Deputy Director: Product Development Technology Station (PDTS), Ms Shelly Mona officially signs the Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Venda.

The Product Development Technology Station (PDTS) and the University of Venda (UNIVEN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in technological innovation, product development, and intellectual property management. Through this partnership, PDTS will support UNIVEN by developing and manufacturing prototypes for its research projects, helping to advance their technologies towards market readiness.

“Through this collaboration, researchers will gain access to CUT’s state-of-the-art development facilities, allowing for deeper applied research and innovation translation. This will in turn, foster an entrepreneurial research culture, where research outputs can directly inform industry and community needs through real-world application,” said CUT Dean of Students, Dr. Bernard Sebake.

PDTS Deputy Director, Ms Shelly Mona stated that the MoU will open opportunities for joint innovation grants, publications, and intellectual property (IP) generation. “This partnership aligns seamlessly with PDTS’s mission to transform innovative ideas into market-ready products and reinforces our commitment to driving innovation and commercialisation through meaningful collaborations with academic institutions. By combining our expertise in product development, prototyping, and quality assurance with UNIVEN’s research capabilities, we can create a platform where promising technologies can be effectively refined and prepared for real-world application, ultimately contributing to the advancement of technological innovation in South Africa,” said Mona.

The partnership supports student entrepreneurship and innovation, as students from both institutions will be exposed to multidisciplinary, challenge-driven innovation projects, enhancing their problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. It also provides valuable experiential learning opportunities, enabling students to see how their academic ideas can evolve into tangible products and services. UNIVEN is entering into this agreement with the CUT in recognition of CUT’s established leadership in fostering student entrepreneurship, making this collaboration a strategic step toward nurturing the next generation of innovators and change-makers.

“This partnership with the CUT marks a pivotal moment in our journey to position the University of Venda as a hub of inclusive innovation and community-responsive research. It reflects our deep commitment to turning knowledge into action, where our staff and students can see their innovations transform into products that serve the real needs of society. Through this collaboration, we are investing not only in technologies but in our people and the future of our region,” stated Prof. Vhonani Netshandama, Director: Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Innovation, and Commercialisation (CEEIIC).

Director: Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Innovation, and Commercialisation (CEEIIC), Prof. Vhonani Netshandama officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking the beginning of a collaborative journey in product development, technological advancement, and intellectual property growth.