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NEW INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS SPARKED

he University of At the heart of this initiative business and government,” says
KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is the DSTI’s 150% tax Steve Camp, executive director
TFoundation is proud rebate, available to approved of the UKZN Foundation. “By
to launch SPARK KZN – a companies engaging in aligning the research strengths
landmark, first-of-its-kind qualifying R&D activities. This of our university with the
workshop designed to bring powerful incentive encourages practical needs of industry, we
together local businesses, businesses to invest in new can stimulate innovation, create
leading UKZN academics products, technologies and employment opportunities and
and representatives from solutions. SPARK KZN will contribute to the province’s
the Department of Science, give business leaders direct broader economic development.
Technology and Innovation access to experts who can guide Collaboration of this kind is
(DSTI) for a high-impact day of them through the registration essential if KwaZulu-Natal
collaboration, innovation and process and demonstrate how is to build a more resilient,
opportunity. collaboration with UKZN can knowledge-driven economy.”
unlock this opportunity.
Taking place on 3 March The workshop will:
2026 at the Graduate School UKZN’s research strengths ■ Facilitate direct engagement
of Business on the Westville span engineering, green energy, between UKZN researchers
campus, SPARK KZN aims to agriculture, health sciences and and business leaders across
open new pathways between quantum physics, among others diverse sectors
academia and industry, – positioning the university ■ Showcase UKZN’s cutting- Steve Camp, executive director of the UKZN Foundation
strengthening the province’s to help local enterprises edge research capabilities
innovation ecosystem and tackle real-world challenges, and how they can support “SPARK KZN is more than development.
showcasing how strategic accelerate innovation and boost local industry needs an event – it’s the start of a
partnerships can drive competitiveness. Through powerful new conversation “We invite local businesses
economic growth in KwaZulu- SPARK KZN, business leaders ■ Highlight the advantages between the people who create to join us, engage with our top
Natal. For local businesses will meet researchers whose of the DSTI’s 150% R&D tax knowledge and the innovators researchers and help spark the
seeking fresh ideas, technical work has the potential to incentive and guide who turn it into real-world breakthroughs that can move
expertise or avenues for transform industries and companies on how to access progress. By connecting our province forward,” said
expansion, the workshop offers energise the province’s it industry with UKZN’s research Camp. 
a unique gateway into UKZN’s economic landscape. ■ Lay the foundation for strengths, we can drive
world-class research capabilities long-term partnerships solutions, stimulate growth https://foundation.ukzn.ac.za/
and South Africa’s enhanced “This initiative is about capable of generating new and position KwaZulu-Natal as
incentives for research and forging meaningful ventures, technologies and a leader in innovation-driven
development (R&D). connections between academia, jobs in KZN

UNLOCK
UNL
OCK
INNOVATION.
INNO V A TION.
UNL OCK GRO WTH.
UNLOCK GROWTH.

Innovate • Collaborate • Grow Health Sciences and Engineering to Quantum
Physics and beyond.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal Foundation in • Explore partnership opportunities that
partnership with the Department of Science, drive innovation, product development and
Technology and innovation (DSTI) invites you competitive advantage.
to an exciting one-day workshop designed to • Shape the future of business-led research in
connect business, academia and government KZN.
— right here in KwaZulu-Natal.
The UKZN Foundation and Make It Count
the Department of Science, Technology This is the first event of its kind in the province, To ensure meaningful connections on the
aimed at stimulating business innovation and
day, please let us know your specific area of
and Innovation Collaboration Workshop building strong, future-focused collaborations R&D interest in advance. We’ll arrange for the
between industry and UKZN’s world-class relevant UKZN academic expert to be present,
3 MARCH 2026 researchers. so you can discuss potential collaborations
directly.
Why Attend?
Venue: University of KwaZulu-Natal • Discover how your business can benefit Don’t Miss This Opportunity
Graduate School of Business from the DSTI’s 150% tax rebate on approved Join us in building a stronger bridge between
Research & Development projects.
Duration: 09h00 to 16h00 • Meet leading UKZN academics across a industry and academia — and unlock new
growth potential for your business.
Exclusive to KZN Businesses wide range of disciplines — from Agriculture,

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