“VUT’s Technology Transfer Office welcomes Thabo Kgole as the new Intellectual Property (IP) Manager, bringing legal and technical expertise to protect and grow innovation.”
19 August 2025 | Story By: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Supplied
1 minute read time.
The Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT) Technology Transfer Office (TTO), based at the VUT Science Park, is proud to welcome Mr Thabo Kgole as its new Intellectual Property (IP) Manager.
With degrees in Chemistry, Physics, and Law (LLB), Mr Kgole brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and legal insight to the role. His background spans diverse industries, including biotechnology, consumer electronics, fashion, music, and Indigenous knowledge systems. Across these fields, he has supported creators in transforming their ideas into protected assets and guided them along the journey from concept to commercialisation.
At VUT, Mr Kgole’s mission is clear: to make IP support accessible, practical, and empowering for all. Whether assisting seasoned researchers, students with breakthrough inventions, or individuals nurturing early-stage ideas, he aims to ensure that innovation is protected and nurtured.
In the months ahead, Mr Kgole will spearhead several initiatives, including interactive IP awareness sessions, the launch of an IP Scouts programme to identify promising innovations early, and streamlined processes for protecting and commercialising intellectual property.
Encouraging innovators to take proactive steps, he remarked: “If you have a great idea, protect it first. Then, seek advice early, collaborate, and don’t let uncertainty hold you back.”
VUT looks forward to Mr Kgole strengthening the institution’s innovation ecosystem and cultivating a culture where ideas are not only born but also safeguarded and celebrated.
For IP-related enquiries, Mr Kgole may be contacted via email at thabo.k@vut.ac.za or by visiting the Technology Transfer Office.