Africa Biotech Conversations

This session focuses on the essential legal and funding strategies for early-stage biotech startups, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property (IP) management, legal structures, and the role of due diligence in attracting investors. The panel discusses common pitfalls, the significance of contracts, and the challenges of commercializing university IP. They also explore the timing of freedom to operate studies and the evolving landscape of biotech investment. For this session, the featured guests were: Chyreene Truluck – Partner at Spoor & Fisher, specializing in intellectual property (IP) law and IP management strategies. Dr Vuyisile Phehane – Executive Manager of UJInvnt Pty Ltd, the Intellectual Property (IP) commercialization company of the University of Johannesburg, South Africa Lucie Arntz – Senior Associate at Hogan Lovells, one of the world's top law firms with 2,532 lawyers working from 51 destinations around the globe. Takeaways Intellectual property is crucial for competitive advantage in biotech. Startups should consider outsourcing legal services to manage costs. Choosing the right legal structure is vital for biotech startups. Understanding IP management is essential for attracting funding. Collaboration agreements must clearly define IP ownership and rights. Due diligence is critical for investors assessing biotech startups. Patents provide public protection, while trade secrets require confidentiality. Commercialization often requires significant investment beyond R&D costs. Startups should be open to acquisition opportunities. Timing and strategic planning are key to successful biotech ventures.

In this episode of the Africa Biotech Conversations Podcast, host Adrienne Leussa welcomes Erin Rencken, General Manager of the newly launched OneBio Innovation Center (OBIC) in Cape Town, South Africa.   The special episode features a live recording from the launch event and a detailed discussion about OBIC's mission, offerings, and community-building efforts.   Erin outlines the center's vision to provide biotech startups with essential lab space, equipment, and a collaborative environment. The conversation also highlights the support received from the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), private sector partners like Eppendorf, and the center's focus on inclusivity and community engagement through initiatives like Biotech and Beers.   The episode emphasizes the center's role in fostering biotech innovation in Africa, offering a world-class facility for emerging entrepreneurs in the field.   00:58 MeetErin Rencken: General Manager of OBIC 03:05 Vision and Goals of OBIC 05:47 Resources and Facilities at OBIC 09:02 Community and Collaboration 11:14 Partnerships and Future Plans 19:06 Inclusivity and Accessibility 21:10 Joining OBIC: Process and Opportunities 25:20 Erin Rencken's Personal Journey and Vision 27:39 Reflecting on the Journey 28:00 Empowering Women in Biotech 29:10 Invitation to OneBio Innovation Center 29:52 Biotech and Beers Event Details 31:49 Introduction to OneBio Innovation Center 32:56 Overview of Lab Facilities 36:53 Community and Office Space 38:10 Acknowledgements and Thank Yous 43:59 Eppendorf's Contribution and Vision 49:14 Honoring Michael Fichardt 50:02 Closing Remarks and Celebration  

In this episode of the "Africa Biotech Conversations" podcast, host Adrienne Leussa interviews Abdulaziz El Gamal, the co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Proteinea. Proteinea, based in Cairo and Boston, is a tech-bio company focused on leveraging AI to develop next-generation biologics, particularly antibodies with enhanced efficacy, safety, and convenience. Key Points from the Episode: Company Background: Proteinea was founded in early 2020, right before the global pandemic, which influenced its strategic direction and provided a real-time showcase of biotech's potential in health crises. Role of AI in Biotech: Abdulaziz discusses how AI is integral to Proteinea's operations, helping to streamline drug development processes and enabling the creation of more effective therapeutic solutions. Biotech in Africa: The discussion highlights the unique opportunities and challenges of growing the biotech industry in Africa. Abdulaziz emphasizes the potential for innovation despite the lack of a traditional biotech ecosystem, which Proteinea is helping to cultivate. Empowering Local Talent: Proteinea is committed to developing local talent by integrating expertise from the African diaspora and global biotech community, aiming to build a sustainable and innovative biotech hub in Egypt. Gender Equity and Company Culture: The episode also touches on Proteinea's approach to gender balance and inclusivity, noting significant female leadership within the company and a culture that promotes fairness and opportunity for all employees. Future Prospects: Looking forward, Abdulaziz shares his excitement about upcoming partnerships, new AI model releases, and the potential to develop the first fully African-originated drug, marking significant milestones for Proteinea and the African biotech sector. Overall, the episode paints a hopeful picture of biotech's future in Africa, with Proteinea at the forefront of this transformation, driven by innovative uses of AI, a commitment to local talent, and an inclusive corporate culture.

