About

Unisa is proud to present the 5^th Unisa Innovation Festival, taking place from 23 to 26 November 2026 across the Science, Muckleneuk and Sunnyside campuses.

Since its inception in 2022, the Innovation Festival has grown into a dynamic platform that brings together students, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, industry partners, government stakeholders and the broader innovation ecosystem to showcase ideas, build partnerships and accelerate the journey from innovation to impact.

Under the 2026 theme, “Catalyse. Innovate. Commercialise.”, the festival will place a strong focus on transforming ideas and research into practical solutions, viable ventures and opportunities for societal and economic impact.

What to Expect

The 2026 programme will bring innovation to life through a multi-campus programme designed to showcase emerging talent, strengthen entrepreneurship and technology transfer, and connect innovators with partners who can help move ideas towards market and impact.

• Innovation exhibitions and showcases featuring Unisa technologies, innovators and start-ups.
• Postgraduate Student Showcase, creating a platform for emerging researchers to present innovative research and solutions.
• Innovation pitching sessions, providing innovators and entrepreneurs with opportunities to present their ideas and ventures.
• City of Tshwane innovation activities and collaboration, strengthening the connection between the university, the city and the wider innovation ecosystem.
• Engagement opportunities with industry, government, funders, entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners.
• Knowledge-sharing, networking and conversations focused on innovation, commercialisation, entrepreneurship and societal impact.

A Platform for Innovation and Impact

The Unisa Innovation Festival is more than a showcase. It is a platform for catalysing collaboration, recognising innovative talent and creating pathways for ideas to progress from research and ideation towards implementation, entrepreneurship and commercialisation.

Through the Directorate of Innovation, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation (DITTC), Unisa continues to support innovators across the innovation value chain through intellectual property support, technology transfer, commercialisation, venture development, innovation capacity building and access to relevant funding and ecosystem opportunities.

Who Should Attend?

The festival welcomes Unisa students, postgraduate researchers, postdoctoral fellows, academics, staff, innovators, entrepreneurs, start-ups, industry representatives, government stakeholders, funders, investors and partners interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, technology transfer and commercialisation.