Durban University of Technology (DUT) academics are always exploring unique, innovative research ideas to improve the university’s academic and research performance. Two such dynamic academic researchers, Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh and Dr Olusegun Olagunju have proved their ‘creative-thinking’ mettle by winning the enowned Innovator of the Year Award given to researchers who had shown innovation, its importance, uniqueness, and usefulness.
They were bestowed with the awards at the recent 2022 ENVISION2030 Institutional Awards which was held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC).
Dr Tetteh expressed his jubilation upon hearing the news and felt that he had deserved such a dynamic award for his hard work and novel inventions such as smart water-energy nexus pilot system.
Dr Tetteh is a trained chemical engineer and a Research Fellow at DUT, where he supervises multiple doctorate, masters, and honours postgraduate students. He has been the principal investigator championing the Green Engineering Research Group (GERG) under the Department of Chemical Engineering with Professor Sudesh Rathilal. He has developed a water engineering course towards the chemical engineering taught course programme. Apart from water and wastewater treatment technologies, new research areas under his development include magnetic separation technology, green hydrogen and smart waste-energy nexus technologies.
This is not the first time Dr Tetteh has won an academic award. His research track record shows a successful scholar with several prestigious, internationally recognised research accolades. Key accolades to his name include the South Africa National Research Foundation (NRF) 2021 Award of Research Excellence for Next-Generation Researchers in Engineering and Technology. Dr Tetteh also received the ENI Debut 2019 award for the Young Talent Researcher from Africa, presented by the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, in a ceremony held in Rome, Italy. Recently, he secured five nominations for the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) South32 Oscar Award 2022/23 and the second-place award of the 54-Hour Virtual Green Hydrogen Hackathon Challenge facilitated by Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT, Innovation Services, South Africa) and the University of Groningen (Impact Hydrogen, Netherlands).
As a young researcher, Dr Tetteh seeks to secure funds and collaborates with industrial partners to transfer laboratory-based knowledge into cutting-edge technologies towards a circular economy. Key among his ongoing projects include the Water Research Commission (WRC2021/2022-00958) funded project to develop a smart integrated pilot plant for valorising wastewater into bioenergy and treated water for reuse in the KwaZulu-Natal Province.
“This technology’s potential revenue in real-world applications comes with cost benefits and environmental sustainability solutions for stakeholders. In addition to water and energy savings by improving water and biogas quality for reuse,” he said.
Dr Tetteh gave insight into what research he has forthcoming.
“I anticipate this year to be a successful one, as most of our postgrads complete their research projects and graduate so that we can collaborate to advance our new research areas (Green hydrogen, smart water-energy system) to the international level, also, with a favourable environment that rewards intellectual talents to drive green hydrogen and engineering research institute. Additionally, organising a research and scientific writing retreat and hosting an international conference for the Green Engineering Research Group (GERG),” he commented.
Dr Tetteh further extended his sincere kudos to both the past and present postgrads of the GERG for their hard work, commitment and exceptional contributions in scoping over 15 prestigious awards last year. 
For Dr Olagunju, winning the Innovator of the Year Award at the 2022 ENVISION2030 Institutional Awards was truly an honour and a humbling experience.
“When I heard my name announced, I felt a mix of excitement, gratitude, and a sense of accomplishment. It was a recognition of the hard work and dedication of the entire team of Zah Biofuels (Pty) Ltd, and I am grateful for the opportunity,” he replied elatedly.
Dr Olagunju is the Faculty Research Coordinator under the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at DUT, where he oversees research related activity within the Faculty. He is a researcher and an entrepreneur, who owns a spin-off company called Zah Biofuels (Pty) Ltd aimed to promote sustainable eco-friendly biofuels.
He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to God and acknowledged the invaluable guidance and support of his mentors, Prof Keolebogile Motaung, the Technology Transfer and Innovation director and Prof Sammy Kiambi, his doctoral supervisor. “Their wisdom and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping my approach to research and innovation. Additionally, I extend my appreciation to Ms Busisiwe Zulu, my esteemed team member, whose dedication and collaborative spirit have played a pivotal role in our collective success. This recognition is not only a personal achievement but a testament to the collaborative efforts and mentorship that have been pivotal in my journey,” he said.
He also explained that award recipients become inspirational figures, encouraging their peers and students to strive for excellence.
“These accolades enhance the institution’s visibility, attracting collaboration opportunities and partnerships. Ultimately, the ENVISION2030 Institutional awards contribute to the university’s overall quality assurance, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high standards in education and research,” he replied.
Dr Olagunju explained that while it was the first time his team had received this specific award, their dedication to innovation has been recognised on an international stage and as well as in South Africa.
Some noteworthy accolades include:
- The second prize winner at the 2023 GISU Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Final Competition in Padova, Italy.
- Prize winner at the Innovation Indaba, Unlocking University Innovations For Societal Benefit 2023.
- Regional round finalist at the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE), Entrepreneurship Intervarsity 2022.
- Prize winner at the DUT Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship in 2021.
“Each recognition reinforces our commitment to pushing boundaries and making impactful contributions to our field,” he said.
He added that in the upcoming year, their focus is on advancing research and innovation remains robust.
“We are currently engaged in several projects aimed at pushing the boundaries of knowledge and contributing to meaningful solutions in the area of renewable and sustainable energies. Our dedication to excellence and innovation drives our research agenda, and we look forward to contributing meaningfully to the environmental friendly and sustainable energy research focus area throughout the year,” commented Dr Olagunju.
Pictured: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Prof Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Dr Olusegun
Olagunju. and Technology Transfer and Innovation Director, Prof Keolebogile Motaung, at the event.
Pictured: Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh.
Waheeda Peters
