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UJ’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation in the Built Environment brings AI, digital technologies and industry leaders together at today’s DiBETSA 2026 to explore the future of construction and infrastructure delivery.
From artificial intelligence (AI) to digital project delivery, emerging technologies are changing how southern Africa plans, builds and manages its infrastructure. Today, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) showcases these innovations at the Digital Built Environment Technology Showcase & Awards (DiBETSA) 2026, highlighting solutions that could help shape the future of the region’s construction and infrastructure industries.
Presented by UJ’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation in the Built Environment (CARINBE), in partnership with the South African Institution of Civil Engineering’s Project Management and Construction Division (SAICE PMCD), DiBETSA brings together built environment professionals, government and municipal stakeholders, technology providers and researchers to explore digital innovation and solutions for infrastructure planning, delivery and management.
The free, CPD-accredited Technology Showcase and Exhibition will feature digital technology demonstrations, expert presentations and discussions on innovation across the built environment.
Over 300 delegates gather at the event, with an Awards Gala Dinner taking place that evening to celebrate the innovators who are developing solutions for the future Built Environment.
The programme features keynote presentations, panel discussions, project showcases and demonstrations involving Oracle, Bentley, Autodesk, Leica, IDECO and the Industrial Digital Twin – among 18 other technology providers, all highlighting innovation that can support infrastructure planning, digital project delivery and improved asset management.
“Digital innovation is creating new opportunities to improve how infrastructure is planned, delivered and managed. DiBETSA connects industry, government and academia to explore practical solutions for South Africa’s built environment,” says Professor Innocent Musonda, Director of CARINBE, University of Johannesburg.
The awards will recognise excellence in four categories:
- Artificial Intelligence in the Built Environment;
- Digital Project Delivery;
- Energy Performance Optimisation; and
- Capacity Development & Technology Adoption.
DiBETSA 2026 is supported by several organisations committed to advancing innovation across the built environment. Oracle is the headline sponsor, joined by DBSA, Autodesk, SACPCMP, Gentec, IDECO, FEM, PMI and AvenirHoldings, alongside professional and industry partners from across the sector.
Professor Innocent Musonda, Director of the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation in the Built Environment (CARINBE) at University of Johannesburg.
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About DiBETSA
The Digital Built Environment Technologies Showcase & Awards (DIBETSA) is a pioneering initiative presented by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in partnership with SAICE PMCD, dedicated to accelerating digital transitioning within the South African built environment. The event is envisioned as an annual flagship event that drives sustainable infrastructure and cutting-edge digital innovation.
INFO SUPPLIED.