UVU Bio appointed by DSTI and UNDP to lead national research

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have appointed UVU Bio to lead a national research initiative aimed at transforming innovation and entrepreneurship within South Africa’s universities. The project will place a special focus on historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs), where immense potential is often limited by resource constraints. 

We know that brilliant ideas can come from anywhere, but the path to commercialisation is often fragmented. Our role is to build a clearer, more accessible pathway for researchers and students, ensuring that their groundbreaking work can find its way to the market and make a real impact. 

Why this matters for the innovation ecosystem  

This initiative is a testament to our core mission of inclusive innovation. We are drawing on our extensive experience in research commercialization to lead this project. The goal is to move beyond theoretical discussions and create tangible, on-the-ground solutions. 

• Empowering HDIs: We will work directly with institutions to identify and overcome systemic barriers to innovation. 

• Creating a unified ecosystem: Our work will help establish a national framework, connecting researchers, mentors, and investors. 

• Fostering economic growth: By commercialising university research, we can create new businesses, jobs, and technologies that benefit all of South Africa. 

A deep dive into our methodology 

Our strategy is built on a foundation of collaboration. Over the upcoming months, we will be engaging directly with stakeholders to gather insights and design solutions that truly work. Our process will include: 

• Stakeholder workshops: We are bringing together university leadership, researchers, and government officials to co-design the future of university innovation. 

• Resource mapping: We will be mapping out existing resources and identifying gaps to create a more efficient and equitable system. 

• Developing a Roadmap: The final output will be an actionable roadmap for institutions to follow, complete with best practices and proven strategies. 

Join us at a workshop near you 

We invite you to participate in our collaborative workshops, where your input will directly shape the outcomes of this national initiative. This is a unique opportunity to connect with leaders in science, technology, and government. 

• Durban: August 18-19 

• Pretoria: September 2-3 

• Limpopo: September 5 

• Cape Town: September 8-9 

If you are ready to make your voice heard and contribute to this vital project, email vedantha@uvubio.com to register for a workshop and get involved. 

This is an incredibly exciting time for South African research. We believe that by working together, we can build a future where every innovator can thrive. 

Read the full press release here