CiTi sees enormous potential in biotechnology as a technology that is able to do good and make a positive impact on people’s lives. The African continent has experienced nascent activity in biotech, but not many of the ideas or products are coming to fruition in a commercial sense and from a perspective of being able to take it to market or to scale. BioCiTi, established by CiTi in 2019, is a specialised biotech incubator that provides African entrepreneurs with a platform where science, business and investment can come together.

In 1928, microbiologist Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin was hailed as a scientific breakthrough. In the nearly 100 years since then, scientists have discovered numerous other antibiotics that have saved billions of lives.

The Cape Innovation and Technology Initiative in partnership with BioCiTi would like to congratulate Biotikum for being nominated as a Falling Walls Venture finalist. Falling Walls Venture is a global platform for the most promising science start-ups nominated by academic institutions from across the world. The format provides a stage for pioneering founders who have successfully turned science into business, proving how entrepreneurial solutions can help solve today’s most pressing challenges.

Stellenbosch University’s tech transfer department Innovus has spun out five new companies so far this year, and has also raised a ZAR26 million (US$1.7 million) for university projects and spinout companies currently operating virtually.

Stellenbosch University says some of the businesses it’s mentoring are booming.

During 2020, and despite the lockdown period, Stellenbosch University’s (SU’s) technology transfer team, Innovus, established and welcomed five new spinout companies.

The team also raised a total investment of R26 million for Stellenbosch University projects and spinout companies during the lockdown period, with all staff members operating from their virtual offices.

The five new companies that were established are BioCODE, Phagoflux, Susento, Biotikum, and Immobazyme. These companies are examples of scientific breakthroughs that will become commercially available and provide innovations to society to assist with elements of healthcare.

During 2020, and despite the lockdown period, Stellenbosch University’s (SU) technology transfer team, Innovus, established and welcomed five new spinout companies. The team also raised a total investment of R26 million for Stellenbosch University projects and spinout companies during the lockdown period with all staff members operating from their virtual offices