As we continue to celebrate our two decades of nurturing visionary leaders in technology, innovation and management, we spotlight alumni who are shaping South Africa’s future. Among them is Dr Mmboneni Muofhe, a passionate champion of inclusive innovation and Deputy Director-General for Socio-Economic Innovation Partnerships at the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).
From leading national strategies to working on global platforms, Dr Muofhe’s influence stretches far and wide. His journey, deeply grounded in both research and policy, reflects the spirit of DaVinci’s TIPS™ framework: Technology, Innovation, People and Systems.
Bridging the Innovation Chasm
Dr Muofhe’s doctoral thesis explored the persistent gap between research and market-ready innovation, a challenge long acknowledged in South Africa.
“It’s more than just one thing,” he says. “But addressing each of them, skills, support instruments, institutional ecosystems, and culture, in a coordinated way narrows the gap effectively. For years, we thought funding alone was the missing piece, but it’s a combination of several levers that must be pulled in sync.”
Turning Research Into Real-World Change
His research has already reshaped how innovation is supported within the DSI. One standout example is the shift in how funding instruments are aligned to support innovation across the entire value chain.
“We discovered that many funding instruments were scattered and uncoordinated,” he explains. “Most had a ‘wait to be approached’ model. We changed that, now, we actively track innovation pipelines, advise on suitable instruments, and help projects graduate to the next stage.”
This work directly influenced the development of the Sovereign Innovation Fund, a game-changer in supporting commercialisation of local innovation.
Making Innovation Inclusive
Innovation shouldn’t be confined to labs and lecture halls, Dr Muofhe insists. For him, true transformation means involving people from all walks of life, especially those in rural and township settings.
“We focused too much on R&D-driven innovation, excluding grassroots solutions born out of necessity. Many young graduates leave institutions with ideas, but no access to labs, funding or mentorship. We need to cast the net wider and nurture these overlooked innovations.”
Lessons from Abroad: Ecosystems Matter
During his studies, Dr Muofhe visited innovation hubs in countries known for their thriving ecosystems. What struck him most was their proactive approach.
“They don’t wait. They build active partnerships with universities, guide innovations through structured stage-gate processes, and are bold enough to pull the plug when necessary. We need that clarity and courage here too.”
Inspired by Pioneers: The Mae Jemison Effect
Meeting Dr Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space, was a turning point for Dr Muofhe.
“She’s not just about incremental change. She believes in disrupting the norm. From our first meeting, she reminded me that dreaming big isn’t enough, you must follow through. Her influence still shapes my thinking.”
He’s since spoken at her 100 Year Starship Conference in Houston and Silicon Valley, deepening his commitment to bold, imaginative leadership.
The TIPS Legacy
The TIPS™ framework, central to DaVinci’s philosophy, remains a daily compass in Dr Muofhe’s leadership.
“TIPS made me realise the importance of co-creation and systemic thinking. I now see goals as temporary states. Once you reach one, you must innovate yourself into the next. It’s how progress is sustained.”
A Future Where Success Feels Normal
Looking ahead, Dr Muofhe’s vision for South Africa’s innovation landscape is not just ambitious, it’s deeply human.
“Success will look and feel normal. When we’ve conquered crime, corruption, poverty, and inequality, people will simply feel that life is working. Jobs, food security, and good leadership won’t feel extraordinary, they’ll be expected.”
But he adds a word of caution: “Our choices matter. We can just as easily flip this the other way.”
As The DaVinci Institute celebrates 20 years of impact, Dr Muofhe’s journey reminds us that real innovation is not just about science or technology, it’s about people, purpose, and the courage to build what doesn’t yet exist.
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