CPUT has added another state-of-the-art centre to its already impressive list - the Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre (PLMCC).

The centre is a joint venture between CPUT, the French Ministry of Education, Dassault Systems and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and is the first of its kind in Africa and only the fifth to be set up in the world.

The Bellville-based centre will train engineering students how to use specialised computer software, which will allow them to become skilled in virtual product design, development and manufacturing.

Speaking at the recent launch, Jacques Kurkdjian, a representative from Dassault Systems, said their investment in CPUT, will allow the university to address the shortages facing the engineering sector.

EXPERT:  Dean of Engineering, Dr Nawaz Mohammed and Prof Stephane Bouyer, who will head up the centre, watch as a student demonstrates how the virtual product design system works.

Although South African companies make use of this software, universities do not have the capacity to train students in virtual product development.

“The PLMCC will play a big role in the development of skilled engineers in South Africa,” said Kurkdjian.

Pierre Le Monde, a representative from the French Embassy said the centre will also foster innovation in the higher education sector and South Africa.

And with CPUT making inroads in innovation, both nationally and internationally, Naim Rassool from the TIA, said industry could even see spin-off companies developing from the centre’s activities.

“CPUT is ideally positioned to host this center because it has the drive to make it a success,” he said.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Anthony Staak said CPUT is proud to host the centre, which is the second unit to be set up with the help of the French.

Several years ago, the F’SATI unit was set up and now leads training in satellite engineering.

Prof Staak said the centre will further cement CPUT’s relationship with the French Government.

By Candes Keating

Photographs by Clive Galant

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, local industry and various tertiary institutions within the Western Cape recently launched the Western Cape Regional Innovation Forum at the Breakwater Lodge, V&A Waterfront.

The Forum, the theme of which was ‘Innovation through Cooperation’, has been developed to activate the Regional Innovation System (RIS) by facilitating a comprehensive engagement of Western Cape businesses, institutions and government (collectively known as Triple Helix stakeholders).

The Forum will provide a unique opportunity to network, cement and exchange opportunity and know-how as a contribution to both regional and national innovation.

This collaboration and networking among the Triple Helix stakeholders is critical for economic growth and wealth creation, particularly in the advent of Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the new IPR Act 51 of 2008. The latter encourages universities to manage their intellectual assets appropriately. Academically it is also important for local universities to establish linkages with industry to bridge the innovation chasm.

Welcoming the guests, CPUT Vice-Chancellor Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, mentioned that CPUT has been asked to be the coordinator of the project. She said the event marks the significance of how the problems relating to health, poverty, unemployment, and service can be solved through collaboration and partnerships. Prof Mazwi-Tanga said there was a strong correlation between innovation and economic growth.

Marjorie Pyoos, Deputy Director General at the DST, said CPUT played a significant role in mobilising institutions in the Western Cape. She drew an analogy to Finland, which is dependent on forestry but became a key role player in the world economy because people are seeking innovative solutions.

Pyoos said the recent economic recession should not be seen only as negative but also as a challenge to reverse our situation and grow economy. She said the people of Finland came up with technological ideas.

Piet Barnard, Director of the Technology Transfer Office at the University of Cape Town, said they were getting 60% of foreign funding for research from local government, NGO, and national government.

Among the other people who spoke at the launch were Shamil Isaacs of the CPUT Clothing and Textile Technology Station, Phindile Tshabangu from the University of Stellenbosch and Khalid Khan from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. Their presentations showcased strategies, opportunities and possible collaborations within the Triple Helix stakeholders. There were also group discussions on strategic implementation of these activities.

During his vote of thanks, Dr Chris Nhlapo, CPUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, thanked everyone who attended the forum and reminded the guests that 55% of all National Research Foundation (NRF) ‘A’ rated researchers come from the Western Cape.

By Thami Nkwanyane

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT students and staff members will take part in this year’s Sasol Solar Car Challenge 2018, South Africa for the first time.

Held every second year, the competition sees teams from across the world design and build solar-powered vehicles to drive across South Africa in an eight day event.

Prof Graeme Oliver of the Mechanical Engineering Department has put together a team of 20 staff members and students to compete against the more than 20 local and international teams expected to participate.

Oliver initially signed CPUT up for the competition back in May, but only received confirmation of Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) funding at the end of June, leaving two months to put together the car.

Since the project is not integrated into a particular course or subject, students from Mechatronics, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering have volunteered to work on the team with the help of the TIA Adaptronics AMTL research unit based at CPUT.

“Because this is our first time entering the Challenge there is a lot of extra learning to be done. Until you have the actual thing in your hand, you can’t always tell what you need. So, we need to build the car. In two years’ time we will probably have all exact motors and solar panels and experience we need,” said Oliver.

Eugene Erfort of the Adaptronics AMTL pointed out that automotive technology is one of their focus areas. While the specific technology is different the experience gained on the Formula Student project will be useful. CPUT has taken part in the Formula Student inter-university challenge twice at Silverstone Circuit in the United Kingdom.

“Because we’ve got the history in the automotive industry we became involved in this project,” said Erfort who will handle logistics for the CPUT team entering the Challenge.

The solar electronic car which they will build for the Sasol Solar Challenge 2018, South Africa will be called CPUT Solar Flyer “because it looks a bit like a plane.”

Mechanical Engineering lecturer and project organiser Felicity Harris says if all goes well then this could be the start of future projects of this nature which can be incorporated into coursework.

In addition to helping organise the actual trip Harris is putting together an academic engagement plan.

“Part of the bigger plan is to use the project to create awareness around studying engineering at CPUT. After the competition we will take the car to schools as a talking point,” said Harris.

The 20 strong team is hard at work in the Adaptronics AMTL building, when teaching and learning schedules allow, but not all will travel to Pretoria for the actual road trip.

The team who do eventually make the journey will drive the car from Pretoria to Stellenbosch between 22 and 29 September, covering a set distance every day, and we will be able to follow their progress via social media and the CPUT website.

Written by Theresa Smith
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