Innovus Technology Transfer

19/10/2026

Call for applications | Translational Fellows Programme 2026

The Innovus Technology Transfer Office (TTO) invites applications for the 2026 Translational Fellows Programme (TFP) to Stellenbosch University master's or PhD students nearing graduation, or recent graduates with an innovation that could make a real-world difference. The programme is designed to help aspiring innovators take their research beyond the laboratory and closer to the market.
What's on offer?

1. Up to R350 000 in funding for one year;
2. Hands-on support in technology development, market validation and commercialisation;
3. Entrepreneurial and business development support through SU LaunchLab; and
4. An opportunity to explore the commercial potential of your research and develop your entrepreneurial skills

Application deadline: 2 November 2026 at 23:59:59
Online briefing session: 22 October 2026 | 11:30–12:30 SAST
Register for the briefing session: 3edd6558-7d41-424a-a6bf-288d5dffc058@a6fa3b03-0a3c-4258-8433-a120dffcd348?source=copyLinkLegacyShareEventDialog" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3edd6558-7d41-424a-a6bf-288d5dffc058@a6fa3b03-0a3c-4258-8433-a120dffcd348?source=copyLinkLegacyShareEventDialog
Learn more about the eligibility criteria and how to apply: https://www.su.ac.za/en/innovus/news/call-applications-2026-translational-fellows-programme

# Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch University Research for Impact Stellenbosch University - Faculty of Engineering Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Science Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

18/09/2026

Yesterday, at Cape HealthTech Connect 2026 Prof ELMI MULLER, Dean of the Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences opened the with a powerful keynote on bridging the gap between healthcare challenges, research and innovation.

Using the analogy of a river travelling towards the sea, Prof Muller reflected on why some promising ideas never reach their destination. Limited time in resource-constrained clinical environments, traditional academic incentive structures, funding gaps and a lack of technical and commercial support can all contribute to this “missing middle”.

Her message highlighted the importance of collaboration in overcoming these barriers. Drawing on examples from Stellenbosch University, including work in childhood TB meningitis and HIV-positive organ transplantation, she demonstrated how challenges encountered in African healthcare settings can become the starting point for innovations with global relevance.

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲, 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞. 𝐈𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝.

This strongly resonates with the work of Innovus TTO: helping researchers navigate that missing middle and connecting promising research with the partners, resources and pathways needed to move towards impact.

18/09/2026

19/08/2026

This Women’s Month, we celebrate women turning scientific curiosity into innovation with real-world applications.

Dr Rene Naidoo-Blassoples and her collaborators at Stellenbosch University have developed a novel membrane bioreactor that allows researchers to investigate how microorganisms communicate while remaining physically separated.

The SU-developed technology could help researchers engineer more efficient microbial ecosystems for biotechnology, food production, fermentation and sustainable industrial processes.

Read the full story and discover how women researchers at SU are helping to shape a more sustainable future https://www.su.ac.za/en/innovus/news/novel-membrane-bioreactor-helping-scientists-unlock-potential-microbial-ecosystems

27/07/2026

A warm welcome to Nonhlanhla Cebekhulu, who has joined the Innovus Technology Transfer Stellenbosch University as the new Administrative Officer!

Behind every successful innovation journey is a strong support team, and Nonhlanhla will play an important role in helping the TTO deliver efficient technology transfer services to researchers and innovators.

We're excited to have her on board and look forward to the valuable contributions she'll make to the Innovus team.

Read her story here: https://www.su.ac.za/en/innovus/news/nonhlanhla-cebekhulu-joins-innovus-tto-ip-administrative-officer-supporting-technology

24/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined the Innovus Technology Transfer Office (TTO) at Stellenbosch University and GHIAA for our recent webinar series on equitable access to healthcare innovations.

We appreciated your participation and hope the discussions provided valuable insights into how technology transfer, licensing, and legal agreements can help ensure healthcare innovations reach the people who need them most.

If you missed either webinar—or would like to watch them again—the recordings are now available:
Webinar 1: Tools for Equitable Access to Healthcare Innovations
https://youtu.be/ULPGoQMo6jk
Webinar 2: Negotiating Licensing, Technology Transfer and Access to Healthcare Innovations
https://youtu.be/Uju7jDbUx44

Please feel free to share these recordings with colleagues interested in responsible innovation, research translation, and improving access to healthcare innovations.

For more information, contact us at [email protected].

