about us

The purpose of AONYX HOLDINGS is to hold equity in companies created following recommendation by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. It is envisaged that the new companies will be predominantly in the form of technology spin-offs, however it is conceivable that university carve outs may also be created.

who we are

Aonyx Holdings operates as an independent legal entity from the university, with its own board. This allows for agility in creating spin-off companies. The IPRs owned by the university are licenced directly to spin-off companies through the University’s Technology Transfer Office. The Intellectual Property, Commercialisation and Enterprises Committee has the task of ensuring the Technology Transfer Office is properly informed and advised in carrying out its function. 


The committee includes external experts with experience in various sectors including IP law, company law, innovation and government. These new structures have had a positive effect on CPUT’s capacity to transfer research results from the laboratory into new or improved products and services in the marketplace.

It is our belief that our success in translating research results into practice not only accelerates the beneficial aspects of our research, but also has a major and positive impact on our region’s economy. This is an important role for a university in today’s knowledge-driven economy.

 

The name Aonyx Holdings is derived from Aonyx capensis, also known as the Cape otter. The otter is described as being innovative and industrious. The otter is also known to make a splash when playing in the water. Thus it is a good fit with the motto of the company – making a splash through innovation.

board members

Executive

Revel-Iyer

As a researcher he was involved in various fields of biotechnology research culminating in him leading the transgenic maize research program at UCT. Here he was involved in the development of a basket of technologies directed at genetically engineering drought tolerance in plants. Multiple patents applications have arisen out of these developments. One of these the ‘Stress inducible derivative promoter’ has been granted in the USA and China. The technology is being further developed in a five-year project initiated in 2018. The R12.5 million project is funded by TIA. A large South African seed company is involved in the technology development and has committed R150 million to the next phase of development.

He was awarded a Fellowship in the Leaders in Innovation (LiF) programme in the United Kingdom during February 2016. The LiF programme is run by the Royal Academy of Engineering and funded by the UK Government Department of Business, Innovation and Skills’ Newton Fund programme. Dr Iyer was placed first at the pitching event during the 2016 event. Later that same year he was placed as joint runner up in the Newton Fund video competition, which required Fellows to highlight how they have demonstrated leadership in engineering in the developing world.

Revel joined the UCT Technology Transfer Office team in April 2014 as Business Development Manager, and in October 2016 was appointed Director: Technology Transfer and Industry Linkages at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. He remains in this position whilst also holding the position of CEO: Aonyx Holdings from January 2019.

Marlin previously practised as an attorney for approximately 6 years specialising in commercial law and litigation and has experience in the areas of commercial transactions, contractual disputes, collections and matrimonial law. He has also worked at the South African Medical Research Council as a Senior Legal Advisor focussing on regulatory and compliance matters.

Non-executive chair

Alexander-Burger

Her areas of expertise includes Investment Banking, Legal Advisory, Private Equity, Investment Funds and international company and trust structuring (Fiduciary services).

Alexandra has significant entrepreneurial expertise having created various enterprises from Fiduciary services to international trading companies. She provides valuable advice and structured solutions to entrepreneurs, corporates, finance houses and international funds. She specialises in cross border transactions including the provision of legal transactional advice and drafting of commercial agreements.

Building new businesses in innovative industries is a passion of hers. Alexandra has expertise in capital raising in various industries including Technology, Private Equity, Venture Capital and Investment Products. She structures funds and has arranged listings in property, private equity, structured products, and specialised opportunities. Alexandra designed investment products in Renewable Energy, Trade Finance, Venture Capital and Socially Responsible Investment).

Non-executive

Dr-David-Phaho

David’s diverse research interests include Industrial Chemistry, Sustainability, and Innovation Management with a specific focus on National and Regional Systems of Innovation. He has published papers as well as presenting at local and international conferences.

David was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tshumisano Trust (now part of the Technology Innovation Agency) a Department of Science and Innovation agency set up to improve the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) in areas of National Priority. David re-joined Sasol R&D Division as Head: Refinery Technologies Group. Before joining CPUT, David was Vice President: Centre for Innovation and Business Impact with monitoring and evaluation oversight of Sasol’s Research and Development Project Portfolio. 

