From idea to industry

Stellenbosch's Innovation and Commercialisation Unit turns academic research into real-world solutions

- Jamaine Krige

While many universities stop at research and publication, Stellenbosch University (SU) has built a dynamic ecosystem that takes ideas from the lab bench to the launch pad, creating more than 30 thriving spin-out companies and Africa's first university-focused venture capital fund in the process.

With a powerhouse model uniting research, business and technology, the university's Innovation and Commercialisation Unit is turning academic research into global ventures, earning it the prestigious NSTF-South32 Award for Innovation through a Corporate Organisation.

Led by chief director Anita Nel, the unit comprises three key components: the Innovus Technology Transfer Office (TTO), which manages intellectual property (IP); the LaunchLab, which provides incubation services; and University of Stellenbosch Enterprises (USE), which forms and nurtures spin-out companies. This threefold approach ensures that promising innovations don't fall through the cracks.