The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has taken another significant step in translating research into real-world impact by formally launching PhytoMolecules (Pty) Ltd, a UJ spinout company established to commercialise innovative technologies developed by the University’s researchers. This UJ spinout company is wholly owned by UJInvnt, the commercialisation company of UJ, established to bring university-developed research innovations to market.

The Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof Letlhokwa George Mpedi, said, “The establishment of PhytoMolecules demonstrates how UJ translates knowledge into innovation-driven enterprises that create opportunities, attract investment and deliver meaningful solutions for society. The establishment of phytochemicals is an important milestone in strengthening South Africa’s innovation ecosystem and advancing the commercialisation of locally developed intellectual property.”

Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, signed the Research and Innovation agreement, reaffirming the University’s strategic focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and technology transfer.

The signing of the spinout agreements marks an important milestone in UJ’s commitment to transforming scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and enterprises that contribute to economic growth, job creation and societal development.

“Research achieves its greatest value when it extends beyond the laboratory to improve lives and contribute to economic development,” said Prof Phaswana-Mafuya.

The establishment of PhytoMolecules demonstrates how universities can translate knowledge into innovation-driven enterprises that create opportunities, attract investment and deliver meaningful solutions for society. It is an important milestone in strengthening South Africa’s innovation ecosystem and advancing the commercialisation of locally developed intellectual property.

PhytoMolecules is built on the research of Prof Derek Ndinteh, whose work has progressed from scientific discovery to commercial opportunity through UJ’s innovation and technology transfer network.

PhytoMolecules is a research-driven supplier of high-purity natural compounds derived from plants, backed by the UJ’s expertise in natural product chemistry and scientific innovation. The company specialises in producing and supplying research-grade botanical extracts and purified phytomolecules that support research, product development, and commercial innovation across the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, functional food, agrochemical, and biotechnology sectors.

With a growing portfolio of more than 100 natural compounds, PhytoMolecules provides substances for applications such as drug discovery, biological screening, formulation development, quality control, and new product innovation. All compounds are supplied at ≥98% purity and are accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA), ensuring quality, traceability, and confidence for research and industrial partners worldwide.

The company represents the latest outcome of the University’s commercialisation pipeline, illustrating how research can be successfully transformed into sustainable businesses with the potential to generate economic and social value.

Its establishment was facilitated through UJ’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and UJInvnt, the University’s commercialisation vehicle responsible for advancing innovations from proof of concept to market-ready ventures.

Independent Director of UJInvnt (Pty) Ltd and Director of PhytoMolecules, Ms Linah Maphanga-Hlungwani, who also chairs UJInvnt’s Investment Committee, said the company’s establishment demonstrates the value of creating strong commercial foundations for university innovations.

“The creation of PhytoMolecules reflects a deliberate approach to building sustainable businesses from university research. By combining sound governance, commercial expertise and strategic oversight, we are creating an environment where innovation can grow into enterprises that deliver long-term value.”

The establishment of the company was supported by the University’s General Counsel, Mr Dries Pretorius, who provided the legal framework to safeguard UJ’s intellectual property and governance interests, while the Chief Financial Officer, Ms Nolwazi Mamorare and her team, led by Ms Lerato Riba, developed the financial governance and operational structures required to position the company for long-term sustainability and future investment.

PhytoMolecules joins a growing portfolio of UJ spinout companies, reinforcing the University’s ambition to become a leading innovation university where research not only advances knowledge but also creates tangible benefits for industry, communities and the broader economy.