For many students, university is more than lectures and exams — it becomes a journey of self-discovery, resilience and growth. For Unisa alumna, innovator Caroline Matšatši Matenchi (32), that journey led her from biomedical science into agricultural technology, where she is now creating solutions for farmers through her company, AgrSmart Tech.

Born in Ga-Sekhukhune, Limpopo, South Africa, Matenchi graduated with a BSc in Biomedical Science in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic. She is currently pursuing a Diploma in Information Technology at Unisa, and she excitedly shares her work and study journey with our readers.

My work role at Beckman Coulter involves overseeing daily operations and ensuring that procedures are followed. My team must remain up to date with training and performance standards, which is my main focus as a Customer Technical Support Team Lead.

I believe that balancing work and studies has shaped me into a disciplined and self-motivated individual. Students carry about 90% of the responsibility for their own learning journey. Studying long-distance through Unisa has taught me time management, self-confidence and discipline.

I discovered that I was more productive through long-distance learning. It allowed me to learn at my own pace while still following structured module guides. I initially studied at another institution before transferring to Unisa. I realised that my previous qualification pathway would not allow me to sit a Health Professions Council board examination. Unisa was one of the few institutions that allowed me to continue without having to restart my first year.

As an innovator, my journey began while working as a facilitator at Unisa. One of my instructors encouraged me to apply for the Innovation Challenge programme. The module unexpectedly sparked a passion for environmental and agricultural solutions in me. Through my studies, I became increasingly aware of the challenges affecting farmers and environmental scientists.

What started as an idea on paper slowly transformed into a business venture. In 2021, I officially registered AgrSmart Tech. At first, I was the only member of the company, but through workshops, boot camps and innovation programmes, I slowly built the company into what it is today.

AgrSmart Tech now provides agri-tech solutions to farmers in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. The company supplies multi-sensor technologies, consultancy services and agricultural advisory support. One of its key focus areas is helping fertiliser companies understand that not all fertilisers work effectively in every environment. We provide data and insights that help farmers and fertiliser companies make better business decisions.

Remarkable milestones have already been achieved. In 2025, I participated in the Unisa Alumni Innovation Challenge and won several local and international competitions. Through these initiatives, I have helped raise more than R800 000 in funding support for innovation and business development. I credit my growth to the support received through the Unisa Univenture programme, which helped shape AgrSmart Tech into a structured business.

Despite the challenges, I remain optimistic about innovation and problem-solving. I hope to expand into green energy solutions by converting agricultural harvest waste into fuel. Collaborations with the Scottish and British Embassies have already opened opportunities within the UK market.

My message to students, graduates and aspiring entrepreneurs is that they must not give up on their idea. Learn new skills, stay open-minded and ask for help, because growth comes through learning and collaboration.

* By Nomathemba Mkhonza, Intern: Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations