Smart biotech - developing antigens and antibodies for animal health vaccines and diagnostics

Smart biotech is a biotech startup in South Africa involved in the development of antigens and antibodies used in animal health vaccines and diagnostics as well as the commercialization of scientifically tested herbal products. The aim is to provide much more effective diagnostic and vaccine products that are specific to the strain of diseases in Africa. Dr Sibongile Gumbi, founder and CEO of Smart Biotech saw that it was important for Africa to build the capacity and the capability of manufacturing some of the technology needed to address the animal and human health diseases that are prevalent on the continent. She also believes biotech like other technologies has the capacity to improve a country's development. Some of her tips to be successful as a biotech entrepreneur include: Having a healthy appetite for risk taking Enjoying entrepreneurship Have an open-mind and be open to new learnings Meet each challenge as it comes along and keep trying new ways to solve problems Rely on your team Have healthy team dynamics As a former academic researcher, the operations manager Dr Carin Basson recommends building a network of diverse expertise and personalities while you are in the university environment and learn how to work with people. In her experience, a PhD equips you with the mentality that problems are surmountable, the skillset to learn new skills smartly by relying on other people's experience, and being able to request input from your network. Smart Biotech is owned 100% by black women, the investors are women, and they rely on black women owned businesses as service providers because Dr Sibongile believes she gets 110% from women. She is intentional about giving women a space to demonstrate what they can do in the biotech industry.