The LinkedIn Live session, part of the AMA series on "The Art of Valuation," focused on valuation strategies for biotech startups at early and post-Series A stages. Moderated by Dr. Adrienne Leussa, the discussion featured finance experts Olufemi Elegbe, CFA and Sewu-Steve Tawia. Key highlights included the importance of financial literacy for biotech entrepreneurs, methods for accurately valuing biotech startups, and strategies for enhancing valuation after Series A. The session also emphasized the need for tailored communication when presenting valuations to investors and included practical advice on packaging a compelling narrative. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where participants explored how proper valuation techniques could attract investors, particularly in the African biotech ecosystem. The speakers underscored the significance of financial acumen, transparency, and the right valuation approach to ensure sustainable growth and investor confidence in biotech ventures. Notable quotes from the session: "Proper preparation leads to good results... this is your baby, and you want to get the best value out of it." - Femi Elegbe "Compare yourself not just to people around you but globally because Biotech is a global business." - Sewu-Steve Tawia Takeaways: Financial literacy is crucial for biotech entrepreneurs to effectively communicate with investors and understand the financial aspects of their business. Valuation is both an art and a science, combining data and modelling to determine the value of a biotech startup. Milestones such as passing clinical trials and obtaining regulatory approvals can significantly enhance the valuation of a biotech startup. Understanding key financial terms like revenue, EBITDA, and net profit is essential for entrepreneurs to navigate valuation discussions. Different valuation methods, such as discounted cash flow and venture capital methods, can be used to determine the value of a biotech startup. R&D costs can also be considered in valuation, providing a floor value based on the investment already made. Entrepreneurs should justify their valuations and be transparent about their assumptions. Storytelling and showcasing the value proposition are key components of a compelling valuation presentation. Packaging the presentation effectively and making it understandable to non-technical audiences is important. Women founders should be mindful of undervaluing themselves and capitalise on the opportunity cost of capital. Being well-prepared and presenting a strong case for valuation is crucial in attracting investors.  

In this insightful episode of the "Ask Me Anything" series on funding and investment, the focus was on early-stage biotech entrepreneurs in Africa. Adrienne was joined by Gian-Marco Melfi, a partner at OneBio Venture Studios, who shared his expertise on the unique challenges and strategies relevant to securing investment in the biotech sector. The discussion covered the intricacies of biotech investments, including the importance of understanding the investment landscape, targeting the right type of investors (such as angel investors, family offices, and venture capitalists), and leveraging grants and non-dilutive capital in the early stages. Gian-Marco emphasised the significance of building robust networks, the long timelines associated with biotech ventures compared to tech startups, and the critical role of assembling a strong team to enhance a startup's investment appeal. This episode serves as a crucial guide for biotech entrepreneurs aiming to navigate the complex investment ecosystem and scale their ventures successfully.  

In this comprehensive session of the ongoing dialogue with African biotech leaders, the focus was on building and maintaining investor relationships. Joining Adrienne were seasoned experts, including Dr. Vuyisile Phehane and Gian-Marco Melfi, who are regular contributors, along with first-time guests Natasha Drapeau and Frank Schwarz from Cohesion Bureau. The discussion covered best practices for engaging with investors, emphasising the importance of communication, the strategic presentation of business plans, and the need for biotech startups to clearly articulate their value proposition. The panel also delved into the nuances of investor relations, such as handling communications during challenging times and tailoring pitches to reflect the potential for exits and strategic partnerships. This session was aimed at enriching participants' understanding of investor dynamics and enhancing their ability to secure and maintain crucial funding relationships.

In this episode of the "Ask Me Anything" series under the Dialogue with African Biotech Leaders, experts Gian-Marco Melfi and Vuyisile Phehane discuss the nuances of funding for biotech startups. Focusing on the early stages of startup financing, the conversation explores the challenges startups face in securing funding, the importance of aligning with the right investors, and effective strategies for engaging potential backers. Gian-Marco Melfi, from One Bio Venture Studio, emphasises the significance of building strong, capable teams, while Vuyisile Phehane from the Technology Innovation Agency sheds light on governmental support mechanisms and due diligence processes. This session offers a deep dive into the ecosystem of biotech investments, providing invaluable insights for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complex landscape of fundraising.