Professionally, David has sat on the Boards of Foskor (Pty) Ltd and Pikitup (Ltd) as an independent, non-executive Director. He has also previously served as Chair of Council of Vaal University of Technology. He has served on the HESA (now USAf)’s Research and Innovation Strategy Group as well as structures within the former South African Technology Network (now THENSA).

Ntokozo

Ntokozo has worked with various companies in diverse sectors such as mining (gold & uranium), retail, manufacturing, management consulting, and financial services for over 28 years. She has held various positions from junior engineer right up to senior manager and senior specialist and has worked with various universities of technology as an honorary faculty member and served in various boards within their institutions.

Ntokozo occasionally write blogs on productivity improvement techniques as well as on Industry 4.0 and conduct independent research on various engineering topics and has published modestly since 2006.

She is currently an international reviewer of research manuscripts for the Engineering Management Journal (EMJ) of the American Society for Engineering Management. She serves on board of Cape Catalytix (Pty) Ltd as non-executive director and advise SMMEs on business challenges.

Qualified with a PhD in Chemistry and Executive certificate level qualifications in business, her experience spans economic development, capacity building and technology management. The constant goal is to strategically transform (or reform) and accelerate new and ongoing developments. Target industries have included materials, medical devices, healthcare, manufacturing, clothing and textile, and craft and design sector development.

 

Leone has executive leadership experience in organizational operations, resource, and finance management, including the administration of contracts. She has qualified with the Being a Director Series programme from the IODSA, Institute of Directors South Africa, and held the positions of Board member and company Director.

 

Experienced in establishing partner relationships to drive sector and industry innovation that is inclusive, sustainable and has scalable impact. Leone has a business philosophy to lead with transparency, collaboration, and excellence. Previously the CEO of the University of Technology Innovation Services Trust; Director of Strategic Innovation and Industries, State of Maryland and Programme Director then Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Commercialization Center for Advanced Materials. Leone has delivered professional strategic services since 2017.

She has extensive experience in managing IP portfolios, as well as negotiating and drafting IP-related transactions, and conducting IP due diligences and audits.

 

Chyreene has a passion for assisting people to use intellectual property to create sustainable change and advancement in society.

 

Chyreene is a Fellow of the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL), a member of the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) and secretary of the board of Licensing Executives Society South Africa (LES SA). She also contributes to the South African chapters in “International Pharmaceutical Law and Practice”, Kleyn & van Wyk, LexisNexis, (2017-2018) and The Life Sciences Law Review – 9th Edition, Richard Kingham (Law Business Research Ltd) 2021.

 

Chyreene was also awarded the 2019 DSI/SARIMA Award for Professional Excellence in Innovation Management, which recognised her contribution to the Southern African innovation ecosystem and she is listed as a Rising Star in Euromoney Expert Guides for 2020 and 2021.

Leone Hermans

Leone Hermans-Blackburn, PhD has 19 years of dedicated international experience in delivering on the innovation, business, and sector development initiatives of private and public benefit entities. Qualified with a PhD in Chemistry and Executive certificate level qualifications in business, her experience spans economic development, capacity building and technology management. The constant goal is to strategically transform (or reform) and accelerate new and ongoing developments. Target industries have included materials, medical devices, healthcare, manufacturing, clothing and textile, and craft and design sector development.

Leone has executive leadership experience in organizational operations, resource, and finance management, including the administration of contracts. She has qualified with the Being a Director Series programme from the IODSA, Institute of Directors South Africa, and held the positions of Board member and company Director.

Experienced in establishing partner relationships to drive sector and industry innovation that is inclusive, sustainable and has scalable impact. Leone has a business philosophy to lead with transparency, collaboration, and excellence. Previously the CEO of the University of Technology Innovation Services Trust; Director of Strategic Innovation and Industries, State of Maryland and Programme Director then Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Commercialization Center for Advanced Materials. Leone has delivered professional strategic services since 2017.

