CPUT is set to provide researchers with support in a bid to convert research into commercial products or services.
With the establishment of an Innovation Board Fund, the institution will identify research areas, which can be commercialised.
Recently, the board held its first working session, which took place over two days and was attended by various members of the Executive Management.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, who briefly addressed stakeholders at the working session, said innovation had not been an area pursued “rigorously” pre the establishment of CPUT.
“If we do this correctly, it will set us apart from other universities of technology,” she said.
She said the conversion of research into sellable products, “whether services or goods” will also address the needs South Africa ’s economy currently faces.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo, who chairs the Innovation Board, said it is vital for the institution to support innovation.
During the two-day working session, 13 CPUT researchers, who are heading up various units at the institution, delivered presentations on their research activities to the board.
Director of Contract Research at the institution, Dr Shaheed Hartley, who is responsible for the Innovation Board process and a member of the board, said they called on researchers and innovation centres to submit proposals, highlighting their innovation capacity.
Once proposals had been submitted, researchers where then each asked to deliver a 15 minute presentation. They also had to field questions from the board.
“We received a number of very good proposals,” said Dr Hartley.
The board is in the process of identifying research and innovation that can be commercialised and present their findings to Executive Management.
The areas identified for commercialisation will then receive substantial funding from CPUT. Dr Hartley said the board will then closely monitor and support the centers that will be awarded funding.
Other members of the board include, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Prof Anthony Staak, Commercialisation Manager at the Innovation Fund, Duncan Raftesath, Ms Julia Long, CEO of HBD Venture Capitalist and Stellenbosch University academic, Dr Johan Gorgens.
There are also two representatives from the Department of Science and Technology and Department of Trade and industry on the board.
By Candes Keating, Marketing and Communication Department
Photograph: (left to right) CPUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo; Commercialisation Manager at the Innovation Fund, Duncan Raftesath; CPUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Prof Anthony Staak; Stellenbosch University academic, Dr Johan Gorgens and Director of Contract Research at CPUT Dr Shaheed Hartley.
Written by CPUT News
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