At Discovery we are obsessed with doing things differently
Our business is about changing people’s lives for the better. To be better for our clients, we are encouraged to always look for new ideas and ways to make those ideas real.
WE’RE ONE OF THE TOP INNOVATORS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Our ambition is to be the best insurance organisation in the world, and a powerful force for social good. Our company was started by two forward-thinking actuaries, Adrian Gore and Barry Swartzberg, who are still at the helm of the business. They started an early tradition in our business of always looking for clever ideas and solutions where others see problems.
Since then, we have become known as innovator and challenger; a business with people who transform what is ordinary into something extraordinary.
WE HAVE THE DATA. AND THE SPECS!
This year, we will host a virtual Discovery Graduate Hackathon for IT students from South African universities from the 24th - 26th July 2026. 50 students will get a chance to be part of an immersive work experience solving real challenges through technology opportunities in the Discovery environment. The top 3 teams will then be invited to present their ideas to our judging panel at 1 Discovery Place, Sandton on the 7th August 2026. This year the winning team will win R100,000! Participating Gradhackers stand a chance to be permanently employed at Discovery. Please see out FAQ page if you have any questions not answered here.
50 students will get to experience our exciting environment
Our 2026 Virtual Gradhack runs from 24th to 26th July. Please submit your applications by 30 May 2026 and be one of the students to take part in this event.
Open to all final year IT and Data Science Students studying at a South African University or Academy.
Build the Future with Gradhack 2026
Gradhack is Discovery’s annual innovation challenge where top Computer Science and Information Systems and Data Science students collaborate, experiment, and build technology solutions to real-world problems.
Working in teams, participants design and prototype ideas inspired by real business challenges, using modern tools and technologies — including AI — to bring their solutions to life.
Selected teams will take part in a fast-paced innovation weekend where creativity, problem-solving, and technical thinking come together.
Every year Gradhack challenges students to solve real-world problems that matter.
For 2026 we’ve identified three opportunity areas where technology — and especially AI — has the potential to create meaningful impact. When submitting your idea, your team should choose one of the themes below and propose an innovative solution within that space.
If your team is selected for the Gradhack weekend, you will be assigned a new business requirement within the theme you selected, which you’ll use to design and build your prototype during the event.
Theme 1 – AI for Personalised Health and Wellness
Technology is transforming the way people manage their health, fitness, and wellbeing.
In this theme we’re interested in ideas that explore how AI could support individuals in building healthier lifestyles, improving performance, and staying motivated over time. Think about how intelligent systems might analyse personal context, respond dynamically to changing conditions, and provide meaningful guidance that helps people achieve their goals.
THE CHALLENGE
We’re looking for solutions that combine data, intelligence, and thoughtful user experience to create truly personalised health journeys.
Theme 2 – AI for Smarter Everyday Living
Making healthy choices isn’t always easy. Many people struggle with information overload, time constraints, and uncertainty about what choices are best for them.
This theme focuses on how AI and digital innovation could help people make better everyday decisions around food, nutrition, and lifestyle.
THE CHALLENGE
We’re looking for ideas that combine personalisation, behavioural insight, and great product thinking to make healthy living more accessible, engaging, and practical.
Theme 3 – AI for Safer Communities
Safety and security remain some of the most important concerns for individuals and communities. This theme explores how technology could be used to support safer environments — from individual homes to entire neighbourhoods. Think about how data, analytics, and intelligent systems might help people act earlier, respond faster, and build stronger community-level protection.
THE CHALLENGE
We’re looking for ideas that show how technology can be used responsibly and creatively to solve meaningful societal challenges.
