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27 December 2019 | Story Dr Cindé Greyling | Photo Supplied
When academics and economics meet

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.

News Archive

Bloemfontein Campus’ most talented students recognised
2013-08-21

 
Among Kovsies’ brightest young stars. From the left are: Jean Vermaas, Johann Steyn and Onthathile Serehete.
21 August 2013
Photo: Johan Roux
 

The most talented students of the Bloemfontein Campus have been announced. 

Johann Steyn, a final-year LLB student and SRC member, was named as the SRC Dux Student for 2013. He and seven other students were recognised for their academic achievement and participation in extracurricular activities. 

Jean Vermaas, also a final-year LLB student, and Onthathile Serehete, a fifth-year medical student, were announced first and second runner-up respectively. 

In a new category introduced this year, Jomari de Beer, Mpho Sefo, Lehlohonolo Mofokeng, Richard Chemaly and Foster Lubbe received student achiever awards based on exceptional achievement, representing the university in renowned organisations or structures. 

The SRC Dux Student Award is granted to a final-year undergraduate student who has demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, co-curricular and community involvement, and student leadership.

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