The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) celebrated the creativity and ground breaking ideas of young South Africans at the inaugural CIPC IP Youth Awards on 27th March 2025. This event was held in Pretoria to recognise innovators aged 15 to 28 for their outstanding work in intellectual property. The awards highlighted the importance of protecting creative ideas and inventions, which drive both sustainability and economic growth. Industry leaders, entrepreneurs and key stakeholders gathered to honour the young winners across five categories:
- Tech for Good: Inventions supporting sustainable development goals.
- Copyright Creators: Innovative work in copyright-protected creative fields.
- Counterfeit Combat: Solutions for managing confiscated counterfeit goods.
- SMME Excellence: Small businesses effectively using intellectual property rights.
- Women in IP: Recognizing exceptional female innovators.
Award Winners Shine
A major highlight of the evening was Mahlogonolo Mphahlele, who won the Women in IP award for “TwinX,” X-ray glasses that make medical imaging faster and safer.
Other winners included:
Tech for Good: Juandre Klopper (EZ Airway)
Counterfeit Combat: Taharah Mchunu (MyRariFile)
Copyright Creators: Nhlanhla Langa (Mo ‘n Fro)
SMME Excellence: Landile Mabele (NavWok)
Empowering Future Leaders
CIPC Commissioner, Advocate Rory Voller, emphasized the importance of the awards stating, “Intellectual property is essential for our economy and culture. We’re here to celebrate the young visionaries who are pushing boundaries and making a real impact.”
The event also featured speeches from industry experts, panel discussions on intellectual property in business, and networking opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Looking Ahead
Building on the success of this year’s event, CIPC plans to expand the awards in 2026, offering more mentorship, funding, and international collaboration opportunities.
About CIPC and the IP Youth Awards
The CIPC is a South African regulatory body responsible for registering companies and protecting intellectual property. It operates under the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC). The CIPC IP Youth Awards celebrate young innovators who are shaping the future with their creative ideas.
CIPC IP Youth Awards: “Celebrating Innovation, Protecting Creativity.”
