The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will work with 3Sixty Global Solutions Group (3Sixty GSG) a subsidiary of NUMSA Investment Company (NIC), and Tautomer to fast-track the commercialisation of CSIR technologies.

The organisations entered into a tripartite agreement through NIC’s subsidiary 3Sixty GSG and their partner company, Tautomer, to explore any investment and collaboration opportunities at the CSIR.

The agreement was signed by CSIR Chief Executive Officer, Dr Thulani Dlamini, 3Sixty GSG Chief Executive Officer, Mr Khandani Msibi and Tautomer Managing Director, Mr Martin Magwaza, in Pretoria, on Wednesday, 15 January 2020.

The agreement will pave a way for investment in research and development, and enable the organisations to respond to the challenges faced by industry and society, and thus contribute to economic growth, thereby boosting job creation in the country.

The research collaboration agreement will also provide 3SixtyGSG with an opportunity to invest in CSIR technologies that are at or close to commercialisation in research areas such as pharmaceuticals, wireless mesh networks, bioplastics, biopharming, traditional medicines and energy.

Dr Dlamini says the partnership is important for the progression of technologies developed in South Africa to the commercialisation stage.

“Engagements with 3SixtyGSG have led to the identification of strategic investment opportunities with the CSIR. These engagements come at a time when the CSIR is at the pinnacle of rolling out its new strategy to focus on industrial development. The agreement also allows for the initiation and execution of specific technology development projects.”

As part of its new strategy, which seeks to collaborate with the public and private sectors to develop and localise technologies, the CSIR is engaging with various entities on possible collaboration in alignment with their areas of interest.

Mr Khandani Msibi says they are extremely delighted with the partnership agreement with the CSIR, as this will help to accelerate the development of their pharmaceutical and scientific investment strategy.

“Our Group will, as a result, be the proud owner of some of the cutting-edge technological products with global appeal. The products we have focused on will solve some of our country’s and ultimately global problems in a commercially sound way. We are starting a journey with the CSIR that will, once again, remind South Africa and the world about the technological leadership of this country, which, in many areas, remains unknown.”

ENDS

Media enquiries:

David Mandaha

CSIR Media Relations Manager

Tel: 012 841 3654

Mobile: 072 126 8910

E-mail: dmandaha@csir.co.za

OR

Sandra Hlungwani

3SixtyGSG Communications Manager

Tel: 011 483 2143

Mobile: 063 897 8428

E-mail: Sandra.hlungwani@3SixtyGSG.co.za

About the CSIR

The CSIR is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research, technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development to improve the quality of life of all South Africans. For more information, visit www.csir.co.za

About NIC and 3Sixty GSG

NIC is an investment company that was established in 1997 by the National Manufacturing Workers Investment Trust, a Trust that was established by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA). The beneficiaries of the Trust are NUMSA members and staff. 3Sixty GSG is a subsidiary of NIC that began as a funeral services provider and grew into a financial services provider, providing products in insurance, medical aid and retirement funds. 3Sixty GSG was recently renamed, as it further diversified into pharmaceutical and scientific solutions on a global scale. The Group has three start-up companies whose focus is the acquisition and commercialisation of pharmaceutical products, and it has partners from India, Germany and the USA. For more information, visit www.3sixtygsg.co.za.

About Tautomer

Tautomer (PTY) LTD is dedicated to providing South Africans with new innovative and effective therapies across the continent, coordinating with representatives from all levels of government and state for the health care landscape.