How University Research Could Become South Africa's Next Big Business Opportunity

As the country marks World Entrepreneurs' Day on 21 August, attention is turning to the role universities can play in transforming scientific research and innovation into businesses, jobs and solutions to real-world problems.

The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) is using the occasion to highlight the work of Stellenbosch University's Innovation and Commercialisation Unit, which brings together the university's Innovus Technology Transfer Office, LaunchLab and University of Stellenbosch Enterprises.

The unit received the Innovation Award: Corporate Organisation at the 2025 NSTF-South32 Awards for its work in creating an innovation and entrepreneurship platform that helps researchers identify commercially promising research, protect intellectual property and take technologies towards the market.

Turning ideas into businesses

While universities are traditionally associated with research and academic publications, commercialisation can take those discoveries into the marketplace.

At Stellenbosch University, the Innovation and Commercialisation Unit supports researchers through different stages of the process, including intellectual property protection, funding, investor readiness, business development and connections with industry.

The university says this ecosystem has contributed to the establishment of more than 30 spin-out companies and the co-founding of Africa's first university-focused venture capital fund.

The innovations emerging from the ecosystem span industries including aerospace, biotechnology, medical devices, advanced manufacturing and environmental technology.

Among the companies highlighted by the NSTF are CubeSpace, whose satellite control systems are used on hundreds of satellites worldwide; Stellenbosch Nanofibre Company, which develops advanced nanofibre technologies; Urobo Biotech, which converts waste into bioproducts; and Banzifeet, which develops school shoes based on scientific research.

These examples demonstrate how research can move beyond the university environment to create products, companies and potential employment opportunities.

Building South Africa's innovation economy

The commercialisation of research is increasingly important as South Africa looks for ways to strengthen its knowledge economy and create new sources of economic growth.

The NSTF says technology transfer offices, business incubators and innovation hubs play an important role in helping researchers navigate the journey from discovery to commercial success.

This includes providing access to funding, business expertise, intellectual property support and industry partnerships.

The Stellenbosch University model also highlights the importance of collaboration between universities, investors, businesses and government in turning research into commercially viable ventures.

As World Entrepreneurs' Day approaches, the message is that entrepreneurship is not limited to traditional small businesses. It can also emerge from laboratories, universities and research institutions where new technologies and ideas are being developed.

For South Africa, creating stronger pathways between research and the marketplace could help turn local innovation into businesses, employment opportunities and solutions to some of the country's biggest challenges.

Opportunities for the next generation

The NSTF is also encouraging young people to consider careers in entrepreneurship, innovation management, technology transfer, intellectual property management and STEM fields.

These areas can provide opportunities for young people interested in taking scientific ideas and turning them into products, technologies and businesses.

The organisation's message for World Entrepreneurs' Day is clear: South Africa's research institutions are not only places where knowledge is created, they can also be places where the next generation of businesses begins.