Leading through research

The VUT is engaged in partnership models in Southern Gauteng to develop shared strategies for the advancement of social, technological and economic upliftment.

This strategically aligns with proven international models, where regional alliances involving higher educational institutes are an effective means to achieve economic growth, and for moving economies into higher skills levels. Through the Technology Transfer and Innovation Directorate (TTI), the VUT impacts regionally, nationally and internationally.

Headed up by Prof Deon de Beer, Executive Director: TTI, the division creates opportunities for the university to collaborate with commerce, industry and the community, together with Government departments and agencies. “This enables the VUT to create an entrepreneurial University environment by transferring and commercialising university research products and also develops opportunities for students through internships, jobs, and entrepreneurship,” says De Beer.

The TTI aims to commercialise know-how and innovation by students, graduates and staff and capitalises on business development realised by other potential entrepreneurs. Under its mandate, the TTI also aims to set up campus companies where the university might retain a stake in the firm for a while. “The TTI strives to create a sustainable unit that generates 3rd stream income also through assets in the form of new technology platforms or income through external grants, licensing agreements, patents or equity in start-up businesses,” he says.

In parallel, availability of new technology platforms broaden the VUT’s research base, builds research and innovation capacity and facilitates the transfer of skills and technology to the wider community. “This enables the university to address knowledge generation and development of human resources. Simultaneously, a foundation for the generation of sustainable income is created. As such, the VUT-community creates partnerships and markets that generate demands for new products and services.”

The TTI, through its different structures, support companies that seek a fresh approach to marketing strategies by availing technology platforms, technological innovations and technical expertise. “In creating awareness of selected technologies such as additive or direct digital manufacturing, design automation, or new scientific or business processes, a contribution is made towards raising companies’ competitiveness, within a portfolio of best practices on technological innovation,” he adds.

During 2010, the TTI completed a strategic expansion programme, and now consists of Enterprise Development Unit (EDU), EMC (Engineering Manufacturing Centre), ICBT (Institute for Chemical and Biotechnology), IIC (Iscor Innovation Centre), as well as TTSMPT (TIA Technology Station for Materials Processing Technology). By the nature of the existing position profile, the EMC assists researchers, community, staff and students to develop prototype products or processes for research or innovation purposes. It furthermore conducts projects within the Faculty of Engineering and Technology and assists industry and community with project/contract work.

The EMC plays a supportive role to the Innovation Centre as well as the current Technology Station, research focus area or institutes. Specific objectives set by the EMC include the growing of CNC machining capabilities and to develop the necessary capacity to create a sustainable unit, as well as to market the EMC capabilities particularly for support of VUT research. The Iscor Innovation Centre plays an institutional Innovation support role, with activities in place to make innovation part of the curriculum. The intended FabLab development, together with Innovative Product Development research activities, supports these initiatives.

More importantly, alignment with the National Innovation Competition (NIC) from the current Innovation Fund, together with new initiatives from TIA, AMTS and THRIP are all high priorities. The VUT is participating in the Department of Science and Technology’s TIA-funded Technology Stations Programme, where a number of universities of technology receive funding from DST through TIA, to actively support technology transfer projects to industry. Some major advancements can be reported under the VUT’s Technology Station (TSMPT).

TSMPT has excelled both in terms of expansion of technology platforms for technology development and demonstration, as well human resource development. TSMPT currently supports product development for a number of IDC (Industrial Development Corporation) funded projects, where the beneficiaries are funded under the Support Programme for Industrial innovation (SPII), with the aim to support regional innovation and local economic development.

Over and above securing funds from TIA to support project and running costs, TSMPT succeeded in acquiring funds for major equipment upgrades in the technology centre. TSMPT is also making a substantial contribution by developing a Design Centre to support SMMEs with accelerated new product development. Above-mentioned supports the TTI’s technology transfer capacity, helps to expand research infrastructure, and supports the current strategic manufacturing and product development research focus.

Apart from its supportive structure in terms of research commercialisation, the TTI staff are actively involved in research and supervision, and makes a meaningful contribution to the VUT’s research outputs in terms of accredited publications, patents, artefacts, and obtaining of research funding.

“This is often done through direct participation in focus areas and its funding applications to research agencies and the corporate environment, but also through supporting individual researchers, focus areas or institutes with the preparation of funding applications,” he concludes.