SU LaunchPod

Episode #8: GeoSmart

In this episode of the LaunchPod, Brandon Paschal sits down with Prof. Adriaan van Niekerk, founder and CEO of GeoSmart and one of South Africa’s pioneers in geospatial science. Adriaan takes us on a fascinating journey from early Geographic Information System (GIS) research at Stellenbosch University to building nationally significant datasets that help predict real-world risks like flooding. We unpack what geospatial data really is, why understanding where things happen matters just as much as what happens, and how GeoSmart uses terrain, climate, and historical data to model flood risk, inform insurance pricing, guide land-use decisions, and ultimately help save lives. Adriaan also shares his unconventional path which took him from art and computer science to academia and entrepreneurship - along with the origins of GeoSmart, the creation of South Africa’s digital elevation model (SUDEM), and the challenges of scaling geospatial products across Africa where data availability is uneven. A must-listen for anyone interested in climate risk, data-driven decision-making, deep tech spinouts, or the intersection of academia and entrepreneurship.

Episode #7: Sun Magnetics

In this episode of the LaunchPod, Brandon Paschal sits down with Coenrad Fourie, CEO of Stellenbosch University spinout, Sun Magnetics, to unpack one of the most complex and exciting frontiers of modern technology: quantum computing. Coenrad shares how Sun Magnetics enables quantum computers to actually work, by providing specialised engineering software that verifies superconducting circuits before they’re built, saving years of development time and millions in costs. From explaining what quantum computers can realistically do for society, to why they’ll never sit on your desk, Coenrad makes an intimidating field surprisingly accessible. The conversation traces his journey from postgraduate research in superconducting electronics, through the early (and premature) NeoCAD venture in the late 2000s, to spinning out Sun Magnetics in 2015 at exactly the right moment when global demand for quantum tools began to accelerate. Along the way, he reflects on patience, timing, market pull, and why Sun Magnetics deliberately chose a slower, revenue-driven growth path rather than chasing early venture capital. Coenrad also dives into Sun Magnetics’ flagship tools and explains how they help quantum engineers design, simulate, and verify circuits that operate at temperatures close to absolute zero. A must-listen for academic founders, deep-tech entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about how South African-born innovation is quietly shaping the future of global quantum computing.

Episode #6: Terraclim

Dr Tara Southey, founder and CEO of Terraclim, turned a love for nature, wine, and research into a powerful climate data solution for agriculture. Born from over a decade of research and a frustration with the lack of accessible climate data, Terraclim is now helping farmers across South Africa adapt to climate change with precision and confidence.  In this episode, Tara shares her journey from vineyard scientist to climate-tech entrepreneur, and how partnering with Innovus Technology Transfer Office and Stellenbosch University (SU) LaunchLab helped her transform a flagship research project into a data-driven SU spinout. Learn how Terraclim’s unique integrated data resources are changing how farmers understand risk, and why field-level insights are the first step to global impact. 🎧 Listen in to hear how one researcher’s determination is helping to safeguard the future of farming.

Episode #5 (LL 10-Year Anniversary Special Edition): Building Networks, Building Stellenbosch

Continuing Stellenbosch University LaunchLab’s 10-year anniversary reflections, the final installment of this mini-series features Hanli Brink, Operations Director of Stellenbosch Network. From linking students and startups to boardrooms at Remgro, to launching the Cape Connect industry events that bring together academia, government, and business. Hanli reflects on how a simple belief in the power of networks helped shape a thriving regional innovation ecosystem. Discover how Stellenbosch Network and LaunchLab work hand in hand to bridge the gap between university talent, local entrepreneurs, and industry opportunity - and how this collaboration continues to support a diverse community of innovators in Stellenbosch, from students to local business owners, creating real impact through mentorship, industry connections, and initiatives that strengthen the town’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Episode #4 (LL 10-Year Anniversary Special Edition) : Launching the Next Decade

As Stellenbosch University (SU) LaunchLab continues its 10-year anniversary reflections, this second installment of our special series features Brandon Paschal, Deputy Director of Spinouts and Funds. Brandon shares his journey of shaping LaunchLab’s spinout strategy - from nurturing early-stage ideas to securing funding and building companies that create real-world impact. With an eye on both the lessons of the past decade and the opportunities that lie ahead, he reflects on the unique role LaunchLab plays in advancing research commercialisation, growing South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and positioning university spinouts for global relevance.