From supporting activities related to Intellectual Property (IP) administration and initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, Nonhlanhla Cebekhulu’s appointment at Innovus Technology Transfer Office (TTO) will have a great impact on the team.

Nonhlanhla joined Innovus on 1 July 2026 as an Administrative Officer for IP and will help advance the team’s success in moving innovations from concept to commercialisation. “Being part of a team that transforms research and IP into products and solutions that benefit society is both inspiring and rewarding,” she says.

Nonhlanhla holds an Honours Degree in Applied Mathematics and an undergraduate degree in Applied Mathematics and Hydrology from the University of Zululand. She is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration with Regenesys Business School. Her career journey into IP and technology transfer began in 2024 when she joined the Research and Innovation Division at the University of Zululand as an intern, through the Coole Network and Technology Programme. 

“At the time, I had limited knowledge on IP. With the right mentorship from the institution, I underwent extensive training to build my understanding. In the process, I was drawn by how ideas could be protected, developed, and transformed into innovations that create real impact,” Nonhlanhla recalls. 

She remains drawn to this field because it connects creativity with practical outcomes. She adds, “IP and technology transfer bring together diverse sectors, including academia, industry, government, law, and communities, to transform innovative ideas into meaningful social and economic impact. What resonates with me the most is the realisation that IP begins with human intellect—it all starts with an idea. I find it inspiring that we are all born with the ability to think, create, and innovate, and that a single idea can grow into a business, solve real-world problems, and positively impact people's lives.”

Nonhlanhla is also a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Academy alumnus, having completed the Distance Learning Corse on IP Management (DL-450: WIPO’s South Africa Advanced Summer School on Intellectual Property and Transfer of Technology). This programme covers essential topics such as IP asset identification, commercialisation, valuation, and taxation, as well as the management of IP in the digital space, including e-commerce and creative works. 

“Despite the expertise and experience I may hold, I am mostly looking forward to learning how to work with Innovus TTO's systems and processes to manage information more efficiently. I am also excited to gain experience at Stellenbosch University, where the broad portfolio of innovations and technologies presents a valuable opportunity to learn and grow in the technology transfer environment.

Outside of her professional space, Nonhlanhla enjoys working out, with weightlifting being her favourite activity to remain active. “I find it both challenging and rewarding”, she acknowledges.

Nonhlanhla also has a side hustle. Her small business, ‘The Perfume Co. Africa’ sells perfumes, car diffusers, room diffusers, and collagen powder. Due to her recent relocation to Stellenbosch, the business has paused its operations and will resume in due time.