WSU LECTURER TURNS AI INNOVATION INTO LIFE-SAVING TB DIAGNOSTIC TOOL

WSU is celebrating a major milestone in innovation and entrepreneurship as Department of Mathematical Sciences and Computing senior lecturer Dr William Vambe and his team emerged winners of the Africa Science Entrepreneurship Programme.

Their pioneering project, the TB-AI Diagnostic Assistant (TBAIDA), stood out among top entrepreneurial ideas from across the continent.

“The inspiration came from a sobering reality. South Africa has only 650 registered radiologists serving a population of more than 62 million people. That means one radiologist would, hypothetically, need to attend to 3 000 patients per day. With TB being the leading cause of hospitalisation and death in the country, this shortage is devastating,’ said Vambe.

He said TBAIDA aims to bridge that gap using artificial intelligence and machine learning which can analyse X-ray images for early, accurate TB detection, giving radiologists more time to focus on complex cases while making diagnostics more accessible in rural clinics.

“This victory is not just about technology, it is about people. When our team’s name was announced, I felt joy, humility and above all, responsibility. We are trying to solve a problem that affects families and the nation. Winning reminded me that ideas, when nurtured, can become solutions that change lives,” said Vambe.

Vambe initially applied to the Africa Science Entrepreneurship Programme as a mentor. But when roles shifted, he found himself stepping into the programme as a participant. Over 12 months of intensive training with the University of Leeds, he and his colleagues refined their project into a scalable business model, learning to pitch and present like seasoned entrepreneurs.

“I always tell my students that knowledge without impact risks becoming empty theory. Through this journey, I have learned that innovation is not reserved for the labs of the world’s wealthiest universities, it can thrive right here in Mthatha, Butterworth, or any corner of Africa,” he added.

Vambe added that what excites him the most is the potential ripple effect for WSU students.

“Our students must see themselves as job creators, not just job seekers. If they can take their final-year projects and transform them into business ventures, they will not only shape their futures but also solve the challenges their communities face,” said Vambe.

The next step for TBAIDA is piloting in rural hospitals and clinics, places where the shortage of radiologists is felt most acutely. From there, the team envisions national rollout, partnerships with government and NGOs, and eventual expansion across Africa’s health systems in line with sustainable development goal 3.

By Anita Roji