Celebrating innovation at UCT

We held our annual Inventors Breakfast on 14 August 2024 at the University's Graduate School of Business Conference Centre, bringing together inventors, researchers, spin-off company CEOs, directors, and patent attorneys for a day of celebrating UCT innovation. The event featured insightful presentations from three distinguished speakers. In addition to inspiring talks, the event also celebrated the achievements of outstanding individuals with the presentation of several awards.

The atmosphere was energetic, drawing from the proteas in the room known for their resilience and courage, a native South African plant that symbolises the country’s rich floral diversity.

Always Something New Out of Africa

Professor Jeff Murugan, acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation in his opening remarks, said “Pliny the Elder, a Roman author and natural philosopher, famously remarked, There is always something new out of Africa. This statement reflects the ancient fascination with the continent’s rich biodiversity and cultural diversity. This is the theme of this year’s Innovation at UCT publication that is being launched today. And it resonates with the university’s Vision 2030 which states that through its focus on Africa, UCT research will enhance the quality of life in South Africa and Africa.”

He commended RC&I for its undertakings in the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts for People and the Environment (SHAPE) space. “It is important that SHAPE is not seen in isolation but rather that opportunities for blended STEM and SHAPE innovation teams are fostered to promote successful innovation.”

Journey of Success

Niels Luchters, CEO and Co-Founder of Hydrogen Energy Applications (HYENA) shared his innovation journey with HYENA as part of his keynote address. “HYENA is a UCT spin-off company founded in 2018 that develops hydrogen and fuel cell technologies,” he said.

Over the years, HYENA made headlines. In 2021 they were a finalist for the Invest Cape Town Business Greenpitch challenge. In 2022, Dr Jack Fletcher, HYENA co-founder and chief technology officer was shortlisted for the shortlisted for the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation (APEI). While there are milestones to celebrate along the way, the road is not without challenges. In encouraging inventors and guests in attendance,

Luchters shared lessons he learned on his journey. “Everything takes time, be organised with all documents, create networks, continue when it is hard, someone must be willing to pay you to solve their problem and teamwork.”

*Niels Luchters, CEO & Co-Founder of HYENA gave the keynote address at the Inventors Breakfast*

Innovation highlights

Piet Barnard, Director: Research Contracts and Innovation shared 2023 innovation highlights with the guests. “In 2023, three new spin-off companies were recognised, Sleep Science (Pty) Ltd, Vas MedTech (Pty) Ltd, and PeeCycling (Pty) Ltd, bringing the total to 34 spin-off companies since 2004”, he said. Barnard highlighted that approximately 59% of provisional patents were filed by staff, with the other 41% comprising postgraduate students. 52% were filed by first-time inventors.

“The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) through the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) awarded R11.1m to RC&I over a three-year period to fund salaries and capacity development, operational activities, and technology transfer. This is the fifth NIPMO-funded project starting in January 2024. NIPMO also provided a rebate of R4,241,908.80 representing 50% of eligible expenses incurred by UCT for the protection of intellectual property (IP) during the 2022/2023 period.”

In his closure, Barnard thanked the team and stakeholders involved in contributing to the success of the innovation journey.

*Piet Barnard, RC&I Director sharing 2023 innovation highlights*

Awarding excellence

The event ended with Philip Hoekstra, Intellectual Property Manager, conferring awards on the awardees. New Inventors received the famous RC&I inventor mugs, while others were presented with patent certificates and NIPMO certificates of acknowledgement.

Innovation at UCT

The annual publication Innovation at UCT was also launched at the event. With innovation and creative solutions in various sectors led by entrepreneurs, including agriculture, healthcare, and fintech, it is safe to say African innovation is thriving. Driven by a blend of traditional knowledge and modern technology. Agricultural innovations, such as drought-resistant crops (UCT is trialing drought-resistant maize) are enhancing food security. Tech hubs in cities like Nairobi, Lagos, and Cape Town are fostering a vibrant start-up culture. Additionally, renewable energy projects are addressing power shortages and promoting sustainability. This wave of innovation is not only transforming lives but also positioning Africa as a significant player in the global economy.

Guests were treated to a delicious buffet while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Table Mountain and a networking opportunity.