The Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) office has begun 2025 with a renewed commitment to helping researchers turn their ideas into real-world solutions. TTIS has played a key role in two major events: the Research and Innovation (R&I) Induction Session and the Research and Innovation Colloquium.

New researchers were exposed to the various support systems through the R&I Induction Session, which was organised by the NWU's Research and Innovation portfolio. TTIS provided information on patents, licensing and commercialisation tactics, while highlighting the significance of intellectual property (IP) protection.

At the Research and Innovation Colloquium, which took place at the Sun City Convention Centre, the final session was devoted to the topic of “Innovations for shaping a sustainable tomorrow: aligning research to market needs”, with an esteemed panel of experts:

· Ms Nontombi Maseko, director of Innovation and Technology Policy and Strategy at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC)

· Ms Jetane Charsley, chief director (head) of National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)

· Dr Andrew Bailey, RTTP, acting director of Research Contracts and Innovation, University of Cape Town (UCT)

· Mr Duncan Raftesath, NWU Enterprises CEO

Building on this momentum, TTIS has lined up several key initiatives for the year:

· IP awareness sessions: Teaching researchers how to safeguard and market their inventions.

· Meet and greet sessions: Introducing TTIS services and collaboration opportunities to new academic staff members.

· World IP Day: Highlighting the crucial role of intellectual property in innovation and research. 

Visit Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS)

Dr Mesuli Mbanjwa

Dr Andrew Bailey RTTP, Ms Jetane Charsley,Ms Nontombi Maseko, Mr Duncan Raftesath and Dr Janine Chantson