Pontsho MARUPING

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) • Chair of the Scientific and Technical Committee

Ms Maruping is the Head of Commercialisation at at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the Chair of the South African Council for Space Affairs and the Chair the Scientific and Technical Committee of the United Nation’s Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Pontsho’s diverse qualifications include a Masters in Space Systems Engineering from Delft University of Technology, Executive Masters in Business Administration from IMD in Switzerland and Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Management of Technology from UP and Bachelor of Science (Eng.) in Mineral Processing from Wits.

Ms Maruping is the Head of Commercialisation at at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the Chair of the South African Council for Space Affairs and the Chair the Scientific and Technical Committee of the United Nation’s Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Pontsho’s diverse qualifications include a Masters in Space Systems Engineering from Delft University of Technology, Executive Masters in Business Administration from IMD in Switzerland and Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Management of Technology from UP and Bachelor of Science (Eng.) in Mineral Processing from Wits.

She started her career in the mining industry working for De Beers and Anglo American. During South Africa’s transition to democracy, she joined the Department of Science and Technology (DST) keen to contribute to rebuilding the science system. At the DST she led various initiatives including championing the establishment of the South African National Space Agency, establishing a nanotechnology program, Co-chairing the Science and Technology Committee of the Group on Earth Observations and Chairing the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites.

Her passion for technology commercialisation was ignited when she joined the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) as an executive, where she eventually became responsible for a portfolio of more than 160 investments. During her time at TIA, Pontsho introduced a new seed fund targeted at supporting early stage technology ideas at universities and start-ups. Since joining SKA over a year ago, she has introduced an internal entrepreneurship initiative to support employees with innovative ideas on a journey to commercialisation.

Events

International Astronautical Congress 2019

21-25 October 2019

Washington, United States

Participation: