypes into practical solutions.

“What we want is to continue improving these prototype projects during what we call the post-challenge phase, while building collaboration so that industries and private companies can use the solutions developed by students. We want everyone to invest effort into this so that students can immediately start working with industries,” she stated.

The RP Skills Challenge 2026 Hackathon once again demonstrated the growing importance of collaboration between academia and industry in driving innovation, practical learning, and technology-based solutions that contribute to Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation.