06/10/2026
DAY 1of 2: Innovation Bootcamp: Enhancing Commercialisation & Industry Involvement of Technology Transfer Offices: During her presentation, Thandiwe Maretlane, a Technology Transfer Professional at Mintek, explored how research and intellectual property can move beyond the laboratory to create meaningful market and societal impact.
Maretlane emphasised that technical readiness alone is not enough to achieve successful commercialisation. “Researchers must also understand market attractiveness, customer needs, competition, value chains, strategic partnerships and commercial risks.”
She outlined four primary pathways from research to market: licensing, spin-out companies, joint ventures, and direct transfer or sale. According to Maretlane, the choice of pathway should be informed by market readiness, capital requirements, team capabilities and strategic fit.
“Technical fit is necessary but not sufficient,” Maretlane highlighted, stressing the importance of understanding the customer beyond the technology itself. She encouraged innovators to ask: Who is the paying customer? What are their real constraints? What solution are you displacing, and what would make customers switch?
She also highlighted the importance of mapping the broader value constellation -from research and funding to regulation, manufacturing, distribution and market access. Strategic partnerships, she noted, can accelerate time to market, provide specialised expertise, reduce risk and expand market reach.
Maretlane’s message was clear: commercialisation is not simply about having a great technology; it is about creating value, addressing a real market need and building the right pathway to impact.
