From left: Mr Frederick Matongo, Director: Innovation Technology Transfer, Dr Shelly Mona, Deputy Director: PDTS, Dr Kousar Hoorzook, Research Coordinator: Process Energy Environment Technology Station (UJ PEETS), Prof. Samson Mashele, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research Innovation and Engagement, Ms Nickey Janse Van Rensburg, Station Manager: Sustainable Socio-technical Systems (UJ PEETS) and Mr Vusi Skosana, Senior Manager: South African Technology Innovation Agency (TIA).

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) hosted the National Cleantech Innovation Challenge (NCIC) engagement session, reinforcing its role as a strategic partner of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and a key contributor to South Africa’s cleantech innovation ecosystem.

Led by TIA in partnership with Network for Global Innovation (NGIN), regional hubs and international collaborators, the NCIC promotes low-carbon, climate-resilient technologies. In 2026, each province will host a sector-specific challenge, with the Free State focusing on regenerative agriculture in large-scale commercial farming.

As a major producer of maize, wheat and livestock, the Free State faces growing pressures from erratic rainfall, soil degradation and rising input costs. Regenerative agriculture, including reduced tillage, cover cropping and integrated livestock systems offers a strategic response by improving soil health, water retention and long-term productivity.

In his welcome address, Prof. Samson Mashele, CUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, highlighted the university’s applied mandate. He noted that CUT’s innovation ecosystem including its Technology Transfer Office, Product Development and Technology Station (PDTS), FabLab and iGym enables collaboration between government, industry, researchers and funders to address shared challenges.

Dr Shelly Mona, Deputy Director: PDTS, showcased projects demonstrating CUT’s capacity to support industry-aligned technology development. The programme is guided by the Quadruple Helix Model, uniting community, academia, industry and government to ensure cleantech solutions are technically robust, socially relevant and economically viable within local agricultural contexts.

To participate in this national challenge, click the link to apply.