The Economic Activation Office (EAO) at CPUT is part of a national network of Economic Development of Higher Education (EDHE) EAO's, established in 2021 to strengthen the role of universities in driving entrepreneurship and economic development. Designed as a central node within the university, the EAO connects entrepreneurial activities, stakeholders, and resources to foster a vibrant and inclusive innovation ecosystem.

At CPUT, the EAO plays a catalytic role in advancing our Vision 2030, with alignment to the following focus areas:

• 1 Preparing students for the future
• 3 Readiness for the world of work
• 1 Future generation of scholars
• 2 Relevant research focus areas and strengths
• 2 Social, cultural, and economic growth

The Economic Activation Office (EAO) is housed within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and is administratively supported by the Technology Transfer Office (TTO). This positioning ensures close alignment with CPUT’s broader strategic goals around innovation, research commercialisation, and entrepreneurship.

The Economic Activation Office at CPUT serves as a listening post and communication hub for entrepreneurship-related opportunities aligned to our Vision 2030 goals.

• Engages with external partners and national initiatives to identify opportunities that support student readiness for the future, economic inclusion, and socially responsive innovation
• Channels relevant opportunities—such as calls, competitions, funding, training, or collaborations—to the appropriate internal stakeholders
• Supports strategic alignment by communicating opportunities that connect with faculties, centres for entrepreneurship, research entities, student development offices, and more
• Reports

In essence, the EAO remains attentive to initiatives that align with CPUT’s vision of becoming an entrepreneurial university and a pillar within its community. It plays a strategic role in ensuring that relevant opportunities are effectively communicated to the right stakeholders across the institution.