Research
Groundbreaking milestone as Unisa exceeds 100 patents granted
Unisa celebrates a remarkable milestone, with over a hundred patents granted for inventions that stem from its ongoing research and development efforts. Since the launch of the Directorate of Innovation, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation (DITTC) in 2012, the university has worked closely with both staff and students to transform fresh ideas into protected technologies.
Among the patents granted, Unisa achieved this milestone: "Production of Nanofluids by Radiolysis", which was granted in South Africa on 22 December 2023. This technology, developed by Prof Maalik Maaza and Dr Touria Khamliche, provides an innovative method and system for manufacturing nanofluids that ensures stable, large-scale production of nano-particle-enhanced liquids with superior heat transfer and performance properties. This breakthrough paves the way for innovations in cooling systems, energy, automotive, and biomedical applications.
The DITTC has made tremendous progress in the promotion and support of innovative solutions and inventions from Unisa’s research and development activities. The directorate was established in 2012 in response to the promulgation of the Intellectual Property (IP) from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act 51 of 2008. The DITTC also supports the progressive realisation of the university by ensuring that the excellent work done by Unisa staff and students finds expression in society.
Following the first invention disclosure in 2012, which led to the institution's first patent application, Unisa has filed an average of 21 patent applications per year. As at the end of 2024, the DITTC processed 251 IP disclosures and filed 251 patent applications in different jurisdictions across the world. This has led to the protection of more than 50 technologies from Unisa’s research and development initiatives. Handling innovative solutions from high-tech areas to translation and learning-related technical solutions, the DITTC continues to attract researchers from all colleges at Unisa.
In 2023, Unisa reached another milestone: 100 patents were granted. From the very first patent to be granted in the name of Unisa in 2015, to a record-breaking 100 patents granted in 2023, the patent portfolio currently stands at 132 patents, filed in South Africa and other parts of the world.
This growth in granted patents reflects the quality of Unisa’s inventions and the internal assessment processes to ensure that those inventions with applications beyond South Africa are adequately protected. With the growth of the portfolio comes an increase in administrative requirements. Patent protection is territorial, and each application filed in each jurisdiction is treated as a separate application and dealt with in terms of the laws of that jurisdiction. Most Unisa patents are granted in examining jurisdictions where the merits of the applications are examined. The DITTC leads the process of navigating through the legal requirements in each jurisdiction, including responding to comments and objections from the various patent offices.
The DITTC continues its intensive engagement with researchers, distinguished professors, departments and postgraduate students to create awareness of the IP policy and the importance of protecting innovations emerging from Unisa’s research and development activities.
* By Ayanda Noma, Director: Innovation, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation
Publish date: Mon Oct 06 12:47:03 SAST 2025
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