Researchers from across the university recently attended an insightful two-day workshop organised by the Technology Transfer Office (TTO).
The workshop was presented by the TTO’s Dr Revel Iyer (Director), Marlin Fransman and Halimah Rabiu and focused on TTO processes and funding.
Some of the topics covered included intellectual property rights and commercialisation, the process of formal disclosure of inventions, the patenting process, innovation funding, including Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) funding, research contracts and contract research and cost recovery.
Iyer is of the view that the successful operation of the TTO will require new ways of working by stakeholders.
He added that while this would be underpinned by relevant policies and procedures, mere compliance was not what was required for success.
“There will have to be a significant culture shift. A key driver of cultural shift towards innovation at CPUT is to ensure that all stakeholders are well informed about the processes that are in place,” he said.
“Clearly, lack of knowledge about TTO processes is a stumbling block towards successful implementation of an innovation culture. The workshop was directed at correcting this lack of information/knowledge. In doing so it is hoped that it will help effect a cultural shift whereby research is approached from a translational perspective.”
For more information on the TTO and its functions please click on the link: http://www.cput.ac.za/research-technology-and-innovation/tto
