As the global landscape shifts toward knowledge-based economies, Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) continues to set its reputation as a leader in African innovation. Dr Mandla Hlongwane, Deputy Director of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO), recently represented the Institution at the Trilateral Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Partnership (RIEP) Faculty Exchange Programme, held from 4–6 March 2026.
Hosted at the prestigious IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus, the event brought together academic and industry experts around the theme: “Universities as startup engines: Building scalable pathways from knowledge to enterprises.”
MUT was invited to the RIEP platform as an expert Institution, a move that recognises the University’s growing influence in the entrepreneurship ecosystem. Dr Hlongwane’s role involved sharing comparative insights drawn from innovation ecosystems across India, Africa, and Europe. The discussions focused on the mechanics of transforming “lab bench” research into “market-ready” ventures.
Key strategies explored during the exchange included strengthening technology transfer systems by creating robust frameworks to protect and license intellectual property; support structures by enhancing incubators and accelerators to mentor student and faculty entrepreneurs; and strategic partnerships, by bridging the gap between academia, industry giants, and venture capital investors.
According to Dr Hlongwane, participation in this trilateral exchange is more than a speaking engagement; it is a strategic step toward expanding MUT’s international footprint. Dr Hlongwane emphasised that the insights gained will directly impact the University’s internal processes. “These engagements will contribute to strengthening MUT’s commercialisation journey by enhancing its technology transfer capabilities, expanding industry partnerships, and creating clearer pathways for research outputs to be translated into scalable enterprises,” said Dr Hlongwane.
The RIEP platform provides MUT with a gateway to collaborate with leading research institutions across Africa and the globe. By sharing best practices and developing joint entrepreneurship initiatives, MUT is positioning itself as a vital catalyst for socio-economic development and innovation-driven entrepreneurship within the region.