The Research Office shared its bold direction for institutional growth, placing commercialisation, innovation, and global competitiveness at the centre of the University’s research agenda.
The presentation was delivered during a recent engagement session led by Professor Rushiella Songca, in which the Research Office outlined its ongoing efforts to increase research output and transform how knowledge is produced and applied.
At the heart of this shift is a move away from traditional academic models toward high-impact, market-responsive research. Leading this drive is Dr Mandla Hlongwane, Deputy Director of Technology Transfer, who addressed researchers on 14 April 2026.
Dr Hlongwane emphasised the urgent need to translate intellectual property into viable enterprises, urging academics to rethink the purpose of research. “Research should not merely exist in journals,” he noted, highlighting the importance of assessing both novelty and market potential.
To support this transformation, the Research Directorate has introduced a structured commercialisation pipeline. This includes guidance on patent protection, collaboration with legal experts to draft technical specifications, and technology readiness assessments to determine whether innovations are market-ready and suited to specific industries.
To demonstrate its commitment to this initiative, the University has indicated its readiness to provide financial support for high-potential ventures, with funding examples of up to R500,000 for promising initiatives. This support is further strengthened through internal funding mechanisms, the University Capacity Development Grant (UCDG), and strategic investment in IT infrastructure.