The Innovus Technology Transfer Office (TTO) hosted its annual Inventors Awards ceremony on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, to celebrate Stellenbosch University (SU) researchers whose work has led to granted patents this past year. The event recognises outstanding contributions to the innovation ecosystem and the immense potential of Intellectual Property (IP) to advance technologies that have a real-world impact. 

Hosted at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (Stias), the 2025 Innovus Inventors Awards brought together researchers, industry partners and SU staff. In partnership with Von Seidels, the TTO awarded twenty certificates recognising patents granted in various territories, including countries such as South Africa, China, the USA and the United Kingdom. 

Ravini Moodley, Director of Innovus TTO, stated: "These awards showcase how SU research is increasingly shaping industry practices, addressing societal challenges, and strengthening South Africa's innovation landscape. Each patent granted represents intensive novel research done at SU with clear steps toward solutions that can be scaled and commercialised. The growing impact of our researchers is evident in how their work is being recognised not only locally but internationally, which is a testament to SU's role as a driver of innovation and economic development".

Guest speaker Eugene Smit, Chief Executive Officer at Stellenbosch Nanofiber Company (SNC), delivered a keynote address reflecting on SNC’s journey from research to patent, and ultimately to the formation of the spinout company. Smit shared lessons learnt from the early stages of developing the company, emphasising the importance of patents for large-scale commercialisation and encouraging researchers to prioritise quality over quantity.  He also highlighted the need for  consistent upkeep of patents, even during challenging periods, and the value of leveraging the support of the TTO - inspiring researchers to continue driving innovation and collaboration at SU and beyond. 

A major highlight of the evening was the announcement of the special award recipients, which were presented by Anita Nel, Chief Director for the Innovation and Commercialisation Division at SU. There were five special awards given to the faculties with the most disclosures, patents granted and spin-out companies established in 2025. 

A special award is presented annually recognising a researcher or team whose work has had a significant real-world impact. This year, the award was given to the inventors of a yeast that enables the degradation of bioplastics. One special award recognised the researcher with the highest number of patents granted in the last five years.

The following awards showcase the diversity, ingenuity and societal value embedded in SU's innovation ecosystem.

Faculty Awards 

• Granted Patents 2025: The Faculty of Science, which had the highest number of granted patents this year.
• Invention Disclosures: The Faculty of Engineering was recognised with the most received invention disclosures thus far in 2025.
• Spin-out Company: The Faculty of Engineering had the most spin-out companies in 2025.
   

Research Impact Award 2025: Environmental Impact

Collaborating with the University of Padua researchers from the Microbiology Department, Dr Wessel Myburgh, Prof Willem Heber Van Zyl and Prof Marinda Viljoen-Bloom were recognised for the innovation that modifies yeast cells to produce enzymes that break down polylactic acid, a type of biodegradable plastic, into simpler, functional components. This technology contributes to improving waste management and enhancing environmental impact.

Researcher Innovator Award 2025: 

Professor Benjamin Loos from the Department of Physiological Sciences in the Faculty of Sciences was recognised for his excellent contributions to research and innovation over the past five years at the university with the most granted patents. Among his notable achievements is receiving a United States patent for the Method of Determining Autophagosome Flux and Uses Thereof. He is also the CEO and founder of PhagoFlux, which develops advanced sensing technology to measure autophagic flux, which is the rate at which cells perform self-cleaning through autophagy. 

Chief Director’s Award for Exceptional Contribution to SU Technology Transfer

The ceremony concluded with Anita, presenting the Chief Director’s Award, for Exceptional Contribution to SU Technology Transfer, to Nolene Singh, Deputy Director for Innovus TTO, who will celebrate her 10th year with the team in 2026. Over the past decade, Nolene has been a true pillar of the TTO, a dependable, talented, and dedicated colleague whose exceptional commitment has strengthened the impact and success of SU’s technology transfer efforts.

The 2025 Innovus Inventors Awards underscored the strength of SU's innovation ecosystem and the researchers driving it forward. By celebrating these breakthroughs, Innovus TTO reaffirms its commitment to supporting ideas that become real-world solutions. The achievements recognised this year signal a future of continued impact, collaboration and world-class innovation at SU.

For queries related to patents, industry partnerships or licencing, please contact the Innovus TTO at [email protected]. Click here to view SU’s technologies.