Innovations

Baobab LIMS is an African-led innovation that was developed as part of the B3Africa consortium. It is an affordable sample and laboratory management tool for biobanking that has been implemented in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which previously (due in part to financial constraints)

Fly ash is a waste by-product generated by coal-fired electricity power stations. Due to its environmental impact, there is a growing need for safe and sustainable methods of fly ash disposal. One effective approach is the beneficiation of fly ash through the production of zeolites—a class of

The North-West University (NWU) has developed and patented a method for producing hydrogen via hydrolysis, using an activated aluminium compound. Technology Benefits: Aluminum also can be recycled after the hydrogen production process. Hydrogen can be produced under high pressure. By-products are

A novel bioreactor system that uses membranes to create a compartmentalised system where two or more species can be co-cultured without mixing of species, while ensuring rapid exchange of metabolites and proteins between compartments and shared medium composition. The system operates continuously

The CSIR has established a bioconversion platform that focuses on alternative pathways for chemical production. The platform is geared towards local production and replacing imports of bio-based platform chemicals, including lactic acid. This shift will have a direct impact on the bioeconomy. The

The technology relates to an application that allows the efficient delivery of groceries ordered online by using a car lift service from general road drivers. Unlike existing delivery applications, this platform does increase the reliance on dedicated delivery vehicles but makes use of a network of

The technology relates to a new generation of telecommunications and data processing technology with improved wavelength sensitivity in the visible and near-infrared wavelengths range rather than microwave communication in 2–4 GHz. The technology provides the realisation of optical sources (LEDs)

A mobile application to facilitate the efficient delivery of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) which are dependent on a multi-embedded supply chain coordination for the distribution of malaria drugs. The distribution of these is hampered by a lack of coordination among stakeholders

CEILING IN A CAN (CiC) is a patented innovation that aims to create better-living conditions for indigent people by providing an instant ceiling. This fresh technology originating from MUT involves two 5 litre cans containing different polymers. By spreading newspaper on the floor and mixing the two

Air quality is a concern worldwide. Consequently, efficient means to monitor air pollutants are critical. Current commercially available carbon-based sorbents used for sampling volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air typically require solvent extraction prior to analysis, and they cannot be reused

An engineer at Nelson Mandela University has developed a secure storage trolley for tablet computers. The storage also has a charging component which allows for them to be charged while safely stored.

With our society facing challenges related to sustainability i.e. resource depletion and waste accumulation, the future success of the chemical and polymer industries relies on the use of renewable feedstocks. Lignin, one of the main components of non-edible lignocellulosic biomass shows great