Universities across the country are producing ground-breaking research with great economic potential, but often the question is how this can be translated into commercial enterprises.
To address this issue, the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted a webinar titled “Mushrooming of ideas: Converting a postgraduate study into a commercial business”.
The main speaker at the event was Sydwell Sihlangu, an NWU alumnus and PhD candidate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Sydwell presented on his master's project which he turned into a successful mushroom production company.
Under the expert supervision of Dr Khosi Ramachela of the subject group Crop Sciences, Sydwell joined the entrepreneurial arena with his MSc research innovation, the African hut mushroom dome, which he named MushMag.
MushMag is a low-cost technology that provides a micro climate for the fruiting of mushrooms even in harsh climatic conditions, using less water and no energy or fossil gas. Mushrooms can therefore be produced at a lower cost than with conventional commercial mushroom production structures.
Sydwell established Eco-Agro Enterprise (Pty) Ltd in 2016, and he has not looked back since.
“The company specialises in the production of various fresh mushroom species, various species of mushroom spawns, MushMag technology and other value-added products,” he says.
The company also offers training in mushroom production and the use of the mushroom crop’s substrate residue as organic matter for vegetable production. In turn, this contributes to promoting sustainable agriculture and minimising reliance on the use of commercial chemical fertilisers.
Not only has the company generated R600 000 since its inception, but it is also the first agricultural entity to participate in Eskom’s renewable energy initiative, which forms part of a pilot project to generate solar-powered electricity through agricultural activities.
Mushrooming ideas
But how did it all start? Sydwell says he realised that only a few farmers produce mushrooms, which are an expensive commodity.
“This tweaked my interest and led to my study on mushrooms to understand the dynamics,” he explains.
“Through my research studies, I discovered why most farmers struggle to tap into the industry – technical know-how and the high cost of the technology that is needed.
“I immediately identified the gap and came up with a low-cost technology, MushMag, as a simple way to unpack the complex skills of mushroom production,” explains Sydwell.
“I started my company while I was still doing my master's study – not only to make money, but to assist others too. Since then we've managed to sustain the rapidly growing company and its employees.”
Forever interested in mushrooms and their potential, Sydwell’s PhD thesis focuses on medicinal ganoderma mushrooms. His thesis is titled “Influence of substrate enhancement on characterised ganoderma species using biochemical and molecular markers”.
Mushrooming recognition
Sydwell’s mushroom production innovation has won him several local and international awards. These include the Engen Pitch & Polish (2021), Innovate Durban (2021), Challenge 1000 Entrepreneurs (France) (2020), Investment Readiness Accelerator – RIIS (Southern African Development Community) (2020), Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (UK) (2020), Grassroots Innovation Programme (2019), NWU Leopards Lair Entrepreneurship competition (2018), SAB Foundation: Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards (2018), and Youth Awards in Agriculture (NWYAA) (2017).
In 2016, the University of Texas in the USA acknowledged Sydwell through their Innovation Readiness Series Programme, and in 2018, the international Golden Key Society gave him an honorary membership in recognition of his significant contribution to various global communities.
At the invitation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States and the European Union, United Nations, and the SADC, Sydwell has also conducted training workshops on mushroom cultivation technologies for mushroom agri-businesses in various Southern African countries.
Over the past six years he has trained more than 30 farmers from various countries, including South Africa.
Sydwell’s success is proof that research and innovative ideas can be the building blocks for successful commercial enterprises.
NWU alumnus Sydwell Sihlangu has turned his postgraduate research project into a flourishing business.
