LaunchLab builds global partnerships to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship
From Madison to Dallas, Stellenbosch University's (SU) LaunchLab strengthened international partnerships that could unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurs, researchers, and spinout companies. As innovation becomes increasingly global, strong international partnerships are essential for translating research into real-world impact. During a…
SU LaunchLab expands its team to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship
SU LaunchLab is pleased to welcome three new team members, further strengthening its ability to support entrepreneurs, innovators, and the broader Stellenbosch ecosystem. Elijah Djan joined as an Incubation Programme Officer, where he will lead incubation programmes designed to support…
Building the next generation of student entrepreneurs at Stellenbosch University
Entrepreneurship has long been part of the Stellenbosch University (SU) story. From pioneering research and breakthrough technologies to student-led ventures tackling real-world challenges, the University has cultivated an environment where ideas can become meaningful impact. Recognising the need to create…
SU spinout wins the Research and Development Category Award at the Western Cape Economy Innovation Awards
Stellenbosch University (SU) spinout, FluoroBiotech won the Research and Development (R&D) Category Award at the recent Western Cape Economy Innovation Awards, held at Cape Town City Hall. Co-hosted by the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cape Higher…
From curiosity to an award-winning Stellenbosch University venture cleaning up the planet
What if your university research project could change the way the world makes soap, skincare, and industrial cleaners? That is what happened to Dr André Valkenburg and his story is proof that the best businesses are sometimes born in the…
NAVU Mobility crowned the Hult Prize South Africa Nationals winner
In an environment where analytical thinking and creative expression are valued, the top six most promising student enterprises across South African (SA) universities pitched at the recent Hult Prize* South Africa National competition, held in Workshop 17, Cape Town. Bringing…
SU’s spinout ReSurfify wins inaugural R50 000 Agritech Innovation Challenge
Coming victorious from the final pitch competition at the 2026 Cape Agritech Connect, Stellenbosch University’s (SU) ReSurfify took the first place. They won the Challenge for their innovation in developing sustainable biosurfactants—biodegradable, non-toxic alternatives to petroleum-based surfactants*—using a bioprocess that…
LaunchLab’s Countdown programme culminates in high-impact agritech Demo Day
Stellenbosch University (SU) LaunchLab hosted its agritech Countdown Demo Day at LaunchLab, on 26 March 2026, where promising Pan-African business ventures pitched in front of key ecosystem players, including potential customers and investors. Over the past five weeks, the Countdown…
SU LaunchLab and partners advancing seed factories in Prague on ZEEUS project
Brandon Paschal, Head of Stellenbosch University (SU) LaunchLab and Deputy Director of Spin-outs and Funds at SU, together with Nadine Price, Operations and Community Offer at LaunchLab, recently attended a consortium meeting on the Zero Emissions Entrepreneurship for Universal Sustainability…
Success Factor 2026: Telling stories behind successful small businesses
Stellenbosch Network in partnership with Stellenbosch University (SU) LaunchLab hosted their second annual Success Factor event on 19 March 2026 at SU LaunchLab, Stellenbosch. The strategic intent of the event was simple, yet intentional on promoting entrepreneurship, encouraging more student…
SU LaunchLab selects its top three finalists for the Hult Prize South Africa Campus Round
Life-changing ideas were in the spotlight at the recent South Africa Campus Round, which is the first phase of the global Hult Prize competition, known as the “Nobel Prize for students” hosted by Stellenbosch University’s (SU) LaunchLab. The event was…
SU biotech spin-out bags SWEAT Africa 2026 pitch prize
A Stellenbosch University biotech spin-out competed against some of the best startups in Africa to clinch the top prize at the 2026 SWEAT Africa pitch competition. Urobo Biotech claimed the R100 000 grand prize at the high-profile two-day event held…