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SU concludes lic​ensing agreement with leading biotech company The Department of Genetics at Stellenbosch University (SU) has, with the help of InnovUS, entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Genetwister Africa, a biotechnology company that provides services to the agricultural sector. In terms of the agreement, Genetwister will be responsible for the commercial testing of specific viruses commonly found in deciduous fruit. The diagnostic protocol was pioneered at the University and will be tested on a large scale by Genetwister. “It is hoped that this agreement will lay the foundation for similar licences in the diagnosis of plant viruses in future,” says...

SU protects its name and reputation The Stellenbosch University enjoys an excellent reputation. Therefore, any misrepresentation and unauthorised use of its name and trademarks (emblem, logo and Maties logo) is prohibited and the University goes to great lengths to protect its reputation in this regard. Only in very limited and exceptional cases are outside parties allowed to allude to their connection with the University and then it is imperative that they adhere to very strict guidelines. "All written contracts between Stellenbosch University and other parties explicitly prohibits the use of the name of the University (in any form) for the duration of such...

National triumph for SU innovation The inventors of uMove, a patient-specific knee replacement product, walked away with an impressive third place in the final stage of the National Innovation Competition 2009 held in Durban last month. This as an extraordinary accolade both for uMove and InnovUS which, according to uMove co-inventor David van den Heever, provided the team with support of “immeasurable value”. “We would not have been able to do it without them and we really appreciate their input and professionalism throughout the entire process!” “InnovUS is very excited about this project and aims to commercialise it in co-operation with Mr van...

National database to assist inventors InnovUS and Stellenbosch University inventors will greatly benefit from the new technology transfer module to be implemented on the InfoEd system at the University. This module will offer administrative support for managing, among others, intellectual property and patents. Although the InfoEd system will facilitate effective research management, streamline processes and enable tracking of research activities on a national level, InnovUS will continue to advise inventors, facilitate the transfer of technology and ensure that the vast knowledge of researchers and inventors at the University contributes to the wellbeing of society as a whole. According to Doris Peters, Intellectual Property...

Ending on a high note As the fourth and final quarter of 2009 draws to a close, InnovUS has exceeded even its own expectations. In the last three months alone, InnovUS received 14 new disclosures bringing the total number for 2009 to 62. This surpasses the target of 39 for the year and is a significant increase from the previous record of 43 in 2007. The good news does not stop here, however. Anita Nel, Chief Executive Officer, says that InnovUS also enjoyed a high volume of licensing agreements and entrepreneurial activity leading to the formation of yet another spin-out company this year. “In...