2024 Ends on a High Note for UCT’s Innovation and Commercialisation Efforts

10 Feb 2025 | By Kekeletso Takang
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10 Feb 2025 | By Kekeletso Takang

The Research Contracts and Innovation (RC&I) department at the University of Cape Town wrapped up 2024 on a record-breaking note, achieving significant milestones in research contracts, innovation, technology transfer, and commercialisation. With a remarkable R4 billion in signed contract value—an increase of R1 billion from the previous year’s R3 billion—UCT's research enterprise is seeing substantial growth.

The year also saw a new record set in terms of spin-off companies—UCT recognised an impressive six new spin-offs in 2024, surpassing the previous high of four in a single year. These spin-offs, born out of UCT’s robust IP transactions, reflect the university’s commitment to driving impactful innovation across various sectors, from biopharma to clean energy.

Six New Spin-Offs Lead the Charge

  1. C-STAR – A collaboration between Prof. Michael Claeys and Prof. Nico Fischer from UCT’s Chemical Engineering department, C-STAR is commercialising a promising portfolio of technologies in the emerging Power to X space. This initiative aims to transform renewable energy into useful products, helping to power the world’s green future.
  2. SepaTech – Another spin-off led by Prof. Fischer and Prof. Claeys, along with SKEG and UCT as shareholders, SepaTech is focused on bringing to market an innovative micro gas chromatography instrument, a product developed largely by Prof. Fischer. This technology is expected to play a key role in chemical analysis and environmental monitoring.
  3. Lodestone – Specialising in magnetometer technology, Lodestone, also founded by Prof. Michael Claeys, will be conducting routine analytical test work on UCT’s magnetometers for external clients as well as producing magnetometers for global researchers within industry and academia. The company is poised to make strides in scientific instrumentation and data analysis.
  4. Nothile Biopharma – A biopharma spin-off led by Dr. Sincengile Ntshingila of UCT’s Hair & Skin Lab (Health Sciences), Nothile is set to commercialise cosmeceuticals specifically designed to combat alopecia. The company’s products aim to address hair loss, offering hope to a growing market of patients seeking effective solutions.
  5. ApneaCure – Founded by Prof. Rushdi Hendricks (Health Sciences), ApneaCure is commercialising a biological tendon designed to permanently reverse obstructive sleep apnoea. The product, that he invented along with the late Prof. Deon Bezuidenhout, holds potential to improve the lives of millions of people worldwide suffering from this common condition. UCT will also be acquiring equity in the company in exchange for providing access to the intellectual property.  Animal trials have been completed and the first-in-man trials are scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2025.
  6. Khaya HealthTech – Founded by Joel Philpott from UCT’s Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences departments, Khaya HealthTech has developed a device that both diagnoses sleep apnoea and assists patients in maintaining their airway during sleep. The company is set to make a meaningful impact on the MedTech space, particularly in sleep disorder treatments.

Increased Innovation Activity

In addition to these impressive spin-offs, UCT’s invention disclosures rose in 2024, with 41 new disclosures recorded, surpassing last year’s total of 33. This increase reflects the university’s growing innovation pipeline, underscoring UCT’s position as a leader in research-driven commercialisation and its ongoing commitment to translating academic research into real-world solutions.

A Bright Future for UCT Innovation

The success of 2024 highlights the continued importance of UCT’s focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer. The university’s approach of fostering deep academic research while supporting the commercialisation of new technologies has contributed significantly to its success in creating spin-offs and increasing the value of its intellectual property.

As UCT moves into 2025, these achievements suggest a bright future for further growth, collaboration, and technological advancement in the coming years.