1. INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL AND
BIOTECHNOLOGY
“Partnerships and UoT’s”
SJ Modise
AM Sipamla

2. Purpose
The purpose of the ICBT is to enhance the…
Commercialization of the University’s chemical and
biotechnological capabilities through a partnership(s) for
entrepreneurial incubators

3. The Rationale for the ICBT Commercialisation
A win-win benefit to all involved
 Provide regional specialist knowledge based (research based) value
adding services to businesses and local government to the benefit
of all stakeholders (University, Business and Society)
 Provide relevant research input for academic advancement.
 Create platform for international exchange (student, researchers,
fellowships, postdoctoral, etc.)
 Allow opportunity for “in-service training” for students. (WIL).

4. TTI & ICBT
Techn. Transfer & Innovation
ICBTTechn. Station Innovation Centre EMC
Company 1
Director
Advisor Industrial Relations
Administrator
EDU
WIL Student
Research Assistant
Intern Student
T M A A
PM M

5. Organizational Structure
DIRECTOR
ADMINISTRATOR
MANAGER: INDUSTRIAL AND MARKETING
MANAGER: ACADEMIC
Group Leader
Environmental
Technology
Group Leader
Chemical and Process
Engineering
Group Leader
Chemical Technology
Group Leader
Biochemical
BioTechnology
Technicians Technicians Technicians Technicians
Manager: Client Relations & Support
EXTERNAL CLIENTS & NEW VENTURES
VUT CLIENTS & NEW VENTURES
SEDICHEM
Syrenga BioSc.
ChemCity
New 1
New 2

6. ICBT
Communities
Students
Students
Students
Students
Students
Students
Students
Students
Students
Projects
Projects
Projects
Projects
Projects
Projects
Patents
Curriculum
& Research
Agenda
Influence
EXTERNAL FUNDING
Impact on Communities
Acknowledgement: Prof de Beer

7. Business Model – Spin Out Company
VUT/ ICBT
Platform for R&D
Government Ventures
VUT/ICBT support the
development of independent BU’s
which over the long term
contribute to the ICBT achieving
it’s vision & goals
Application of technology lies
within the BU’s, whilst research &
development is outsourced via the
BU’s to & from VUT/ICBT
The 1st initiative was utilized as a pilot project and lessons
learnt are transferred to future spin out businesses

9. ICBT
ChemCity in Free State

10. TOWARDS THE science park
TTI VUT Science Park
EMC
Innov.Centre
ICBT
Incubator 1 Air quality Monitoring
IKS & others from
Communities
VUT Research
ChemCity Projects
SAPITI
Wood & Plastic
Composites
Biofuels &
Biopolymers
Plant Oil Dem. Centre
NC Plant Extracts
Technology Station
Business Unit 2
Government
Ventures
Business Unit 1
FAB LAB
Techn. Station
VUT Holdings
EDU
Incubation
Centre

11. Challenges
Mindset and mistrusts
Organizational Structure (mismatch?, dynamic?)
Policy issues (HR, Financial, IP)
Relevance
Legal issues (Registration, accreditations, MoA
implementation, etc.)
Financials

12. Thank you for your support and
attention!!!