Belgium Campus iTversity
SOL INVICTUS SOLAR CAR PROJECT
Competing in the Sasol Solar Challenge 2026
Building Future-Ready Tech Talent Through South Africa's Leading Solar Car Innovation Project
WHY STUDENTS CHOOSE SOL INVICTUS
Learning Through Industry-Level Experience
Sol Invictus gives students the opportunity to work on a project where technology, innovation and collaboration intersect. By contributing to a real-world challenge, students gain practical experience that extends beyond the classroom and prepares them for the demands of industry.
Graduate with practical experience before entering the workplace.
Sol Invictus is a multidisciplinary innovation project that brings together students, academics, and industry partners to develop and optimise a high-performance solar-electric vehicle for the Sasol Solar Challenge 2026. Through the project, Belgium Campus iTversity students apply their knowledge in a live engineering environment while gaining valuable industry experience.
MEET THE TEAM BEHIND THE CAR
An Introduction from Team Director Francois Venter
Belgium Campus iTversity has entered the 2026 Sasol Solar Challenge. Team Director Francois Venter introduces Sol Invictus Dynamics — a cross-disciplinary collaboration between Belgium Campus iTversity, IMM Graduate School, Open Window and CTU Training Solutions, bringing together expertise in IT, engineering, marketing, and creative design.
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Turning Knowledge into Capability
Sol Invictus reflects the Belgium Campus Learning 2.0 philosophy by enabling students to learn through participation, experimentation and collaboration. Students work alongside academics and industry professionals while contributing to technologies and solutions that support a real engineering project.
Students Gain:
- Experience working in multidisciplinary teams
- Exposure to agile project environments
- Practical problem-solving abilities
- Confidence in tackling complex challenges
- Experience delivering measurable outcomes
- A stronger understanding of industry workflows
Real-world experience that strengthens employability.
DEVELOPING EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
From Data to Performance
The project creates opportunities for students to contribute to software systems, telemetry solutions, data visualisation tools and intelligent technologies that support vehicle performance and decision-making. Every challenge becomes an opportunity to innovate, test and improve.
A recent milestone included the development of an AI-enabled telemetry and neural network solution that allows the solar vehicle and support vehicle to communicate in real time, supporting race strategy, efficiency and safety.
Experience building technology that solves real-world engineering challenges.
POWERED BY COLLABORATION
Four Institutions. One Shared Vision.
Sol Invictus brings together expertise from four institutions, creating an environment that mirrors the multidisciplinary nature of the modern workplace. Students gain valuable experience working with individuals from different fields while contributing to a shared goal.
Belgium Campus iTversity
Software development, Artificial Intelligence, data analytics and intelligent systems.
IMM Graduate School
Strategy, communication and stakeholder engagement.
Open Window Institute
Creative thinking, design and visual communication.
CTU Training Solutions
Technical education and industry-focused skills development.
FOLLOWING THE JOURNEY
Celebrating Progress and Innovation
As preparations continue for the Sasol Solar Challenge 2026, the project continues to achieve exciting milestones that showcase the innovation, collaboration and technical expertise behind the team.
Featured Story
SOL INVICTUS Puts AI-Enabled Solar Car Through Its Paces at Zwartkops
Belgium Campus iTversity and its project partners recently tested their AI-powered telemetry platform, demonstrating real-time communication capabilities between the solar vehicle and support team.
CAREER ADVANTAGES OF PARTICIPATION
More Than a Student Project
Participation in Sol Invictus allows students to graduate with evidence of practical achievement alongside their qualifications. The project creates opportunities to gain experience, build professional networks and develop skills that are highly valued in the workplace.
Students Leave With:
Real project delivery experience
Professional portfolio content
Industry networking opportunities
Exposure to emerging technologies
Experience collaborating across disciplines
Leadership and teamwork skills
Greater workplace readiness
A stronger CV supported by practical achievements
Graduating with experience, not just qualifications.
BEYOND THE RACE
Innovation with Purpose
Sol Invictus demonstrates how education, technology and industry collaboration can come together to address real-world challenges. The project helps prepare future software developers, engineers, analysts, designers and innovators while supporting the advancement of sustainable mobility and innovation.
JOIN THE JOURNEY
Innovation. Collaboration. Opportunity.
Sol Invictus is more than a competition entry. It is a platform that empowers students to apply their skills, gain valuable industry experience and contribute to meaningful innovation. Whether you are a prospective student, industry partner, sponsor or supporter, there is an opportunity to be part of the journey.
Learn. Build. Innovate. Compete. Inspire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sol Invictus?
Sol Invictus is a collaborative solar engineering initiative competing in the Sasol Solar Challenge 2026. The project brings together students, academics and industry partners to design, build and optimise a high-performance solar vehicle while developing future-ready skills.
Why is Belgium Campus iTversity involved in the project?
Belgium Campus iTversity believes students learn best by applying their knowledge to real-world challenges. Sol Invictus provides an opportunity for students to gain practical experience in technology, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving.
How does Sol Invictus support Learning 2.0?
The project reflects the Learning 2.0 philosophy by allowing students to learn through hands-on experience, industry collaboration and multidisciplinary teamwork while contributing to a live engineering project.
Which technologies do students work with?
Students gain exposure to a range of industry-relevant technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software Development, Data Analytics, IoT, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Embedded Systems and Communications Technologies.
What skills do students gain through the project?
Students develop practical technical skills, project management experience, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving abilities, and exposure to professional industry workflows.
Which institutions participate in Sol Invictus?
The project is a collaboration between Belgium Campus iTversity, IMM Graduate School, Open Window Institute and CTU Training Solutions, supported by industry partners and mentors.
Do students from different disciplines collaborate on the project?
Yes. Sol Invictus brings together students with expertise in technology, engineering, design, communication, and innovation, creating a multidisciplinary environment that mirrors modern industry.
How does the project prepare students for industry?
By working on a real-world project with measurable outcomes, students gain practical experience, build professional networks, strengthen their portfolios, and develop skills that are highly valued by employers.
Why is the Sasol Solar Challenge important?
The Sasol Solar Challenge provides a platform for innovation, sustainable engineering, and practical problem-solving. It allows students to evaluate technologies and ideas in a challenging real-world environment.
How can I support or get involved with Sol Invictus?
There are several ways to become part of the journey, whether as a student, industry partner, sponsor, or supporter. You can follow the team’s progress, connect with the partners involved, or explore opportunities to collaborate with the project.