“VUT Technology Transfer Office, research collaboration, intellectual property, innovation, commercialisation, academic engagement”
29 September 2025 | Story By: Manani Hlongwane| Picture: Supplied
1 minute read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Technology Transfer Office (TTO) recently hosted another successful social engagement session at the VUT Conference Centre, bringing together researchers and academics from the Faculties of Human Sciences and Applied and Computer Sciences. These informal gatherings are designed to foster collaboration while helping colleagues to familiarise themselves with the TTO’s services, particularly in relation to intellectual property and commercialisation.
Attendees enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere, sharing a casual braai while engaging in substantive conversations about innovation and IP. The most recent session was notable for the presence of the Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences, Professor Lazarus Maleho. Researchers were encouraged to consider how their work can be identified, protected, developed, and translated to market, strengthening links across faculties and with the TTO.
The TTO plays a vital role in moving research from the laboratory to society. Through these sessions, the office emphasises the importance of understanding IP and showcases the resources available to researchers, including access to funding, legal support, and marketing assistance. The informal setting enabled open dialogue, idea-sharing, and relationship-building with key stakeholders, nurturing a culture of innovation across the university.
The event attracted a diverse group of researchers, many engaging with the TTO for the first time, and underscored the office’s commitment to supporting VUT’s research community in turning ideas into impactful innovations. Building on this momentum, upcoming sessions will focus on researchers from the Faculties of Engineering and Management Sciences.
For IP or commercialisation enquiries, please contact Menzi Serero at gontses@vut.ac.za or 016 930 5106.