Dive into UNISA's efforts to integrate entrepreneurial skills among its students.
Spotlight on the tech transfer office and its role in encouraging new ventures.
🎙 Guests:
Mr. Sibusiso Malindisa: A decorated PhD candidate, lecturer, and biotech enthusiast with ambitions of establishing a biotech startup.
Mr. Basanda Pongoma: The bridge between business and academia, representing UNISA's directorate of innovation, technology transfer, and commercialization.
🎙 Discussion Highlights:
From Academia to Entrepreneurship:
Sibusiso's journey and the influence of his background.
The value of the scientific method in entrepreneurship.
Importance of mentors in developing an entrepreneurial mindset.
Bridging the Gap Between Research and Business:
Basanda's transition from a researcher in chemistry to technology management.
Managing the commercialization of IP from universities.
Learning from Babson Build MBA Entrepreneurship Summer Program:
Entrepreneurial concepts, from business models to marketing.
Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Monkeys analogy: Understanding the biotech market landscape.
The Role of Collaboration in Growth:
UNISA's push for international and local collaborations.
Sibusiso's personal interactions with global entrepreneurs.
Basanda's advice for fostering partnerships.
Tapping into Africa's Biotech Potential:
Sibusiso's insights on the future of biotech entrepreneurship in Africa, from precision medicine to agricultural innovations.
South African Ecosystem Deep Dive:
Infrastructure, funds, and policies already in place.
The challenge: Making the ecosystem work efficiently.
The role of universities, incubators, accelerators, and venture capitalists.
Highlight on the innovation fund introduced by the department of innovation science.
Concluding Thoughts:
The power and importance of partnerships and collaboration.
Harnessing the potential within universities and academic institutions.
Listen, Learn, and be Inspired!