Mr Francois Oosthuizen

Francois joined the RC&I team in March 2014, having worked at Tecmo Automation, Newcom Fluid Management and the NorthWest University CRCED. In this National IP Management Office (NIPMO)-funded post, Francois relies on his expertise and experience to move projects through the innovation space so that ultimately IP emanating from UCT researcher can be successfully applied in industry / for the benefit of society. He will primarily be involved in the management of the UCT PreSeed Fund and UCT TIA Seed Fund and associated projects.

Francois has been involved in developing electronic control and data acquisition solutions for a number of years. This specific work gave him broad exposure to various industries and disciplines in the South African market. Evolving from Engineer into System Engineer and finally Technology Manager, Francois has gained “real world” insights and experience on deploying new IP in the South African and African market place.

Post graduate studies in engineering management and work done with international incubation companies has given Francois a passion for using technology to drive South Africa into the future. Using innovation and technology, living conditions in South Africa can dramatically be improved for lower income South African and Africans. It is this notion that makes Francois "tick".