Innovation Awards spark two potential CPUT-business partnerships

An interview with Professor Tembisa Ngqondi, Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Design at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

The Faculty of Informatics and Design comprises five core departments: Information Technology, Architectural Technology, Applied Design, Media, and Urban and Regional Planning.

CAPE CHAMBER: You mentioned two areas of possible collaboration stemming from the Western Cape Economy Innovation Awards. Are these areas of cooperation with government, and do they specifically involve technology development?

PROF. NGQONDI: The first potential collaboration is with the private sector, specifically Fluorobiotech Pty Ltd, which may also extend to Stellenbosch University. Dr. Du Preez van Staden has indicated that we can begin this conversation, which will focus primarily on secure, smart data access and preservation using Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

The second area of cooperation is with government, specifically through the Swartland Municipal Manager, Mr. Joggie Scholtz. This municipal partnership could span a wide range of projects, from urban and regional planning solutions to architectural and interior design initiatives. CPUT can also explore similar IT solutions with other municipalities across the Western Cape.

CAPE CHAMBER: Are you encouraged by the positive momentum shown by government and the Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC) regarding systemic innovation? Does this align with CPUT's vision and mandate?

PROF. NGQONDI: The systemic innovation initiatives driven by government and CHEC are highly impressive, and I am confident that our faculty can make a significant contribution. We have a meeting scheduled for 21 July with the Cape Chamber and the Faculty of Informatics and Design (FID) that we hope will yield highly positive outcomes.

CAPE CHAMBER: Does CPUT have its own internal innovation drive, and do you believe private sector organisations like the Cape Chamber can collaborate with tertiary institutions to drive innovation that benefits the broader regional economy?

PROF. NGQONDI: Our faculty can collaborate directly with the Chamber to help commercialise outstanding student projects. We currently have several innovations that directly address critical Western Cape challenges, including informal settlements, flooding, and veldfires. A partnership between the university and the Chamber can also elevate the province's visibility through targeted marketing and media initiatives.

The Chamber and tertiary institutions have a massive opportunity to forge great collaborations. Student research and design projects present ideal solutions to local and national challenges, provided they receive the necessary support to be developed further. Partnering with the Chamber can bridge this gap by aligning the university with potential funders who are interested in backing innovative student ideas.

Ultimately, this aligns perfectly with CPUT's institutional vision, which defines innovation as one of its core attributes, underpinned by the development of strategic linkages across the quintuple helix environment.