Pretoria: South Africa is using its participation in the Pujiang Innovation Forum to pursue partnerships aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities in biotechnology, satellite development, and green hydrogen. Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) Deputy Director-General for Technology Innovation, Dr. Kenny Tenza, stated that the companies visited by the South African delegation in China were carefully selected because their work aligned with the country's strategic priorities.
According to South African Government News Agency, the delegation, led by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Professor Blade Nzimande, engaged in discussions with Liferiver, SpaceSail, and Safire Group. The talks explored opportunities for technological cooperation, market access, and access to specialized equipment. Tenza emphasized the strategic alignment of these visits with the DSTI's priorities.
The first company visited was Liferiver, a biotechnology firm involved in medical devices and diagnostic technologies. Tenza noted that Liferiver's operations supported South Africa's Bio-economy Strategy, aiding efforts to enhance the country's technological capabilities. The discussions aimed at fostering collaboration to strengthen South Africa's technologies.
The delegation also visited SpaceSail as part of South Africa's initiative to expand its space science and satellite capabilities. The government has identified the space sector as a vital area for investment, with ambitions to develop an indigenous satellite-launch capability. Tenza highlighted potential collaborative opportunities identified during the visit, particularly in the satellite-payload sector, which includes instruments and equipment for various satellite missions.
The visit to Safire Group centered on technologies supporting South Africa's green hydrogen goals. Safire Group, a prominent manufacturer of electrolysers, aligns with South Africa's energy strategy. Tenza mentioned the DSTI's focus on the membrane electrode assembly, noting the involvement of a South African company in this area. The aim is to create relationships yielding tangible commercial and technological benefits for South African enterprises.
Tenza explained that these engagements were designed to ensure practical partnerships result from South Africa's participation in the forum, rather than mere conference discussions. The visits collectively targeted enhancing local expertise and industrial capacity in health technologies, space systems, and clean-energy manufacturing.