Marlin

Marlin’s experience includes assisting on technology transfer related matters and providing advice on transactions relating to the exploitation of IP rights, monetisation and structuring of IP rights (such as through licensing, assignments, research and development, technology transfer and collaboration agreements). He provides general corporate and commercial law advice to startup/ spinout companies as well as on the protection and commercialisation of intellectual property assets.

Marlin previously practised as an attorney for approximately 6 years specialising in commercial law and litigation and has experience in the areas of commercial transactions, contractual disputes, collections and matrimonial law. He has also worked at the South African Medical Research Council as a Senior Legal Advisor focussing on regulatory and compliance matters.

Dr Ntokozo Mthembu, Pr. Eng.

I am an independent consultant and a professional engineer (registered with ECSA since 1994) with a specialty in mechanical engineering. I hold a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Cape Town.

I have worked with various companies in diverse sectors such as mining (gold & uranium), retail, manufacturing, management consulting, and financial services for over 28 years. I have held various positions from junior engineer right up to senior manager and senior specialist. I have worked with various universities of technology as an honorary faculty member and served in various boards within their institutions.

I occasionally write blogs on productivity improvement techniques as well as on Industry 4.0 and conduct independent research on various engineering topics and have published modestly since 2006.

I am currently an international reviewer of research manuscripts for the Engineering Management Journal (EMJ) of the American Society for Engineering Management. I serve on board of Cape Catalytix (Pty) Ltd as non-executive director and advise SMMEs on business challenges.

Alexandra Burger (Non-executive chair)

Alexandra Burger, is an Attorney, Notary and an ex banker with over 16 years of experience in Financial Services, international business and legal advisory and practice. Alexandra has acted in Management, Advisory and Business Development roles.

Her areas of expertise includes Investment Banking, Legal Advisory, Private Equity, Investment Funds and international company and trust structuring (Fiduciary services).

Alexandra has significant entrepreneurial expertise having created various enterprises from Fiduciary services to international trading companies. She provides valuable advice and structured solutions to entrepreneurs, corporates, finance houses and international funds. She specialises in cross border transactions including the provision of legal transactional advice and drafting of commercial agreements.

Building new businesses in innovative industries is a passion of hers. Alexandra has expertise in capital raising in various industries including Technology, Private Equity, Venture Capital and Investment Products. She structures funds and has arranged listings in property, private equity, structured products, and specialised opportunities. Alexandra designed investment products in Renewable Energy, Trade Finance, Venture Capital and Socially Responsible Investment).

Dr Revel Iyer (Aonyx Holdings CEO) Executive board member

Dr Iyer has a long career in the university environment in a wide range of roles. he completed his PhD in Molecular Biology in 2002, and went on to achieve an LLB degree with electives including intellectual property law, forensic medicine and environmental law, an MBA (dissertation focussing on valuation of intellectual property) and most recently a Master of Laws (LLM in Intellectual Property).

As a researcher he was involved in various fields of biotechnology research culminating in him leading the transgenic maize research program at UCT. Here he was involved in the development of a basket of technologies directed at genetically engineering drought tolerance in plants. Multiple patents applications have arisen out of these developments. One of these the ‘Stress inducible derivative promoter’ has been granted in the USA and China. The technology is being further developed in a five-year project initiated in 2018. The R12.5 million project is funded by TIA. A large South African seed company is involved in the technology development and has committed R150 million to the next phase of development.

He was awarded a Fellowship in the Leaders in Innovation (LiF) programme in the United Kingdom during February 2016. The LiF programme is run by the Royal Academy of Engineering and funded by the UK Government Department of Business, Innovation and Skills’ Newton Fund programme. Dr Iyer was placed first at the pitching event during the 2016 event. Later that same year he was placed as joint runner up in the Newton Fund video competition, which required Fellows to highlight how they have demonstrated leadership in engineering in the developing world.

Revel joined the UCT Technology Transfer Office team in April 2014 as Business Development Manager, and in October 2016 was appointed Director: Technology Transfer and Industry Linkages at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. He remains in this position whilst also holding the position of CEO: Aonyx Holdings from January 2019.