The 2025 Stellenbosch University Inventors Awards: A Celebration of Innovation

Stellenbosch University (SU), one of South Africa's premier institutions of higher learning, recently hosted its annual Inventors Awards on November 26, 2025, at the prestigious Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS). Organized by the Innovus Technology Transfer Office (TTO), the event honored researchers whose groundbreaking work resulted in 20 patents granted across territories including South Africa, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This gathering not only spotlighted individual achievements but also underscored SU's pivotal role in fostering South Africa's innovation ecosystem.

The ceremony highlighted how university research translates into real-world solutions, addressing pressing challenges like environmental sustainability and health. With faculty awards, special recognitions, and inspiring keynotes, the night emphasized the bridge between academia and industry, positioning SU as a leader in intellectual property (IP) commercialization.

Innovus TTO: The Engine Behind SU's IP Success

Innovus Technology Transfer Office serves as the gateway for SU's inventions, managing the protection, licensing, and commercialization of IP generated by its researchers. Established to maximize the societal and economic impact of university discoveries, Innovus has solidified SU's status as one of South Africa's top patent filers among universities. In 2025 alone, the TTO facilitated 20 granted patents, a testament to rising invention disclosures and strategic partnerships with firms like Von Seidels for IP prosecution.

Over the years, Innovus has supported numerous spin-out companies, turning lab concepts into market-ready products. This ecosystem approach—encompassing patent filing, investor matching, and incubation—amplifies SU's contributions to the national economy. For aspiring innovators in South African higher education, engaging with such TTOs early can accelerate the path from idea to impact. Check out higher ed career advice on building an IP-focused profile.

Research Impact Award: Revolutionizing Bioplastic Waste Management

The Research Impact Award for Environmental Impact went to Dr. Wessel Myburgh, Prof. Willem Heber van Zyl, and Prof. Marinda Viljoen-Bloom from SU's Department of Microbiology. Their breakthrough involves genetically engineering yeast cells to produce enzymes that efficiently hydrolyze polylactic acid (PLA), a common biodegradable plastic used in packaging and medical devices.

PLA degradation typically requires high-energy processes or harsh chemicals, but this yeast-based method breaks it down into simpler, reusable components at milder conditions. This innovation promises cleaner waste management, reducing plastic pollution in South Africa where bioplastics adoption is growing amid environmental pressures. Collaborating with the University of Padua, the team exemplifies international partnerships boosting local solutions.

Step-by-step, the process engineers Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) to express PLA hydrolases: gene insertion, fermentation optimization, and enzymatic breakdown validation. Potential applications span agriculture, where PLA mulch films accumulate, to urban recycling streams.

Researcher Innovator Award: Prof. Benjamin Loos and Autophagy Sensing

Prof. Benjamin Loos, from the Department of Physiological Sciences in SU's Faculty of Science, received the Researcher Innovator Award for securing the highest number of granted patents over the past five years. A standout is his US patent for the "Method of Determining Autophagosome Flux and Uses Thereof," quantifying autophagy—the cell's self-cleaning mechanism implicated in aging, cancer, diabetes, and neurodegeneration.

Autophagy flux measures how effectively cells recycle damaged components; dysregulation accelerates disease. Loos's patented assay provides precise, real-time monitoring, enabling drug screening and diagnostics. As founder and CEO of PhagoFlux, a SU spin-out, he commercializes this via devices like PHAGOSENSE (benchtop analyzer for 16 samples) and PHAGODIAGNOSTIX (clinical tool).Learn more about PhagoFlux

Loos leads SU's Neuro Research Group, blending microscopy and molecular biology for autophagy insights. His work highlights how higher ed researchers can drive biotech startups, creating jobs and therapies.

Photo by Siwi Pratiwi on Unsplash

Faculty Awards: Science and Engineering Lead the Charge

The Faculty of Science clinched the Granted Patents 2025 award for the highest number, while Engineering dominated Invention Disclosures and Spin-out Companies. These accolades reflect diverse innovation: Science in biotech and materials, Engineering in tech transfer.

• Science: Builds on Loos's autophagy and microbiology feats.
• Engineering: Leads disclosures (early IP ideas) and spin-outs, fueling economic multipliers.

SU's patent portfolio underscores its research intensity, ranking it highly in global indices like the Global Innovation Index (296th worldwide).

From Patents to Prosperity: Spin-outs and Commercialization

The Chief Director’s Award honored Nolene Singh, Innovus Deputy Director, for her decade-long contributions to tech transfer. Keynote speaker Eugene Smit, CEO of Stellenbosch Nanofiber Company (SNC)—another SU spin-out—shared his journey: from electrospinning nanofibers for wound care to global patents and products disrupting medical and beauty sectors.

SNC's tech produces fine fibers for filtration, tissue engineering, and cosmetics, generating revenue and jobs. PhagoFlux similarly scales Loos's IP. These stories illustrate IP's economic ripple: patents protect ideas, attract investment, spawn firms contributing to GDP.

In SA, university spin-outs like these bolster the 'knowledge economy,' with SU leading alongside UCT and Wits.

SU's Global Standing in Innovation and Patents

SU ranks second in SA (behind UCT) for innovation performers in the Global Innovation Index 2025, excelling in research outputs and IP.Official SU announcement Top 350 in THE World University Rankings 2026, SU's patent surge—up from 19 in 2024—mirrors SA universities' growth, with applications rising decade-over-decade.

Challenges persist: low commercialization rates, funding gaps. Yet, SU's model—via Innovus, LaunchLab—offers blueprint for peers.

Challenges, Solutions, and Future Outlook

SA higher ed faces IP hurdles: lengthy prosecution, high costs, talent retention. Solutions include TTO strengthening, public-private ties, policy incentives like tax breaks for R&D.

Ravini Moodley, Innovus Director: “These awards showcase how SU research shapes industry... strengthening South Africa’s innovation landscape.” Future: More green tech, health innovations amid climate/health crises.

For students/researchers, pursue research jobs at SU-like hubs; leverage higher ed jobs in innovation.

Photo by Rick Rothenberg on Unsplash

Careers in University Innovation: Opportunities in South Africa

SU's success signals demand for IP-savvy talent. Roles in TTOs, spin-outs abound. University jobs in SA emphasize patents; rate experiences via Rate My Professor. Explore higher ed career advice for inventor paths.

Innovation drives SA's growth; join via AcademicJobs.com's South Africa listings.