In this first episode of the "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) series focused on Investment Funding for biotech, held live on LinkedIn, we delved into the intricate world of funding for biotech startups. The session features profound insights from Dr. Vuyisile Phehane, the Executive: Bio-Economy at South Africa's National Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), and Mr. Gian-Marco Melfi, an investment principal at One BioVenture Studio. Together, they explore the diverse sources of funding available to biotech startups in Africa and provide practical advice on navigating the complex investment landscape. The discussion covers government and private funding, the importance of aligning with the right investors, and leveraging local and global networks to attract investment. The episode is an enlightening guide for biotech entrepreneurs seeking to understand where the funding is and how to successfully secure it.

Welcome to another retrospective episode of the Dialogue with African Biotech Leaders. In this special session, titled "Going Global: Your 2024 Biotech Growth Plan from Africa and Beyond," we explore cutting-edge strategies for biotech leaders aiming for significant growth in the 2024. This episode is packed with insights from two distinguished speakers: Erica Sosnowski: Managing Partner at Sosna and Co, a leading business development firm in the life sciences industry, with a stellar track record of closing over $250 million in deals. Jennifer Andrews: CEO of Freshly Marketing, a seasoned marketing strategist with 14 years of experience in the life sciences industry and author of "Scientist to CEO." Key takeaways from this episode include: Compelling Messaging and Materials: Learn how to create a clear, compelling message and develop professional marketing materials that resonate with your target audience. Digital Media Leverage: Discover the power of digital media in filling your sales pipeline and ensuring consistent lead generation, even when you're busy with R&D. Going Where Your Audience Is: Strategies for identifying and engaging with your ideal customers through the right events, platforms, and channels. This episode also covers: The importance of aligning your marketing and business development efforts for maximum impact. Practical tips for optimizing your LinkedIn profile and company page. How to effectively use content marketing and social media to boost your visibility and attract potential partners and investors. Stay Connected: Follow the Dialogue with African Biotech Leaders LinkedIn page for updates on future episodes and events: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9389009/  

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Dialogue with African Biotech Leaders. In this episode, we focus on a critical aspect of biotechnology entrepreneurship—funding and investment. This episode was recorded as a live plenary session at BIO Africa 2023 in Durban, South Africa, and features in-depth discussions on funding challenges and opportunities in the African biotech landscape. Join our distinguished panelists: Dr. Allama Elmehdi: CEO of Prophamedis International from Mauritania, sharing insights on the funding landscape in West Africa, particularly Francophone Africa, and the role of foreign direct investment. Ms. Kim Hewlett: Co-founder and CEO of Next Biosciences from South Africa, discussing alternative funding strategies through revenue partnerships and collaborations. Mr. Gian-Marco Melfi: Investment Principal at OneBio, the leading venture studio in Africa focused exclusively on life sciences, providing a venture capital perspective on funding biotech ventures. Dr. Vuyisile Phehane: Executive for Bioeconomy at the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), South Africa, presenting the national funding landscape and the importance of de-risking innovations for attracting investors. Throughout this episode, we explore: The current funding ecosystem for African biotech entrepreneurs. Key elements investors look for in biotech ventures. Strategies for managing growth alongside funding. The significance of public-private partnerships in the biotech space. Insights into the role of diversity and local manufacturing in sustainable biotech growth. Stay Connected: Join the Dialogue with African Biotech Leaders LinkedIn page for updates on future episodes and events: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9389009/ Watch the video of this plenary session on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lCqZPl43zE&themeRefresh=1  

Welcome to another special episode of the Dialogue with African Biotech Leaders series, dedicated to exploring the theme of biotechnology for gender equality. In this episode, we delve into the intersection of biotechnology and gender equality, discussing both the challenges and successes within this dynamic field. Our goal is to envision a future where biotechnology serves as a catalyst for positive change. Join us as we introduce our distinguished panelists: Dr. Sibongile Gumbi: Founder and CEO of Smart Biotech, South Africa, with a PhD in pharmacology, and numerous certifications in finance, intellectual property, and technology management. Dr. Sarah Carroll: Co-founder and CEO of Mari Health Solutions, South Africa, leveraging proteomics and bioinformatics to optimize aquaculture practices. Dr. Allama El Mehdi: CEO of Prophamedis International from Mauritania, a medical doctor with an MBA specializing in biotechnology and international business administration. Dr. Shameem Fawdar: Deputy CEO of Axonova Pharma Limited, Mauritius, with a PhD in stem cell and cancer biology. Throughout this episode, we explore: The remarkable achievements of these trailblazing women in the biotech industry. Personal stories and experiences of overcoming challenges in a traditionally male-dominated field. The role of mentorship and the importance of building networks for young women in biotech. How biotech innovations are addressing gender-specific health issues and empowering women economically. Insights on how men can support gender equality in the biotech sector. We also discuss the broader implications of gender equality in biotech, emphasizing the need for fair attitudes, open minds, and inclusive practices to drive innovation and societal growth. Stay Connected: Join the Dialogue with African Biotech Leaders LinkedIn page for updates on future episodes and events: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9389009/ Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vID0EN7IBE8  

