(AGENPARL) – Thu 19 February 2026 MEDIA INVITE
CUT Hosts International Student Innovation Award Event
19 February 2026
The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) will host the ISSIP Student Innovation Award 2026 at the i-GYM, bringing together global innovation leaders, regional industry representatives, and CUT student entrepreneurs in a hybrid international event.
The event forms part of CUT’s Talent Implementation Model Entrepreneurs (TIME) initiative, implemented in partnership with SMRT.bio, and aligns with the University’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan to produce work-ready graduates, innovators and entrepreneurs.
Over the past year:
* Nearly 4,000 CUT students have engaged with AI-enabled employability and entrepreneurship tools.
* Students have generated 270 structured Business Model Canvases in nine months.
* CUT has strengthened engagement with the Mangaung Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
* A CUT graduate-led software company, SoftwareTalents (Pty) Ltd, is employing CUT graduates locally.
* CUT students are participating in the global ISSIP innovation network.
DATE: 19 February 2026
TIME: 10:00
VENUE: i-GYM, CUT Bloemfontein Campus (Hybrid)
More about CUT
CUT is the foremost higher education institution in the heartland of South Africa, dedicated to quality education and training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. CUT boasts pockets of excellence, including a premier hotel school and leading research and innovation platforms, i.e. world-class 3D printing technology through medical product development.
For more information about CUT visit http://www.cut.ac.za
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