VUT’s Technology Transfer and Innovation networking event fosters collaboration among researchers
04 October 2024 | STORY Manani Hlongwane. PHOTO VUT.
On Friday 27 September 2024, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT)’s Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI) hosted an informal networking event to enhance collaboration between researchers and its various departments.
The Technology Transfer Office (TTO), a key player in this initiative, is responsible for turning research into commercial products and services that benefit society. As innovation increasingly drives industry success, TTO plays a crucial role in supporting researchers with intellectual property (IP) protection and commercialization.
This event highlighted TTO’s commitment to helping researchers understand the value of IP and the resources available to them, such as funding, legal support, and marketing assistance. Researchers were encouraged to connect with the Office to explore how their work can be transformed into market-ready solutions. The relaxed atmosphere facilitated open conversations, allowing researchers to share feedback and build relationships with key stakeholders, fostering a culture of innovation.
The event attracted a diverse group of researchers, many of whom were engaging with TTI for the first time. It successfully demonstrated the TTO’s ongoing efforts to support VUT’s researchers in translating their ideas into impactful innovations.
Looking ahead, TTI will host monthly engagement sessions, to provide more opportunities for collaboration and creativity in a comfortable, informal setting. Researchers interested in joining can reach out to Ms. Gontse Serero at gontses@vut.ac.za