Innovation Support and Technology Transfer Innovation for tomorrow

Issue 2

December 2012

Mr Dirk Odendaal and Mr Andrew Young

represented Mantacor (Pty) Ltd (the commer- cialisation vehicle established to commercial- ise the Weldcore® technology) at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Conference held in Florida US earlier this year. The tech- nology received positive attention and the team learned about the US market and poten- tial applications.

It is great to be part of a team that developed a technique which, already in the piloting phase, has resulted in major savings for the taxpayer, far exceeding the Receiving the Eskom Chairman’s award in the Innovation Category (From left) Etienne Phillips initial investment. The challenge now is to (Senior Project Engineer), Ian Wedderburn (Dep. Director Engineering), Dirk Odendaal (Dep. Di- package this innovative solution in such a rector Planning & Business Development), Andrew Young (Engineering Director), Danie Hattingh way that it can become a commercially (Director), Phillip Doubell (Welding Engineer of Eskom’s Resources & Strategy Division), Mark viable tool on the international scene. Newby (Chief Research Engineering of Eskom’s Resources & Strategy Division) and Louis von Wielligh (Group Process Engineer). Prof Danie Hattingh (Director of eNtsa)

The TIA funding will be used to develop new industrial applications for the technology, to test platforms for specific applications and to commercialise the applications. Recent successes include work performed at Hendri- Two major research projects that have been replace engineering structures. na Power Station saving Eskom billions in undertaken by NMMU over the last few years are capital replacement costs. Eskom awarded During their lifetime materials subjected to high moving towards commercialisation. eNtsa is the eNtsa team the Eskom Chairman‘s award temperatures and pressures suffer stress and making significant progress with its ‗Weldcore‘ in the Innovation category in recognition of degradation, for example, steam pipes in power project and InnoVenton has made major strides their work on this project (main picture). with its ‗Micro-algae to Bioenergy‘ project. Both stations. Assessing the level of material degrada- tion is critical to decide whether it is safe to con- projects have received funding from the Technol- InnoVenton’s Algae to Bio-Energy pro- ogy Innovation Agency (TIA) to continue develop- tinue running the plant or whether the material (for ject, which received Year 1 funding from TIA ment into commercialisation over the next two example, the pipe) must be replaced. The Weld- ® in late 2011, is currently finalising the work years. core technology is a method of removing repre- that needs to be done for Year 2 and 3 of the sentative samples from a potentially degraded project. While the research work will contin- material and repairing the sample site using a eNtsa secured R11.3 million from TIA for the ue, certain aspects are nearing commerciali- novel welding technology. Shutdown costs are late stage development and commercialisation of sation and discussions on building a semi- ® minimised, and the sample taken can be analysed their Weldcore technology. This unique engi- commercial plant have started. TIA has iden- to determine whether to replace the structure or neering technology offers an efficient, cost- tified the project as a priority project for their whether it can safely continue running. effective way to quantitatively test whether to new ―accelerated commercialisation‘ pro- gramme.

The project focuses on the growing of algae in An off-grid urban lighting system powered by a installation, providing clean lighting to urban and plastics bags –essentially a farming operation combination of a vertical axis wind turbine rural areas without the need for cabling, which – and then harvesting them for various pur- (VAWT) and photovoltaic (PV) cells has been reduces the risk of theft. poses. One of the first uses will be as a bind- developed by the NMMU. The system, Twerly, er for coal fines – which increases the value will produce less noise pollution than convention- A prototype unit has been operating at the of the fines and deals with a major environ- al wind turbines, which will allow them to be in- NMMU. Final optimisation of the energy harvest- mental problem. The algae can also be stalled in residential areas. In addition, VAWTs ing system is almost complete. A number of or- turned into a ―bio-crude oil‖ which has the are simpler to construct and cheaper to manufac- ders for a Twerly have been received from the potential to supplement crude oil. Distilled ture. The dual energy supply will allow for off-grid NMMU and private developers. Watch out for a water is also a by-product of the process, Twerly near you soon! which could be a major boon in rural settings.

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tive designer, Laduma Ngxokolo, developed the range during his BTech Textile Design. The incubation space has played a critical role in growing his business as he continues to pros- per. One of his key challenges is being able to manufacture in South Africa, with the downturn in the textile industry. He has found a manufac- turer in Cape Town, but still hopes to set up his own production plant in Port Elizabeth soon. Even with these challengers, he has been fea- tured in exclusive magazines – this year alone, he was featured in L'Uomo Vogue Italy and South African GQ Style. His jerseys are also featured in a television advert for a local alco- The Arts and Design Incubator graduates… (Left picture): MooiMooii founders, Samantha Miller holic beverage. Laduma was awarded as an Alumni Rising Star by the NMMU Alumni Asso- and Lauren Gravett ; Right: MaXhosa by Laduma Creative Director, Laduma Ngxokolo with ciation. some of his designs.

