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27 December 2019
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Story Dr Cindé Greyling
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Photo Supplied
KovsieInnovation at the UFS is bridging the gap between industry and academics with a powerful force. For too long, research remained an academic pursuit, with many innovative ideas stuck between the pages of a thesis – only to come alive during exclusive, short-lived conference proceeds.
KovsieInnovation
Recently, Gerard Verhoef, Director in the Directorate: Research Development (DRD), and his team from KovsieInnovation finalised their Innovation and Commercialisation Strategy in order to create a structured pathway for good ideas. The primary objective of KovsieInnovation – the UFS Innovation and Entrepreneurship Office – is to achieve sustainable growth in third-stream income from innovative research activities stemming from the UFS. “Potential successful ideas must be feasible, viable, and sustainable, and we formulated an eight-step plan to facilitate this,” Verhoef explains. Ultimately, the DRD wants to attract new and continuous research as a renowned academic knowledge partner that can foster, drive, and successfully commercialise innovative research activities; and in doing so, foster an entrepreneurial culture at the UFS.
Liquid Culture
One such success story is the development of Liquid Culture into a business of choice, supplying liquid yeast to breweries and bakeries. Christopher Rothmann and Dr Errol Cason are the driving forces behind this company that produces their sought-after and stable yeast product in the Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Food Biotechnology at the UFS. With world-class equipment and laboratories, they house one of the largest yeast-culture collections in the world.
Both Rothman and Dr Cason were home brewers for many years before starting to produce commercial batches. They believe it would not have been possible without the help of KovsieInnovation. This project was also one of the finalists in the National Entrepreneurship Intervarsity.
Christo Strydom Nutrition (CSN)
Another innovative way in which the UFS generates third-stream income via the DRD, is by partnering with already successful commercial products. One such example is the recent successful royalty agreement with CSN. With this transaction, the university unlocked its brand potential to the benefit of both the industry partner and the UFS. Quality assurance remains the key success factor for deals like this.
South Campus warmly welcomes Prof Petersen
2017-05-18
Photo: Charl Devenish
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The second welcoming ceremony for Prof Francis Petersen was held at the South Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) on Thursday, 18 May 2017. It is one of three welcoming ceremonies during the Inauguration week of the new Vice-Chancellor and Rector.
“Although we are geographically divided, our three campuses need to work together to accomplish our mission,” said Prof Daniella Coetzee, Principal of the UFS South Campus, who gave a warm welcome to staff, special guests, and students who gathered in the Madiba Arena. Prof Nicky Morgan, Vice-Rector: Operations, introduced Prof Petersen and said: “This is the first time that a ceremony of this nature is celebrated across our three campuses.”
Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Rector, said: “Always try to think differently. Challenge yourself. Be innovative.” He emphasised the importance of making the output of universities more useful to the society. “We are one university with three campuses. We expect the same level of excellence on all three campuses,” he said.
Among the speakers of the day, was Surprise Manyaiyi, the Vice-President of the Bloemfontein Campus SRC, who said that Prof Petersen is the right person to lead the UFS.
The crowd were entertained through various musical items, including the UFS choir, which left the audience in loud cheers and waving flags.
Photo: Charl Devenish