COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Technology Transfer Office

About Technology Transfer Office

At the University of Limpopo’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO), we bridge the gap between innovation and impact. Our mission is to facilitate the transfer of groundbreaking research and intellectual property from the laboratory to the marketplace, fostering collaborations that drive economic growth and societal advancement.

We are responsible for the identification, protection, and commercialization of intellectual property. Our primary objective is to support and enable the protection and commercialisation of the University of Limpopo’s intellectual property (IP):

  • Handling, managing IP disclosures and protecting IP identified for the benefit of our society, both socially and economically
  • Facilitating the commercialisation of UL’s IP through licensing, spin-offs, etc.
  • Raising IP awareness for university staff and students
  • Provide guidance to researchers on issues of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer
  • Promoting a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation

OUR SERVICES

Intellectual Property Management

Intellectual Property (IP) management is a cornerstone of our mission to translate research into tangible societal and economic benefits. Led by our experienced team of IP professionals, we employ a comprehensive approach to protect, manage, and commercialise the intellectual assets generated by our institution’s researchers.

Our dedicated team of experts specialises in safeguarding intellectual property generated by our institution’s researchers. From patents to copyrights, we provide guidance on protecting innovations, ensuring that your ideas remain secure as they transition from concept to market-ready products and services.

Here is how we do it:

IP Disclosure Process

At the heart of our IP management strategy is the IP disclosure process, which serves as the gateway for researchers to share their discoveries with our Technology Transfer Office (TTO). We have streamlined this process to make it as seamless and accessible as possible for our researchers, ensuring that innovative ideas are promptly identified, evaluated, and protected.

When a researcher makes a new discovery or invention, they submit an IP disclosure form to our TTO, detailing the nature of their innovation and its potential applications. Our team of IP experts then conducts an initial assessment to evaluate the novelty, commercial potential, and patentability of the disclosed invention.

We work closely with researchers throughout the disclosure process, providing guidance on intellectual property rights, patent requirements, and commercialization strategies. Our goal is to empower researchers to make informed decisions about their intellectual property and maximize the impact of their innovations.

By fostering a culture of open collaboration and knowledge sharing, we encourage researchers to engage with our TTO early and often, ensuring that valuable discoveries are captured, protected, and ultimately translated into real-world solutions that benefit society. Through our streamlined IP disclosure process, we catalyse innovation and drive positive change, one discovery at a time.

Identification and Evaluation

The process begins with the identification and evaluation of intellectual property assets. Our team collaborates closely with researchers to assess inventions, innovations, and creative works for their commercial potential. Through comprehensive analysis and market research, we determine which discoveries are most suitable for IP protection and commercialisation.

Patenting and Licensing

For inventions deemed commercially viable, we guide researchers through the patenting process to secure legal protection for their intellectual property. Our IP experts handle all aspects of patent drafting, filing, and prosecution, ensuring that inventions are adequately protected and positioned for commercial success.

Once patents are granted, we facilitate technology licensing agreements with industry partners, enabling them to access and leverage our institution’s innovative technologies for product development and commercialization. These partnerships not only generate revenue for our institution but also accelerate the adoption of research-driven solutions in the marketplace.

IP Portfolio Management

Managing a robust portfolio of intellectual property assets requires strategic oversight and diligent maintenance. Our IP management team monitors and evaluates our institution’s IP portfolio, ensuring that patents are maintained, renewed, and strategically leveraged to maximise their value.

We continually assess market dynamics, technology trends, and industry landscapes to identify opportunities for portfolio optimization and expansion. By actively managing our IP portfolio, we strive to enhance its competitiveness, relevance, and impact in an ever-evolving innovation ecosystem.

IP Scouting

Within our University and the wider community, IP scouting serves as a vital mechanism for identifying, evaluating, and harnessing innovative ideas and technologies with transformative potential. Internally, our IP scouting efforts are focused on tapping into the wealth of creativity and ingenuity within our academic community. We proactively engage with researchers, faculty members, and students across disciplines to uncover emerging technologies, novel inventions, and groundbreaking research findings. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, we empower individuals to share their ideas and discoveries, driving the creation of valuable intellectual property assets.

