Colloquium to Tackle Barriers to Tech Innovation and IP Commercialisation

Taking place at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria, the colloquium will begin at 9am and is set to gather a wide range of stakeholders from across the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

A major national colloquium focusing on intellectual property (IP) and technology commercialisation will be hosted on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in collaboration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). Themed "Driving Innovation and Positioning Intellectual Property Commercialisation for a Better and Inclusive South Africa", the event aims to stimulate a robust dialogue around overcoming systemic barriers to innovation and unlocking South Africa’s potential in the global knowledge economy.

Taking place at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria, the colloquium will begin at 9am and is set to gather a wide range of stakeholders from across the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. These include policymakers, intellectual property specialists, technology transfer offices, venture capitalists, incubators, academic institutions, and private sector innovators. Importantly, international experts in intellectual property and commercialisation are also expected to share insights, providing global context and benchmarking opportunities.

A Platform for Problem-Solving and Innovation

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, says the session is designed as a solution-driven engagement to tackle key challenges stalling the effective commercialisation of technology and innovation in the country.

“This colloquium provides a timely opportunity for South Africa’s innovation stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, share experiences, and formulate strategies that address barriers to successful commercialisation. This includes improving access to venture capital, enhancing understanding of equity structures, and creating effective market entry strategies,” said Tau.

The event aims to deepen understanding of the intellectual property landscape and equip innovators, startups, and students with tools to better manage IP portfolios, secure funding, and bring innovations to market sustainably.

IP Awareness and Youth Participation at the Forefront

A unique feature of this year’s colloquium is the active participation of high school and university students. According to Minister Tau, this initiative is key to cultivating a culture of creativity and innovation from a young age. Learners will take part in a special interactive session designed to educate and inspire them about the exciting world of intellectual property, technology development, and entrepreneurship.

“This initiative is about igniting interest and building the pipeline of innovators who are attuned to the skills and demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). We are building a generation of job creators, not just job seekers,” said Tau.

By involving the youth directly in the conversation, the dtic hopes to establish early engagement with IP systems and instil a long-term appreciation for research, innovation, and the commercial potential of creative ideas.

Key Themes and Discussions

Topics that will be explored during the colloquium include:

• Strategies for effective technology development and commercialisation.

• Understanding the pivotal role of IP in bringing products and services to market.

• Navigating IP rights and technology transfer mechanisms.

• The economic value of innovation and its role in inclusive growth.

• Innovation acceleration post-COVID-19 and pandemic-resilient commercialisation models.

• Practical insights on accessing venture funding and building investor-ready pitches.

Sessions will be led by experts from IP merchant banks, technology commercialisation units, venture capital firms, and innovation hubs. Attendees will gain practical insights into overcoming the “valley of death” — the critical phase where many innovations fail to reach market due to funding or structural challenges.

Innovation on Display: Exhibitor Showcases

An exciting addition to the programme is the innovation exhibition, where local innovators, startups, and tech-driven entrepreneurs will showcase their cutting-edge products, inventions, and services. Government institutions will also have stands to present the various forms of support available to entrepreneurs through grants, incentives, and development funding instruments.

The exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the talent and ingenuity that exists within South Africa, as well as the need for structured support to ensure this creativity is transformed into tangible economic outcomes.

Building an Inclusive Innovation Economy

The colloquium aligns with South Africa’s broader economic transformation agenda, which recognises the role of IP and technology as vital tools for inclusive growth. Through such platforms, the dtic seeks to integrate innovation more closely into the national development strategy, ensuring that all South Africans — especially women, youth, and historically marginalised groups — have access to the tools, knowledge, and networks required to commercialise ideas.

“The colloquium is not just a talk shop. It is a strategic intervention to unlock the full economic value of innovation in South Africa,” concluded Minister Tau.

With a packed agenda, diverse participation, and a strong focus on tangible outcomes, Wednesday’s colloquium is expected to chart a progressive path forward for South Africa’s intellectual property ecosystem and innovation economy.