Set up by the IS&TT and the Department of knowledge while overcoming the challenges These entrepreneurs have the Applied Design to assist NMMU creative arts posed by starting a new business. Their slogan potential to employ people in our graduates kick-start their businesses, the Art & ‗Effective style and functional ease‘ defines region and develop nit into a crea- Design Incubator, situated at NMMU Second their style and the ready to wear clothing that tive design hub—very exciting Avenue campus has been a home for two new they produce. MooiMooii launched their flag- indeed! businesses started by NMMU graduates, ship store in Port Elizabeth with a fashion show MooiMooii and MaXhosa by Laduma. The men- and cocktail party on 5 October 2012. Saman- toring and support received has enabled the tha and Lauren are dividing their time between graduates to make a name for themselves in production and the store, while seeking new the fashion world. distribution channels within South Africa and The fledgling incubator is still finding its place beyond. Visit them at No 1, Havelock Square, within the NMMU and funding remains a chal- The MooiMooii girls, Samantha Miller and Lau- Central. lenge. While seeking support it will, however, ren Gravett, went into full production in March continue to assist graduates who have the po- 2011 whilst completing their BTech in Fashion MaXhosa by Laduma knitwear range has re- tential to develop viable businesses before or Design. They have applied their academic ceived recognition internationally after the crea- after they graduate.

The NMMU‘s Govan Mbeki Mathematics De- TouchTutor™ has been licensed to Innovolve, the velopment Unit has created a DVD Series NMMU‘s commercialisation company, who has covering the entire South African Maths sylla- sub-licensed it to Future Mobile Technology bus for Grade 10, 11 and 12, as well as Sci- (FMT). FMT is embedding the Series on locally- ence for Grad 11 and 12. The Series, called produced tablet computers which will be available TouchTutor™, is being used in incubator at selected retailers nationwide in 2013. schools to improve maths and science, as well An NMMU innovation that can make a difference as for training student teachers. to the future of our country!

Dr. Farouk Smith (right) from the Department of ted. Typically, for critical applications, Mechatronics was awarded Innovator of the circuits are triplicated to ensure that Year 2012 for his four provisional patent appli- interference can be detected. However, cations in the field of space electronics, specifi- in systems such as satellites and aero- cally regarding the mitigation of distortion to plane cockpits, this triplication can electronic signals created through interference. cause space and weight burdens. Fa- In space technology, interference can be rouk Smith's innovations offer a way of caused by radiation from particles in space, addressing these challenges. which can result in false signals being transmit- www.techtransfer.nmmu.ac.za Page 2 Innovation Support and Technology Transfer Innovation for tomorrow

Jaci Barnett was asked to speak at an IP Technology. Established in 2010 and officially Workshop at the University of Zululand in launched on 3 March 2011, the Forum is an Richard‘s Bay, to introduce challenges of initiative of twelve local organisations from gov- technology transfer and SARIMA‘s role. ernment, industry and academia that have Jaci is the Vice President: Innovation & joined forces to drive innovation within the Nel- Technology Transfer of SARIMA (Southern son Mandela Bay and Cacadu District munici- African Research and Innovation Manage- pal region. ment Association).

Currently, the RIF is working on identifying opportunities within specific focus areas, devel- opment of a Science Park, renewable energy, natural fibre beneficiation and other opportuni- ties emanating from the Eastern Cape Innova- tion Strategy (ECIS). Jaci Barnett was requested by the Depart- Engaging….From left: Jaci Barnett (IS&TT ment of Science and Technology to give a The RIF has hosted events and workshops Director), Francois Denner (CSR), Belinda training workshop on Setting up a Technol- throughout the year and also assist with review- ogy Transfer Office to the Mauritius Re- Vabaza (ECDC), Tony Budden (House of ing proposals written by businesses for funding Hemp), Wendy Fisher (RIF) sources such as the Jobs Fund and the Green search Council and Mauritian Universities. Fund The workshop was opened by the Mauritian The NMMU championed the creation of the Minister of Science and Technology, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality / Cacadu Forum membership is open to anybody inter- Hon Dr. Rajeshwar Jeetah, who stressed District Municipality‘s Regional Innovation Fo- ested in local economic development through the importance of protecting and managing rum. The Forum aims to stimulate, support and innovation. Presentations made at events and IP. The workshop took place over two days other information related to innovation are avail- promote innovation in the Eastern Cape and is in August. funded by the Department of Science and able on the RIF website: www.innovationeasterncape.co.za

