Innovation Bridge Exhibition Event
The University of Fort Hare’s Innovation Office as well as other Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) of various academic institutions and companies recently exhibited their technologies at the 2017 Innovation Bridge Technology Showcase and Matchmaking Event which took place on 15 September 2017 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg
The event is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), aimed at enabling linkages and networking between South African and international innovators, industry,public and private technology development, as well as commercialisation funding partners. The event also aims to encourage and accelerate the utilisation and commercialisation of existing and new knowledge and technologies that have been developed in publicly funded South African research and technology development institutions.
The full day event which ran from 6am – 6pm was a huge success. The event was broadcast live on eTV from 6-9 am and was attended by the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor and other Members of Parliament.The University of Fort Hare (UFH) Innovation Office exhibited three technologies; The Sun Wheel® Planter technology, Stress Tolerant Maize Variety technology and the Pain Biomarker Kit technology.
The Sun Wheel® Planter was the main technology being exhibited as it already has a working prototype. The prototype was displayed and attendees showed great interest in understanding what the technology does, what are the unique features and the stage of development of the technology.
The Minister, Mrs Naledi Pandor was captured by UFH’s beautiful, bright exhibition stand and the technologies on display that she visited and wanted to know more about the technologies. She encouraged the UFH Innovation Office team to continue with the great work and lift the University of Fort Hare high.
Members of parliament who were also present at the event also visited the UFH exhibition stand and where amazed with the research which is done at the institution.
The next Innovation Bridge Event will take place in 2019 and UFH will continue showcasing their technologies to ensure that research outputs resulting from research and development activities within the institution are commercialised for the benefit of our immediate and wider communities.