Our teams work together to support researchers across the full innovation pipeline, from Intellectual Property (IP) protection and development to spin‑out creation and industry engagement.

SU is arguably South Africa’s most active innovation university. We closed off the year with a total of 15 investments made in SU spin-out companies, successfully adding six new spin-outs, bringing the number of companies in the SU group of companies to 44.  We are also among the country’s leading patent filers. The fantastic track record in creating spin-outs is powered by strategic initiatives such as the University Technology Fund (UTF), which bridges the funding gap for early-stage ventures. Our mission to foster innovation ecosystems and drive research toward real-world impact makes partnering with SU incredibly attractive in African innovation.

2025 achievements and highlights

• With many of our early-stage enterprises having reached post-revenue status, this is underscoring their strong market traction;
• CubeSpace, an SU aerospace spin-out provides satellite guidance systems to over 290 clients around the world and has established a holding company in Ireland to facilitate European expansion. This highlights the global impact of our innovation pipeline;
• We continued to leverage dedicated funds to nurture innovation. SU was the driver behind the establishment of the South Africa’s UTF, ensuring sustained capital for spin-out ventures. In total, SU has raised over R50 million in 2025 to support its new companies. This provides critical funding to help mature promising technologies through difficult market conditions;
• A major milestone was opening our LaunchLab CERIBIO biotechnology laboratory. This new facility offers SU biotechnology spin-outs state-of-the-art laboratory space and equipment for biotech research and development. Designed as an extension of our SU LaunchLab incubator, CERIBIO addresses the high costs of biotech development by giving entrepreneurs affordable, shared laboratory infrastructure and specialised business support;
• Our Innovus Technology Transfer Office (TTO) remained highly active, handling disclosures and IP management. We evaluated 40 new technology disclosures in 2025, guiding many innovations toward licensing or spin-out formation. We held various contact sessions with research teams and faculty management to develop and understand the needs of research teams and develop new services; and
• We stepped up engagement with industry partners through multi-stakeholder events. For example, the University-industry engagement brought together academia and industry to encourage discussions and potential opportunities for collaboration or licensing of technologies. These engagements deepen long-term partnerships across sectors, ensuring our research addresses real industrial and societal challenges. Together with SU LaunchLab and Stellenbosch Network we hosted the Agritech Connect and the Healthtech Connect to bring together specific sectoral partner in the innovation ecosystem. These events help to showcase the new technologies that SU research brings to SA industry.

Over the year, the TTO has been exceptional in negotiating licenses or forming spin-out companies, managing patent filings, and connecting our researchers with industry partners. By providing expert guidance and risk management, the TTO ensures that SU innovations are developed responsibly and competitively in partnership with industry. 16 licenses were executed in 2025.

Our approach confirms SU as a leader in commercialising new technologies and an exemplar of entrepreneurial universities on the African continent. These outcomes highlight the dedication of our researchers and the effectiveness of our innovation framework. Building on this momentum, we are well‑positioned to leverage science and innovation for even greater benefit in the years ahead.

Looking forward, we will continue strengthening the full innovation value chain from discovery through commercialisation. Our priorities for 2026 are to:

• Expand our efforts to acquire translational funding for SU spin-outs, leveraging both the UTF and new venture partnerships to scale promising ventures;
• Enhance our incubation and lab facilities (building on CERIBIO) and ensure entrepreneurs have the resources and workspace they need to grow our companies;
• Strengthen collaboration with industry, government and communities for our research to remain closely aligned with real-world needs and national development goals; and
• Extend entrepreneurship training to students, staff and alumni through SU LaunchLab, nurturing the next generation of innovators across all faculties.

Our commitment remains clear: to build a resilient, inclusive innovation ecosystem that connects SU to society and industry, making a meaningful contribution to SA’s development.

We sincerely thank our academic colleagues, industry partners and community collaborators for their continued engagement and support. Together, we will ensure that SU innovations are effectively harnessed for the benefit of society and future generations. We look forward to collaborating on new initiatives in 2026 and beyond.

For inquiries about partnering with SU or support for your innovative ideas, please contact us at [email protected].