24/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined the Innovus Technology Transfer Office (TTO) at Stellenbosch University and GHIAA for our recent webinar series on equitable access to healthcare innovations.

We appreciated your participation and hope the discussions provided valuable insights into how technology transfer, licensing, and legal agreements can help ensure healthcare innovations reach the people who need them most.

If you missed either webinar—or would like to watch them again—the recordings are now available:
Webinar 1: Tools for Equitable Access to Healthcare Innovations
https://youtu.be/ULPGoQMo6jk
Webinar 2: Negotiating Licensing, Technology Transfer and Access to Healthcare Innovations
https://youtu.be/Uju7jDbUx44

Please feel free to share these recordings with colleagues interested in responsible innovation, research translation, and improving access to healthcare innovations.
For more information, contact us at [email protected].

20/07/2026

Are you a Stellenbosch University (SU) researcher involved in a spin-out company or thinking of starting one?

Commercialising your research is an exciting journey, but it also brings important responsibilities. Whether you're a founders, directors, shareholders, CEOs, or advisors understanding how to identify and manage conflicts of interest is essential for successful and responsible commercialisation.

Join the Innovus Technology Transfer and Dommisse Attorneys Inc. for the 2026 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 where SU and legal experts will provide practical guidance on:
• Understanding conflict of interest in research and innovation;
• Navigating SU policies and disclosure requirements;
• Managing conflicts of interest in spin-out companies;
• Corporate governance responsibilities for company leaders; and
• Practical examples and best practices.

Webinar dates, times and registration links:

• 5 August 2026 | 12:00 – 13:30 4ccfc6d2-26a5-4380-8828-def4959e207c@a6fa3b03-0a3c-4258-8433-a120dffcd348" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/4ccfc6d2-26a5-4380-8828-def4959e207c@a6fa3b03-0a3c-4258-8433-a120dffcd348
• 12 August 2026 | 14:00 – 15:30 9cf785ad-3d2a-443d-a438-d7521f8ffefc@a6fa3b03-0a3c-4258-8433-a120dffcd348" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/9cf785ad-3d2a-443d-a438-d7521f8ffefc@a6fa3b03-0a3c-4258-8433-a120dffcd348
• 19 August 2026 | 09:00 – 10:30 a9ea438f-998e-41ce-9570-235d21f8a704@a6fa3b03-0a3c-4258-8433-a120dffcd348" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a9ea438f-998e-41ce-9570-235d21f8a704@a6fa3b03-0a3c-4258-8433-a120dffcd348

Whether you're considering establishing a spin-out company, already serve as a director or shareholder, or are involved in commercialising your research, this series is for you.

For enquiries, contact Innovus TTO at [email protected]

Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Science | Stellenbosch University - Faculty of Engineering | Stellenbosch University Research for Impact | Stellenbosch University | Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences | Launchlab

17/07/2026

From a 16-year-old patient's challenge solved with local innovation!

Did you know that Sternal tumours are rare but often require complex reconstruction? Surgeons often struggle to find affordable, durable implants that restore both function and appearance.

That’s why we are celebrating Dr. Riaan Nel and Prof. Jacques Janson this National Science Month. Together, they designed a 3D-printed titanium sternal implant to solve exactly this problem.

It is affordable, durable, and ready for commercialisation—offering hope to thousands of patients worldwide. It’s a true testament to how clinical challenges inspire locally developed solutions with global potential.

Read more about this incredible breakthrough at the link below!
https://www.su.ac.za/en/innovus/news/dr-nel-and-prof-jansons-groundbreaking-titanium-innovation-aims-restore-chest-walls-thousands

09/07/2026

How do we ensure life-saving innovations reach those who need them most?

Innovus Technology Transfer Office and GHIAA invite you to a free online webinar on negotiating licensing, technology transfer and access to healthcare innovations, taking place on 13 July 2026 from 13:00-14:30.

Whether you're a researcher, tech transfer professional, biotech entrepreneur, funder or legal expert, this webinar will give you practical tools to navigate the complex intersection of commercial R&D and public health access.

What you'll learn:
• The real trade-offs between financial incentives and broad access
• How licensing contract language affects affordability
• Where current development plans fall short – and how to fix them

Register now: dfc86bd2-9660-432e-a458-18d502a82f8c@a6fa3b03-0a3c-4258-8433-a120dffcd348" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/dfc86bd2-9660-432e-a458-18d502a82f8c@a6fa3b03-0a3c-4258-8433-a120dffcd348