CPUT at a Glance
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Vice-Chancellor: Prof Chris Nhlapo
Institutional Profile
The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) was established on 1 January 2005 when the Cape and Peninsula Technikon’s merged. This was part of a national process of transforming the higher education landscape in South Africa. The history of CPUT is, therefore, the history of the two merged institutions and goes as far back as 1920. After the promulgation of the Technikons Act in 1976, technical colleges were able to offer tertiary education in selected fields of study. In 1979 both colleges were legally established as technikons and from 1993 were empowered to offer degrees: Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Technology.
CPUT is the only university of technology in the Western Cape and is the largest university in the region. The Institution has six faculties focused on Applied Science, Business and Management Sciences, Education, Informatics and Design, Engineering and the Built Environment and Health and Wellness Sciences.
The institution is best known for its provision of service-learning opportunities for its students. Service Learning is a course-based, credit-bearing experience in which students participate in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs and reflect on the service activity in such a way as to get further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility
CPUT offers under 100 career-focused courses and has two main campuses in Bellville and Cape Town, the Granger Bay Campus with its Cape Town Hotel school and restaurant next to the world-renowned V&A Waterfront in Cape Town as well as various campuses in Mowbray and Wellington.
Research
The University’s research culture focuses on applied and problem-solving research which is responsive to regional, national and continental needs. All research is focused around the following focus areas.
- Research Focus Area 1: Bio-economy and Biotechnology
- Research Focus Area 2: Space Science, Engineering and Technology
- Research Focus Area 3: Smart Energy
- Research Focus Area 4: The Environment, Climate Change and Sustainability
- Research Focus Area 5: Human, Health and Social Dynamics
- Research Focus Area 6: The Digital Society
VISION 2030
A university of CPUT’s scope and size requires a definitive future plan. The adoption of the institutions Vision 2030 dictates our strategic framework for the next ten years. This vision is embedded in all operating procedures at the university, and guides operations and how we see ourselves.
CPUT’s Vision is to be Africa’s leading Smart University of Technology, globally renowned for innovation, with graduates that shape a better world.
And our Mission is to transform our students through world-class researchers who inspire knowledge production and produce innovation that is cutting edge.
Our Vision and Mission align with sectoral, regional, national and global imperatives.
Vision 2030 aims to build One Smart CPUT. The “Oneness” focuses on our human-centricity, while the “Smartness” focuses on technological developments and innovations.
Through Vision 2030, we are proud to be imbedded in this nation’s future, and to be actively involved in creating South African success stories.
Technology Transfer and Industry Linkages (CPUT TTO)
With a focus on societal and economic impact, the TTO protects and commercialises technologies developed by CPUT academics and students.
The TTO supports CPUT’s researchers, staff and students, offering commercial skills and a range of specialist resources in order to maximise innovation impact.
Aonyx Holdings
The founding statement is that the company offers a very lean and agile vehicle to form spin-off companies directed at commercialising CPUT generated technology innovations that in turn generate socio-economic value in South Africa by creating jobs, securing supply, transforming industries, growing the GDP and improving the quality of life of citizens. The purpose of the company is to hold equity in companies created following recommendation by CPUT. It is envisaged that the new companies will be predominantly in the form of technology spin-offs, however it is conceivable that university carve outs may also be created.
Aequorea
Aequorea (Pty) Ltd is a company in the business of providing marine driven data solutions for Africa to thrive from the oceans’ economy. The primary business is in the collection of data for knowledge management, policy development and planning for the ocean’s economy; as well as the sale of coastal data buoys.
Amaya Space
Amaya Space Ltd is a leading nanosatellite-focused space manufacturing and services company on the African continent with its sights set on delivering game-changing and innovative solutions. As a spin-out company of the prestigious satellite programme of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, it commercialises the innovative nanosatellite communications solutions as well as complete missions that have been developed at CPUT over the past 10 years. With CPUT it has gained extensive space heritage through an expanding global customer base.
Promerops
Promerops is a proudly south African UAV services company that offers customers the value of a complete service solution. Being a fully licensed and insured UAV service provider, the company aims to deliver a professional end-to-end service. Unlike current systems on the market, Promerops services can be integrated and configured to incorporate various payloads and technologies. This allows customers to increase their deliverables and enable new business opportunities. All of the systems components are locally developed and sourced.
Clothing and Textile Technology Station
The Clothing and Textile Technology Station was established in 2002 to provide innovation support to the clothing and textile and related industries. Through this provision of direct feedback and services, the Technology Station: Clothing and Textiles (TSCT) has become a responsive mechanism for meeting industry needs. In 2018 alone, the TSCT has supported 167 SMME’s.
The TSCT is geared up to introduce new technology to local industry and boasts state of the art equipment.
The TSCT has been planting the seeds for job creation across South Africa through the Extending the Footprint Project via a host of training projects and registered courses. These educational offerings focus on a host of training needs ranging from basic clothing production methods.
Agrifood Technology Station
The Agrifood Technology Station (ATS) based at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology serves as platform for providing a range of interdisciplinary services to the Agrifood sector.
Funded by the Department of Science and Technology, the Station is positioned to support small and medium enterprises to develop their research, improve their innovation and become more competitive. ATS also strives to offer services that are not available via commercial laboratories.
The Stations world-class analytical and research facilities include different processing areas for baked goods, meat products, beverages, chocolate & sweets, spray drying and extrusion and general heat processing and drying areas. Besides general and cold stores, there are also several laboratory areas such as R&D, microbiology and a physical food properties labs. These facilities allow companies to develop, enhance and maintain safe, efficient and cost-effective food production and processing.
Business Innovation & Incubation Centre (BIIC)
The BIIC's core offering is a comprehensive incubation program for graduate student business projects that have a social impact and are commercially viable. The program provides students with mentorship, technology assistance, and access to funding and resources to develop their ideas into successful businesses. The program is designed to support the development of sustainable businesses that create value for society, and we place a strong emphasis on social and environmental impact.
Research Chairs at CPUT
Cardiometabolic Health Research Centre
Prof G Davison (Interim Chair)
Teacher Education
Prof Z Waghid (Interim Research Leader)
Work-Integrated Learning (Tier 2)
Prof C Winberg
Biotechnology
Prof JL Von Metzinger
Energy
Prof MTE Kahn
Oceans Economy
Dr Sparks (Interim Chair)
SARChI Research Chair in Governance and Economics for Water and Sanitation Sector Institutions
Prof Bongani Ncube (Tier 2) - NRF C3 rated
ETDP SETA Research Chair in Work-Integrated Learning
Prof NJ Nduna
Sustainable Tourism and Global Change
In progress
Literacy Development
In progress
Innovation in Society (Service Design)
In progress
Innovative Small Satellite Technology & Applications for Africa (ISSTAA)
In progress
Enrolment Statistics
