Technology Transfer as a Powerful Force of Change: A South African Perspective with Dr. Ncebakazi Galada

Although South Africa’s technology transfer sector might not yet be as advanced as other parts of the world, there are some very exciting developments taking place in the field, and the future is looking bright. 

In today’s episode, Dr. Ncebakazi Galada, a Technology Transfer Manager at Innovus (a division of Stellenbosch University), joins us to discuss how she and her team are helping to commercialize technologies that will have a positive impact on her country (which has high rates of crime and unemployment) as well as the rest of the world.

Dr. Galada has an MBA, a Ph.D. in Biotechnology, and over a decade of experience in research and innovation management and during this episode she also shares some of the biggest challenges they are facing, the process that they follow to take an invention forward, and advice to anyone interested in a career in technology transfer.   

In This Episode:

[00:37] Introducing Dr. Ncebakazi Galada, a Technology Transfer Manager at Innovus, Stellenbosch University. 

[01:48] The current state of technology transfer in South Africa and the biggest challenges being faced by technology transfer offices in the country. 

[03:47] Examples of the positive impact that technology transfer can have on a country. 

[05:32] The strong relationships that Innovus has with industry partners.

[06:22] An overview of the process Innovus goes through to take an invention forward. 

[08:06] Value that has come from Innovus’ collaboration with Winetech. 

[10:20] The role of technology transfer in the humanities and arts fields. 

[12:15] Support that Innovus offers to researchers and inventors to help them navigate the technology transfer process.

[14:07] The size and structure of the Innovus team.   

[16:20] How Innovus ensures the protection of the IP rights of its researchers and inventors.

[19:01] What Ncebakazi’s career journey has looked like to date. 

[20:55] How technology transfer has evolved in South Africa in recent years. 

[22:41] Opportunities for growth in the South African technology transfer sector. 

[24:30] Transformation that is taking place in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion in South Africa. 

[27:11] Advice for anyone interested in a career in technology transfer.

Resources:

Dr. Ncebakazi Galada on LinkedIn 

Innovus, Stellenbosch University