Tektique - Much More Than Just Another Technoogy Portal

Every technology transfer office relishes the day when industry is drawn to its doorstep, ready to license the next big technology discovery. However, this happens very rarely and the use of technology portals is crucial. Tektique is a South African technology portal directed specifically at the process of adding tangible value to intellectual property (IP) and is aptly named as a technology boutique as it not only aims to showcase new technology but also facilitates its commercialisation. 

Giving tangible value to technology and IP emanating from publicly financed institutions and particularly higher education institutions throughout the world is extremely important. Technology transfer offices have to manage IP at publicly financed institutions as well as find potential partners in the industry, both of which are time-consuming processes to say the least. Technology portals, such as Tektique, bridge the gap between new knowledge and discoveries emanating from institutions and industry. 

With its basic functions deeply rooted in identifying legitimate and relevant potential industry partners for emanating local technology, Tektique is a collaboration between South Africa’s leading higher education institutions and research institutions. It was developed with support from the Department of Science and Technology’s National Intellectual Property Management Office in 2009 and is currently still funded by the department. 

Tektique is incubated by InnovUS, the technology transfer company of Stellenbosch University, and has started building a name for itself by providing well-deserved greater visibility of promising IP and technology from publicly financed South African institutions to prospective end-users in the private sector. It offers third-party organisations and industry more access and insight with regards to IP and patents available from South African publicly financed institutions. This ensures better prospects for the successful commercialising of new technology and patents resulting from publicly funded research and development.

Mr McLean Sibanda, acting executive director and senior patent attorney at the Department of Science and Technology’s Innovation Fund, says: “Tektique is a great platform for the showcasing of South African IP and allowing for increased commercialisation of the IP in line with the object of the South African Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act, 2008.”

Tektique also allows institutions the opportunity to list new technology while at the same time providing a portfolio of unique services, aimed at facilitating the commercialisation of this technology. An institution receives a lead generation report, customised for that particular technology, for each posting. This report consists of relevant potential industry partners for each new technology. Furthermore, the report contains descriptions of the identified companies, as well as the details for a contact person at each of these companies. Upon receiving the report, a technology transfer officer decides whether the leads are relevant and, if so, contacts the relevant individuals within the identified companies.

A great amount of exertion and dedication is applied when obtaining these contact details. The relevant people are approached not only on a professional level, but also on a personal level, ensuring that, as far as possible, attention will be given to contact made with the company. 

Ms Jaci Barenett, director of Innovation Support and Technology Transfer at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, says: “I read (your) report and found it useful. I will definitely be pursuing (your) leads and ideas.”  

Dr Andrew Bailey, IP manager RCIPS at the University of Cape Town, adds that he found Tektique’s service “very useful” and gives “many thanks” to those involved with it.

Furthermore, Mr Rabogajane Busang from the Innovation Centre at the Medical Research Centre (MRC) says: “I am happy with the report. It provides me with sufficient background information to help me decide whether to pursue the lead or to do further due diligence on the lead where necessary.”

Tektique’s unique offering allows project managers at technology transfer offices to focus on setting up deals instead of spending hours searching for potential purchasers of licenses. This most likely creates a better possibility of success in finding the perfect partner.

By: Yongama Skweyiya

Project manager, Tektique

www.tektique.co.za