Research and Innovation Strategy

Technology Transfer Office (TTO): Driving Innovation and Impact at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP)

The University of Mpumalanga’s Technology Transfer Office has been established in line with the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act (IPR Act, 2008). The TTO is mandated to identify, protect, manage, and commercialise intellectual property (IP) generated by UMP researchers, staff, and students.

The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) at UMP plays a central role in transforming research and innovation into tangible socioeconomic impact. The Office supports researchers, students, and staff in identifying, protecting, and commercialising research outputs and inventions. Through its services, the TTO facilitates the translation of innovative ideas into products, services, and technologies that address societal challenges, create economic opportunities, and contribute to sustainable development.

We serve as a strategic bridge between academic research and real-world application. By facilitating partnerships with industry, government, and communities, the office ensures that innovations developed at UMP do not remain confined to laboratories or academic publications, but instead contribute meaningfully to economic development, societal advancement, and public benefit.

Commercialisation and Innovation Support

The TTO provides comprehensive support across the innovation value chain, assisting researchers and students in protecting, commercialising, and translating their innovations into market-ready products and services. Through intellectual property management, licensing, entrepreneurship support together with The Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator (CFERI), capacity building, and access to funding opportunities, the office promotes a culture of innovation and ensures that research outputs generate sustainable socioeconomic impact.

Meet the Team