World Intellectual Property Day is observed annually on 26 April and was established by the member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000. The day aims to strengthen global understanding of intellectual property (IP) and its role in supporting creativity, innovation, and the transformation of ideas into real-world impact.
CPUT hosted its 2026 World IP Day celebration as a platform to recognise inventors, highlight institutional innovation outputs, and strengthen understanding of intellectual property in the transformation of research into impact.
The university celebrated intellectual property in its broader sense, while also incorporating the 2026 WIPO theme on Intellectual Property and Sport as a key thematic element within the programme.
The event brought together internal and external experts across the innovation and IP ecosystem, combining strategic presentations with an institutional awards ceremony showcasing excellence across CPUT’s innovation landscape.
Congratulations to all recipients.
#CPUT #WorldIPDay2026 #Innovation #IntellectualProperty #ResearchImpact
Mr Shamil Isaacs accepted the Technology Station Excellence Award on behalf of the Technology Station Clothing and Textiles.
The Station was recognised for excellence in applied research, innovation, industry collaboration and community engagement, following its upgrade to the highest Technology Station classification.
#CPUT #WorldIPDay2026 #TechnologyStation #InnovationExcellence #AppliedResearch #CommunityImpact
Prof Ahmed Mohammed was recognised for innovation rooted in indigenous knowledge systems through his phytochemical research on indigenous plants with scientific and commercial potential.
His work contributes to the beneficiation of indigenous biodiversity and the development of market-relevant natural product innovations.
#CPUT #WorldIPDay2026 #IndigenousKnowledge #Innovation #BioInnovation #ResearchExcellence
Prof Veruscha Fester received the Innovation Champion Award for her leadership in advancing innovation, research translation and industry engagement in water, sanitation and advanced materials research.
Her work continues to strengthen applied research, student innovation and collaborative partnerships that drive societal and economic impact.
#CPUT #WorldIPDay2026 #InnovationChampion #ResearchImpact #WaterInnovation #AppliedScience
CPUT recognised Dr Sune Henning, Dr Ayodele Periola and Prof Asis Patnaik with the Industry Collaboration Award for their impactful partnerships across the food science, electrical engineering and textile sectors.
Their collaborative research advances applied innovation, industry development, sustainability and community impact through strong engagement with industry and research partners.
#CPUT #WorldIPDay2026 #IndustryCollaboration #AppliedResearch #Innovation #Partnerships
CPUT proudly welcomes delegates from around the world to the 7th African International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (IEOM2026). The conference, which is being held at the Cape Town Hotel School, will provide an opportunity for academics, researchers and practitioners to exchange ideas and explore recent developments in the field of Industrial Engineering and Operations Management.
Joint Media release by Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, and Tshwane University of Technology, regarding the impasse with the South African Dental Technicians Council.
Ms Sindiswa Papa received the Inclusive Innovation Award for developing the Inclusive Graduation Gown, designed to improve accessibility, comfort and dignity for wheelchair users during graduation ceremonies.
The innovation demonstrates the transformative power of inclusive design and highlights how socially responsive innovation can create meaningful impact.
#CPUT #WorldIPDay2026 #InclusiveInnovation #UniversalDesign #Accessibility #InnovationForImpact
Dr Mariska Lilly was recognised with the Emerging Innovator Award for her growing contribution to CPUT’s innovation ecosystem.
Her research focuses on rooibos- and honeybush-derived phytosome delivery systems and microbial-based innovations for animal health, with strong potential for application in the health, agricultural and cosmeceutical sectors.
#CPUT #WorldIPDay2026 #EmergingInnovator #BioInnovation #ResearchTranslation #Innovation
Prof Jeanine Marnewick, Dr Johan Henry Neethling and Associate Prof Marilize Le Roes-Hill received the Technology Innovation Award for their globally recognised rooibos innovation, SlowRedT.
Built on more than two decades of research into the health benefits of rooibos, the innovation demonstrates strong commercial and clinical potential while contributing to South Africa’s growing bioeconomy.
#CPUT #WorldIPDay2026 #Innovation #RooibosResearch #Bioeconomy #ResearchExcellence
CPUT has officially opened applications for the 2027 academic year and invites prospective students to kickstart their future by applying online. Full story here: https://bit.ly/42s3cu3
CPUT honoured Prof Atanda Raji, Prof Pallav Kumar and Ms Keamogetse Mokomele with the Technology Innovation Award at the CPUT World IP Day Awards 2026.
The team was recognised for developing an innovative water–energy nexus building panel that advances sustainable infrastructure, energy efficiency and climate resilience through multidisciplinary engineering innovation. Their work reflects CPUT’s commitment to research translation, localisation and societal impact.
#CPUT #WorldIPDay2026 #Innovation #TechnologyInnovation #ResearchImpact #SustainableDevelopment
