CPUT celebrates World IP Day with innovation, ideas and impact

CPUT marked World Intellectual Property Day 2026 with a dynamic celebration of innovation, research translation and real-world impact, recognising inventors whose work is driving solutions in sustainability, health, inclusion, industry and indigenous knowledge systems.

Observed annually on 26 April by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), World IP Day highlights the role of intellectual property in turning ideas into impact through creativity, protection and innovation. The 2026 theme, “Ready. Set. Innovate,” drew on the language of sport to emphasise preparation, momentum and performance in driving innovation ecosystems forward. CPUT’s programme extended this theme beyond the sports context, reflecting how innovation across disciplines requires the same discipline, strategy and endurance needed to move ideas from the starting line to meaningful impact.

Hosted at the Cape Town Hotel School, the event brought together researchers, industry partners and national IP stakeholders for a programme that combined thought leadership with recognition of outstanding innovation achievements across the institution.

The event opened with a welcome by Dr Marlin Fransman of the Technology Transfer Office, followed by the official opening by Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Prof Marshall Sheldon, who emphasised the importance of building strong innovation pipelines that keep research moving from concept to competitive, real-world application.

A series of expert presentations set the pace. Dr Revel Iyer explored import substitution as an innovation strategy and how global intellectual property can be leveraged to strengthen local performance and industrial capability. Vanessa van Coppenhagen from Spoor and Fisher unpacked how ideas are converted into protected assets and ultimately positioned for impact, describing the full “track” from innovation to commercialisation.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof Mogammad Taliep from the Centre for Sport Business and Technology Research. He explored the intersection of sport, technology and business, reflecting on WIPO’s theme “Ready. Set. Innovate”.

Thabang Jase from the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) provided a national perspective on strengthening South Africa’s IP system and ensuring institutions are equipped to stay competitive in a fast-moving innovation environment.

The highlight of the programme was the Innovation and Intellectual Property Awards Ceremony, facilitated by Jayde Barends. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Awards recognised excellence across CPUT’s innovation ecosystem in the following categories:

In the Technology Innovation Award category, Prof Atanda Raji, Prof Pallav Kumar and Keamogetse Mokomele were recognised for a water–energy nexus building panel designed to improve energy efficiency, water use and climate resilience in the built environment. In a second recognition, Prof Jeanine Marnewick, Dr Johan Henry Neethling and Assoc Prof Marilize Le Roes-Hill were honoured for SlowRedT, a rooibos-based nutraceutical built on decades of research and positioned for strong commercial and health impact.

Dr Mariska Lilly received the Emerging Innovator Award for her expanding pipeline of bio-based innovations that are steadily gaining traction across health and agricultural applications.

Sindiswa Papa received the Inclusive Innovation Award for the Inclusive Graduation Gown, a design innovation ensuring wheelchair users can participate fully and confidently in graduation ceremonies.

In Industry Collaboration Award category, Dr Sune Henning, Dr Ayodele Periola and Prof Asis Patnaik were recognised for applied research partnerships that demonstrate strong teamwork between academia and industry across food science, computing systems and textiles.

Prof Veruscha Fester was awarded as Innovation Champion for her leadership in water and sanitation research and her sustained ability to keep research moving from laboratory development into real-world implementation through partnerships.

The Indigenous Knowledge-Based Innovation Award was presented to Prof Ahmed Mohammed for phytochemical research on indigenous plants, advancing natural product innovation grounded in local biodiversity.

The Technology Station Excellence Award went to Shamil Isaacs on behalf of the Technology Station Clothing and Textiles, recognised for consistent performance in applied research, industry collaboration and innovation support.

Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za