The Research and Postgraduate Support (RPS) unit, in collaboration with the Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI) office at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), are hosting an informative three-day workshop from 23 October to 25 October 2024 at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC). The first workshop was titled “Research to Market” which took place on Wednesday, 23 October 2024. The event was aimed at fostering a culture of innovation and raise awareness of Intellectual Property (IP) across various faculties at DUT.
The workshop’s first day centred on the Faculty of Applied Sciences and the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. Dr Pinkie Ntola, Interim Director of TTI, welcomed students and guests, highlighting the significance of identifying pertinent local challenges for research. “We encourage students to engage with the issues in their surroundings and to conduct research that addresses these challenges,” she stated.
Bheki Zulu, a Patent Search Officer from the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), provided insights into the significance of Intellectual Property. He explained, “IP is a creation of the mind, such as inventions, artistic designs, and symbols. It is important because it grants you the right to exclude others from exploiting your IP without consent.” Zulu outlined various types of IP, including copyrights, patents, industrial designs, and trademarks, and discussed the necessary steps and requirements and duration for it to be international protection.
Mr Thabang Qumza, Senior Manager of Technology Transfer at the University of Johannesburg, highlighted the importance of IP identification. He explained that researchers need to disclose their inventions to determine whether they require protection. He encouraged attendees to develop an IP protection strategy that ensures their innovations remain confidential until they are ready for market release.
Basanda Pongoma focused on transforming ideas into tangible solutions that impact the market. He identified three common pathways for starting new ventures: an idea, new technology, or passion. “If you have an idea, you must be able to transform it and make an impact on the community,” Pongoma advised. He encouraged participants to start their businesses with available resources to better serve their customers.
Ziningi Myeni from the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) provided an overview of funding mechanisms and support for early-stage technologies. She emphasised TIA’s critical role in bridging the gap between research and commercialisation, offering financial and technical assistance across various sectors.
The event continued with a faculty roadshow, where representatives from RPS and TTI shared their roles and contributions. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to engage further with the speakers.
Programme Director Dr Farai Dziike expressed gratitude to all participants, marking the successful launch of the Research to Market workshop, which will continue over the next two days. Events scheduled for Thursday, 24 October 2024 and Friday, 25 October 2024 will include sessions from additional faculties, further exploring innovation and research commercialisation.
Pictured: Attendees at the DUT Research to Market workshop.
Photography: Khulasande Tshayile
Sinamile Sithole
