“VUT PhD candidate secures second place for Thothotho Distillery at the National SMME IP Commercialisation Workshop.”
24 February 2026 | Story by: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture by: Supplied
3 minutes read time.
A PhD candidate from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), Mr Moshe Mello, recently achieved a significant milestone by securing second place for Thothotho Distillery at the highly competitive National SMME Intellectual Property Commercialisation Workshop, held from 18 to 20 February 2026 at Sun City.
Reflecting on his participation, Mr Mello described the workshop as both rigorous and transformative. “The workshop was an incredible experience. It brought together innovators from across South Africa, and the level of competition was intense. Being the only representative from VUT strengthened my resolve to showcase the commercial potential of Thothotho Premium Gin.”
The workshop was hosted by the Swedish Embassy through the Swiss Partnership, in collaboration with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), and the National Intellectual Property Management Office(NIPMO). It focused on equipping entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises with strategies to leverage intellectual property as a driver of business growth.
“The sessions on IP portfolio management, licensing and valuation were eye opening,” Mr Mello noted. “I realised that intellectual property is not merely about protection. It is a strategic income stream capable of shaping the long-term trajectory of a business.”
During the pitching competition, Mr Mello presented Thothotho Premium Gin, outlining the distillery’s commercialisation journey, brand protection measures and expansion strategy. He demonstrated how research, innovation and strategic branding translate into measurable commercial value. The presentation further explored licensing models and strategic partnerships, emphasising how IP ownership can generate sustainable asset value for the enterprise.
The announcement of second place marked a defining moment. “Hearing our name called was surreal,” Mr Mello reflected. “It validated the vision behind Thothotho Distillery and confirmed that our commercialisation and IP strategy are aligned with industry best practice.”
Beyond the accolade, the experience prompted deeper reflection on institutional innovation pathways. Mr Mello observed how universities and research institutions globally leverage intellectual property to build equity positions in major corporations. This insight, he explained, aligns closely with the strategic ambitions articulated in VUT’s long term vision, particularly in strengthening commercialisation frameworks to support sustainable institutional growth.
Looking ahead, Mr Mello intends to apply these insights to future initiatives. “I now have a clearer perspective on structuring university spin offs, refining IP valuation strategies and building innovation ecosystems linked to research outputs. Aligning research with commercial strategy is no longer optional. It is essential for meaningful impact.”
In closing, he encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurial thinking. “In South Africa’s current economic climate, entrepreneurship is critical. With youth unemployment remaining high, students must begin to see themselves not only as job seekers but as job creators. Leveraging intellectual property and innovation can unlock sustainable business opportunities and contribute to economic renewal.