Sandton, May – The Empire Partner Foundation, in collaboration with TechFinancials News, is proud to announce Kirschel Davids as the May winner of the TechFinancials Q&A Youth Innovation Competition.
Kirschel, a passionate Business Tech student at Rosebank College with roots in Limpopo, came up with an innovative and deeply personal proposal on how Artificial Intelligence can transform healthcare delivery in rural South Africa.
The May question was:
“How can AI improve healthcare in rural areas?”
In his winning response, Kirschel articulated a comprehensive vision for deploying AI-powered diagnostic tools in under-resourced clinics, where health workers can use tablet devices connected to AI systems to diagnose illnesses, triage patients, and offer life-saving interventions without the immediate presence of a doctor. His proposal also emphasized the use of offline AI tools, community-driven training, and predictive analytics to ensure access, efficiency, and preventative care in underserved areas.
“This isn’t just about technology – it’s about dignity,” said Kirschel. “I’ve waited in clinic queues with my grandmother for hours, only to go home unseen. That’s why I believe AI can help restore dignity in healthcare by offering quicker diagnoses, better information, and more timely care to those who need it most.”
Kirschel’s solution highlighted several real-world examples and existing technologies such as SkinVision and VisualDx – and how they can be adapted for use in South African clinics. He also pointed to successful pilots in countries like Rwanda and the Philippines, underscoring the feasibility of his vision. If given the opportunity to pilot the solution, he would begin in his home province, Limpopo, starting with device procurement, youth-led training programs, and software development tailored to rural needs.
This month’s competition once again reinforces the power of young minds to tackle South Africa’s most pressing issues through technology.
Now in its third month, the TFS Q&A Competition powered by Solve 4 X continues to spark youth-driven solutions to real-world challenges across sectors like mining, healthcare, and education. Each month, a new question is set by industry partners, offering young people an opportunity to think critically, innovate boldly, and gain national recognition. As part of the Solve 4 X initiative by Empire Partner Foundation, this competition empowers the next generation of tech-driven changemakers to design impactful, scalable solutions for a better South Africa.
Organisations interested in sponsoring a future question or supporting youth innovation are encouraged to get in touch with the Empire Partner Foundation.
Congratulations to Kirschel Davids and thank you to all the participants who submitted entries this month.
For sponsoring, please contact:
Lesedi@empirepartnerfoundation.org
