Innovation is at the heart of progress, and this April, the Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) office at the North-West University (NWU) joins the global community in celebrating World Intellectual Property Day (WIPD).
Observed annually on 26 April, WIPD shines a spotlight on how intellectual property (IP) – from patents and trademarks to copyright and designs – shapes everyday life and fuels creativity across industries.
The 2026 theme, “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate”, underscores the critical role of IP in fostering innovation, safeguarding creative outputs and enabling sustainable growth in the sports sector. In line with this theme, TTIS is collaborating with the Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation (PhASRec) research entity in the Faculty of Health Sciences to showcase the value of IP in advancing research and innovation in sport and health sciences
“We are delighted that the World Intellectual Property Day theme this year aligns closely with our work in physical activity, sport and recreation. It highlights the vital role that intellectual property plays in driving innovation, and advancing sustainable and impactful research in our field,” says Prof. Andries Monyeki, director of research for PhASRec.
At the NWU, TTIS plays a central role in protecting and growing innovation. As the IP custodian of the university, the office supports researchers and innovators in safeguarding their ideas, accessing funding and turning research into real-world solutions.
Teresiah Malatji, senior manager for IP and contracts at TTIS, says: “In sport, as in research, the difference between a good idea and real impact lies in how well it is protected and positioned. IP gives our innovations a future. It turns effort into opportunity and ensures that what we create today can shape the industries of tomorrow. We invite the NWU community, researchers, students and innovators to partner with TTIS to protect and unlock the full value of their intellectual property.”
To mark the occasion, TTIS will host a series of events aimed at raising awareness and promoting engagement with intellectual property:
World IP Day 2026 Webinar
20 May 2026 | 11:00 – 12:30 | MS Teams
TTIS Innovation Booth
29 May 2026 | Mahikeng Campus | 10:00 – 15:00 02 June 2026 | Potchefstroom Campus | 10:00 – 15:00
The TTIS Innovation Booth will provide an interactive platform for researchers, students and innovators to gain practical insights into IP protection and commercialisation.
Click here for more information
Whether you are a researcher, student or innovator, this is your opportunity to discover how IP can take your ideas further.
