ABOUT

The SU LaunchLab supports the Stellenbosch University entrepreneurial community to grow impactful, sustainable, and profitable businesses, and curates access to market and funding opportunities.

Who is SU LaunchLab?

Stellenbosch University (SU) LaunchLab is part of the Innovation and Commercialisation division, which also includes the technology transfer office of Innovus, SUNCOM, Short courses and Trademarks, and the Stellenbosch Network.

SU LaunchLab was named Africa’s #1 university incubator by UBI Global for 2017-2020. This shows that we have a reputation for providing support to entrepreneurs that results in commercial success for their businesses and economic success for our region.

Our Team

Brandon Paschal

Deputy Director: Spin-out Companies and Funds

Doris Peters

New Venture Support Manager

Jade Meyer

Community Coordinator

Nadine Brink

Operations Coordinator

How it Works

Stellenbosch University is Africa’s leading research institution.

The University generates a plethora of incredible ideas, research & intellectual property.

SU wants this research to positively impact society.

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Innovus is South Africa’s leading Technology Transfer office.

These talented professionals work across the University to help students, academics & faculty turn their research & ideas into commercial projects.

​Innovus is wholly owned by Stellenbosch University.

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SU LaunchLab was named as Africa’s #1 University-Business Incubator in 2017 – 2020 by UBI Global.

We build high impact, sustainable companies through Technology Transfer. We also work with non-Tech Transfer entrepreneurs who are Stellenbosch University alumni.
SU LaunchLab is a department of Innovation and Commericalisation at Stellenbosch University.

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The Stellenbosch Connection

Stellenbosch is the ideal entry point to the world’s fastest growing continent, as it offers access to Africa’s greatest connected network of services, expertise and resources, all critical for a startup’s success.

Stellenbosch offers Africa’s greatest connected network of services, expertise & resources critical to startup success.

  • 151 Patents Generated since 2009 – #1 in South Africa
  • 30,000+ World Class Undergrad & Graduate Students
  • 1,000+ Academic Staff
  • Global HQ for 20% of South African Stock Exchange
  • Largest concentration of USD millionaires anywhere in Africa

This confluence of factors make Stellenbosch the ideal environment for startup activity across the continent.

Where entrepreneurs, academia & industry meet to build the future.

Entrepreneurship has different meanings, but it is the concept of shaping your future and taking the leap of starting your own new business, or business venture. It entails developing and managing your business to gain profit but at the same time taking several risks.

Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in economic development. Stellenbosch plays a key role in enabling and supporting entrepreneurship.

We view engagement in entrepreneurial activities is vital to having a Transformative Student Experience. Through SU LaunchLab, we ensure that there are a variety of activities for our Matiepreneurs to develop their own profiles and experiences as entrepreneurs.

SU Launchlab offers a platform for mission driven entrepreneurs, investors & partners

Entrepreneurs

Are you a business entrepreneur lacking a technical co-founder? Technical founder seeking commercial assistance? Well-rounded team seeking help along the journey? We’ve got the expertise and networks to grow your startup.

Investors

Do you have funds but not enough investable pipeline? Like to make sure your investment is being optimised? Seeking to make a material impact? We offer opportunities to invest in our startups, our platform and alongside a curated network of other mission driven investors.

Mentors

Have you walked the hard road and want to give back? Had an exit and are looking for the next opportunity? Eager to learn more about building startups in Africa? We have a curated network of dedicated, trained, experienced professionals that gain access to our amazing startups and unique programs.

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