Thinking big and out of the box pays off.
Just ask some of the CPUT innovators who participated in the University’s inaugural Innovation Showcase 2015.
An initiative of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO), the Innovation Showcase 2015 proved that the CPUT community is using their research to change lives and the world.
From inventions that will solve big industry problems to others that will help address health problems, CPUT innovators had the opportunity to share their big ideas with the public, investors, business people, product scouts, government officials and the media.
A total of 35 innovations were on display and the range of products displayed a wide response to societal needs ranging from very high disruptive technologies to innovative consumer goods and social innovations.
Chris Lombard, Business Manager at the TTO says all the high tech products attracted between one and three solid investor interests while most of the consumer products attracted firm orders for up to 30 units.
“The exposure of the CPUT innovations to the other innovators as well as the university staff contributed to a vibe and enthusiasm to learn more about the innovation activities in CPUT and to foster future innovation,” he says.
Lombard says as a university of technology, CPUT’s focus is on applied work and research to solve real problems by providing real solutions and products to solve the various consumer needs.
“The final step in the University of Technology Value Chain is to commercialize the research output by enabling the innovations to get into the public domain,” he says.
“Beyond the obvious PR value, it is only through innovation that we can create enterprises in South Africa, enabling our students to become employers – the only real method of addressing job creation and poverty.”
Lombard says most of the products displayed are in advanced technology readiness levels, ie approaching the point where they need to spin off from the university as start-up companies.
“Exposing the CPUT innovations is the platform to create the contact between innovators in start-up companies and investors to take them to the first levels of financial viability.”
*Members of the CPUT community who have a bright idea and think it could change the world, get in touch with the Technology Transfer Office at 021 959 5871 / 021 959 6879 / 021 959 6044
