Written by Mihlali Gotyana for Innovation & Commercialisation  

At Stellenbosch University’s Innovation & Commercialisation division, building a more sustainable future means more than just new technologies and business ideas. It is also about the people who quietly drive positive change every day. Through their work in innovation, entrepreneurship and community-building, women like Nolene Singh, Doris Peters, Jade Meyer and Nadine Price are transforming businesses, ideas and mindsets that put people and the planet first. By supporting sustainable startups, encouraging responsible entrepreneurship, reducing waste, and promoting conscious choices, these women show how innovation can be a powerful force for environmental responsibility and lasting impact. 

How Nolene Singh connects innovation and everyday climate action  

Staff in the Innovation and Commercialisation division at Stellenbosch University work to make SU innovation matter by addressing challenges like climate change. 

Nolene Singh, Deputy Director for the Innovus Technology Transfer Office, supports projects in innovation, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. She helps turn university research into opportunities that make a real difference in society and business. 

“I enjoy working in this environment where innovation contributes positively to society, especially in areas where research and technology support sustainable development and responsible progress. I appreciate being part of a team that encourages creative thinking and practical solutions,” she says.  

Outside of work, Nolene enjoys time with family and friends, learning new things, gardening, and finding ways to live more sustainably. She loves growing her own herbs and vegetables at home and recently started turning food waste into compost to help her garden and reduce waste. 

Nolene adds, “I believe small, consistent actions can collectively make a meaningful difference to our planet. In my daily life, I try to reduce waste, recycle where possible, conserve water and electricity, and make more environmentally conscious choices wherever I can”.  

Doris Peters on business ventures that leave the planet a better place  

Doris Peters is the New Venture Support Manager in the Innovation and Commercialisation division. She helps the Stellenbosch University Group of Companies at every stage, from starting new companies to making sure they run smoothly. Doris also acts as Company Secretary for 14 companies, ensuring they adhere to good governance and remain compliant. 

As part of the SU LaunchLab team, Doris is passionate about helping build businesses that are impactful, sustainable, and profitable. She supports the division’s mission of "Making SU Innovation Matter." 

With over 25 years in the division, Doris also helps run the Instant Startup platform. This platform gives entrepreneurs practical tools, templates, guidance, and resources to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses. 

Outside of work, Doris is a dedicated student and enjoys spending time with her family, her husband Sean Peters, and their three dachshunds: Luci, Poppi (also called Poplap), and Max. She also likes reading and building with Lego, which she finds relaxing and inspiring. 

To reduce her impact on the planet, Doris tries to live consciously by cutting down on waste, recycling when she can, saving energy and water, and supporting sustainable practices. 

“Through both the work we do within the division, we actively encourage entrepreneurs and startup companies to consider the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as part of their businesses’ long-term planning. We aim to help founders think beyond profitability and consider how their products, technologies, and services can positively contribute to society and our environment,” she says.  

Encouraging startups to include sustainability from the start helps them grow in a lasting way and attract future investment. “I believe we all share a responsibility to leave the planet in a better condition for future generations,” says Doris. 

Jade Meyer connecting business and biodiversity  

Jade Meyer is SU LaunchLab’s Community Coordinator. She oversees the facility's daily needs and supports the lively entrepreneurial community at LaunchLab. Jade also helps with projects and travel planning to keep everything running smoothly. 

Before joining LaunchLab, Jade ran a wedding cake business. This experience sparked her passion for entrepreneurship and creating great customer experiences. She cares about business development, team culture, and building spaces where people can work well together. 

Outside of work, Jade loves dogs and has adopted two. She believes that making a difference often begins with small, steady actions. 

“For our planet, I contribute positively by fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for our community and by encouraging sustainability initiatives, including supporting and promoting the university’s e-waste drives,” she says.   

Jade believes that working together and making thoughtful choices every day can help create a better future for our planet.  

Nadine Price’s entrepreneurial support for a safer and sustainable environment  

Nadine Price is the Student Entrepreneurship Officer at SU LaunchLab. She supports and develops student entrepreneurs through workshops, bootcamps, mentorship, and community events. Nadine works closely with students, partners, and innovators to build an environment where entrepreneurship and innovation can grow. 

Before supporting entrepreneurs, Nadine ran her own business. Helping others has always been important to her, which is why she is passionate about student entrepreneurship. “I am in the privileged position of supporting students who come to me with ideas they want to develop into meaningful businesses. I draw constant inspiration from their enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, and determination to build businesses that can positively impact other people’s lives and communities,” says Nadine. 

For Nadine, reducing our impact on the planet is not just about big environmental projects. It is also about building a sense of responsibility and sustainability in our daily lives and work. 

Just like Jade Meyer, Nadine tries to be intentional about reducing waste, limiting unnecessary consumption, supporting local and innovative solutions, and encouraging students to think about sustainability when building their businesses. She says, “I believe entrepreneurship and innovation should not only focus on profit, but also on creating solutions that contribute positively to people, communities, and the environment for future generations”. 

Stellenbosch University spinouts are working toward a cleaner and more sustainable future 

Stellenbosch University (SU) is well known for tackling climate challenges in South Africa and beyond. Many ideas from its lecture halls and labs have become SU-owned intellectual property and have led to successful, award-winning spinout companies. 

These companies address urgent local and global issues, such as cutting carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and helping communities adapt to global warming. Two key university programs support them: SU LaunchLab and the Innovus Technology Transfer Office (TTO). The TTO helps researchers protect, patent, and license their innovations. SU LaunchLab serves as an incubator, providing mentorship, shared workspaces with lab facilities, and early-stage funding through the University Technology Fund (UTF). 

“Through Innovus TTO and the LaunchLab, SU provides comprehensive support both pre- and post-incorporation to ensure that our companies are derisked, well-funded and geared for success,” said Anita Nel, Chief Director of the Innovation and Commercialisation Division at SU.