The Regional Innovation Forum, in partner- Jacqueline Barnett, Director of Innovation Sup- ship with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan port and Technology Transfer, was invited by University (NMMU), hosted an Intellectual the World Intellectual Property Organisation Property Workshop on 29 March 2012. The (WIPO) to give seminars on technology transfer workshop covered topics ranging including: in Banjul, The Gambia, earlier this year. The  A general introduction to Intellectual seminar was hosted by WIPO in collaboration Property (IP) and the IP process, with the Attorney General‘s Office of the Ministry  The role of the patent attorney of Justice and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO).  How IP is governed in South Africa  How IP is governed in universities The seminar was on the ―The importance of patents and the Patent Cooperation Treaty for The workshop discussions were contextual- Research Institutions and Universities‖. Jaci ised with examples of inventions and com- gave four lectures on Knowledge Transfer, Li- mercialisations including lessons learned censing and Commercialising IP, IP Policies and and strategies for the future. Participants had an opportunity within a relaxed setting Setting up a Tech Transfer Office. to interact with presenters Mr Rory Moore, a Innovation showcase Dirk Odendaal (eNtsa), Jaci travelled with WIPO representative registered South African Patent Attorney, Mary-Ann Chetty & Otto Lessing (Innoventon) Ms Mary-Ann Chetty and Ms Jaci Barnett. ‗Nyalleng Pii, The SARIMA Conference was held for the first as well as an time in Port Elizabeth and was a great success. ARIPO repre- Local and international delegates discussed and sentative, debated issues on Research Management and Christopher Technology Transfer over three days. The Con- Kiige. They ference was preceded by three workshops. The were hosted gala dinner was a great success despite being by Cherno held under a breezy Humewood beach bridge. Marenah, the TTOs from around the country were invited to Registrar Gen- participate in the SARIMA Innovation Showcase eral in the held in parallel at the Conference. The showcase Attorney Gen- hosted an open day where the public were invited eral‘s office. and attracted a number of local business people.

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Did you wonder what those black pens were about? The ones you received from the Department of Innovation Support & Mary-Ann Chetty was one of five recipients in Los Angeles Technology Transfer? Well, for those who globally of the prestigious AUTM Developing to discuss tech didn‘t realise, they have integrated screw- Economies Scholarship for Technology Trans- transfer struc- drivers and were aimed at encouraging fer professionals. tures and pro- innovation disclosures by our staff and re- cesses. searchers and introducing the innovation The award is given annually to applicants who team. come from 42 eligible developing countries, and provides funding for the recipient to attend Our Think.Innovate.Disclose campaign was one of AUTM‘s conference or training courses. a success and disclosure numbers are significantly higher than in previous years. Mary-Ann attended the Association of Univer- Mary-Ann Chetty with Dr. Todd Sherer sity Technology Managers (AUTM) annual Watch out for more innovation campaigns (AUTM President 2012) at a conference cocktail in 2013! meeting in Anaheim, California in March 2012. hosted by WIPO She also visited UCLA‘s Tech Transfer Office

Jaci Barnett and Dr Jo Zeelie (Faculty of Parks to become property development com- Business and Economic Sciences) attended panies when revenues are required to repay the International Association of Science capital loans. Current discussions with pro- Parks Annual Conference in Tallinn, Estonia vincial and national players are to create an earlier this year. incubator in existing space, rather than build- ing a new facility in the short-term. This is part of the NMMU‘s drive to create a Something small, but highly sought after. Science Park in the Port Elizabeth area. Jaci The NMMU is an associate member of the All inventors received this mug that tells and Jo came back with an increased under- International Association of Science Parks everybody they have their name on a pa- standing of the challenges facing Science and will be hosting the Second African Divi- tent. Parks, particularly the tendency of Science sion Conference in April 2013.

Ms. Lihle Ngxokolo, The Department of a BTech Public Innovation Support & Relations student, Technology Transfer is joined the IS&TT IP Talk: Mary-Ann Chetty with Ralph Van pleased to announce team earlier this Niekerk from Von Seidels attorneys the appointment of Mr Zulfaqar Dudhia as year as Public Relations and Marketing Ad- Innovation Officer. Zulfaqar joins us having a ministrator. She had obtained relevant experi- Von Seidels patent attorney and partner, background in life sciences & biotechnology Ralph Van Niekerk, presented an interac- ence in her in-service training to obtain her with experience in Intellectual Property law. He tive presentation entitled ―An introduction diploma in Public Relations. IS&TT de- joined us from Von Seidels Intellectual Proper- to Intellectual Property‖ on the 7th August partment would ty attorneys, where he served as a candidate 2012 to a diverse audience of students, like to thank her I have learnt a lot from attorney. His responsibilities will include (i) academics and external people. Free for her contribu- working with the IS&TT managing NMMU‘s IP portfolio, (ii) the com- consultations were also held during the tions and wish her department and look mercialization of NMMU research, and (iii) course of the day. well in her future forward to future chal- creating awareness among staff and students endeavors! lenges as I enter the The purpose of the consultations and talks about Innovation and IP related matters to working world. held each year is to engage with depart- further enhance the department capabilities. ments and students who want to learn Lihle Ngxokolo more about intellectual property.

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