Additionally, our IP scouting extends beyond the university’s walls to explore external sources of innovation within the community. We actively seek out partnerships with local startups, research institutions, and industry collaborators to identify promising technologies and opportunities for collaboration. Through strategic networking, market analysis, and technology assessments, we uncover innovative solutions that have the potential to address pressing challenges and create tangible societal impact. IP scouting cultivates a thriving ecosystem of innovation that fuels progress and drives positive change both within our university and in the broader community.

Education and Outreach

In addition to our core IP management activities, we are committed to raising awareness and promoting understanding of intellectual property concepts within our academic community. Through workshops, seminars, and educational resources, we empower researchers, students, and faculty to navigate the complexities of IP protection, commercialisation, and technology transfer.

By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, we inspire and equip the next generation of inventors and innovators to create positive change and make meaningful contributions to society.

IP Community Engagement Programme

We recognise the importance of fostering a vibrant and engaged intellectual property (IP) community. As such, we have developed a comprehensive IP Community Outreach Program aimed at raising awareness, promoting understanding, and facilitating collaboration among researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders.

Through a variety of educational initiatives, workshops, seminars, and networking events, we aim to demystify the complexities of IP protection, technology transfer, and commercialization. Our program provides participants with valuable insights into the importance of IP in driving innovation, protecting creative works, and maximising the impact of research.

We collaborate with academic departments, research centers, industry associations, and governmental organizations to deliver tailored programming that meets the needs and interests of diverse audiences. Whether it’s a seminar on patent filing strategies, a workshop on copyright law, or a panel discussion on startup formation, our IP Community Outreach Program offers something for everyone. Through engaging with the broader community, we foster a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge sharing that benefits individuals, organizations, and society.

TIA SEED FUND MANAGEMENT

In our Technology Transfer Office (TTO), we understand the critical role that funding plays in advancing innovative research and driving technology commercialisation.

In light of the aforementioned, we pride ourselves on managing the TIA (Technology Innovation Accelerator) SEED Fund, a dedicated funding program designed to support early-stage innovation and entrepreneurship within our academic community.

The TIA SEED Fund provides crucial financial resources to researchers, students, and entrepreneurs who are developing promising technologies with the potential for commercialisation. Our team oversees the entire lifecycle of the funding process, from application review and selection to project management and outcomes evaluation.

We work closely with applicants to ensure that their proposals align with the fund’s objectives and demonstrate clear market potential and feasibility. Selected projects receive not only financial support but also access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and business development resources to help them succeed.

Through the TIA SEED Fund, we aim to catalyse innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and accelerate the translation of research discoveries into impactful solutions that address real-world challenges. By providing early-stage funding and support, we empower innovators to turn their ideas into reality and make a meaningful difference in society.

Whether you are a researcher with a groundbreaking concept, a student entrepreneur with a startup idea, or a faculty member looking to advance your research towards commercialisation, the TIA SEED Fund is here to help you take the next step on your innovation journey. Get in touch with our TTO team to learn more about funding opportunities and how we can support your innovative endeavours.

PARTNER WITH US

Whether you are a researcher with a groundbreaking discovery, an entrepreneur with a game-changing startup idea, or an industry leader seeking innovative solutions, we invite you to partner with us at UL Technology Transfer Office. Together, we can unlock the full potential of intellectual property and drive innovation that transforms lives and shapes the future. Contact us today to learn more about our IP management services and explore collaboration opportunities.

TTO TEAM

Mr Thabo Lebelo

Mr Thabo Lebelo

Manager: TTO & UL Digital Hub
Mr Thabo Kgole

Mr Thabo Kgole

IP Officer
Mr Jimmy Mohale

Mr Jimmy Mohale

IP Commercialisation Officer

CONTACT US

Contact Details

Tel: +27 15 862 2306
Email: tto@ul.ac.za

Physical Address

C/O R71 Tzaneen Road and University Street
Mankweng Township, Polokwane, Limpopo Province
University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus
Old Admin Block, Ground Floor
Sovenga, 0727

Postal

The Registrar
Private Bag X1106
Sovenga
0727