Welcome to the second retrospective episode of the Dialogue with African Biotech Leaders series. In this episode, we feature an engaging panel of experienced biotech leaders from across Africa and the diaspora. Join us as we delve into the intersections of biotechnology, leadership, and the unique opportunities and challenges within the African biotech landscape. Our esteemed panelists, Dr. Omar Sakr, Mrs. Delali Attipoe, and Dr. Davidson Ateh, bring diverse perspectives from Cairo, Egypt; Mauritius; and Washington, D.C. We explore their journeys, key turning points in their careers, and how they overcame significant challenges in the biotech sector. This episode has a particular focus on the health applications of biotech, but the insights shared are broadly applicable across various domains of biotechnology. Key topics discussed include: The importance of building a pan-African network to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. Overcoming infrastructure and regulatory challenges in African biotech. Strategies for scaling biotech ventures across African markets. The potential of AI and technological innovations to drive advancements in biotech. Harnessing local talent and leveraging the expertise of the African diaspora. Listen in to gain valuable insights from our panelists' experiences and learn how you can contribute to and benefit from the growing biotech ecosystem in Africa. Connect and Collaborate: Join the LinkedIn page of the Dialogue with African Biotech Leaders and stay updated on future episodes and events: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9389009/ Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkxdC7EAS-Q  

Welcome to a special retrospective episode of our digital networking platform, the Dialogue with African Biotech Leaders, dedicated to engaging and empowering members of the African biotech community.  This platform aims to connect, engage, and exchange ideas, transcending geographical boundaries to fully unleash the potential of the African biotech industry. Join us as we reflect on the insights shared by our esteemed guests: Dr. Siya Ntutela, Non-Executive Director of Africa Bio, and Dr. Laud Bassing, founder and CEO of Incas Diagnostics. Dr. Ntutela provided a comprehensive overview of the biotech landscape in Africa, highlighting the importance of young and female researchers taking their place in the global space. Dr. Bassing discussed his inspiring journey into the biotech industry and the significant impact of winning the startup pitching competition at the 2023 Africa Health ExCon in Cairo, Egypt. Engage with us as we continue to build a pan-African network of biotech leaders, including those in the diaspora, to drive the sustainable growth and development of the African biotech industry. Join the Conversation: Subscribe to the platform's LinkedIn page for updates and engage in upcoming events: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9389009/ Watch the video of this event on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjcsC7kHb_8  

In this enlightening episode of the Africa Biotech Conversations Podcast, Siso Mbanxa, a research scientist at Newform Foods, delves into the intriguing world of biotechnology in the food industry, focusing on cultivated meat. Her journey from academic research in biotech, particularly in cellular biology and tissue culture, to a role in the industry is explored. The episode highlights the technological advancements and challenges in producing sustainable and efficient food systems, with a focus on cultivated meat's role in enhancing food security in Africa. Siso's insightful discussion illuminates the potential of biotech to revolutionize the food industry, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable food production.

Dive into UNISA's efforts to integrate entrepreneurial skills among its students. Spotlight on the tech transfer office and its role in encouraging new ventures. 🎙 Guests: Mr. Sibusiso Malindisa: A decorated PhD candidate, lecturer, and biotech enthusiast with ambitions of establishing a biotech startup. Mr. Basanda Pongoma: The bridge between business and academia, representing UNISA's directorate of innovation, technology transfer, and commercialization. 🎙 Discussion Highlights: From Academia to Entrepreneurship: Sibusiso's journey and the influence of his background. The value of the scientific method in entrepreneurship. Importance of mentors in developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Bridging the Gap Between Research and Business: Basanda's transition from a researcher in chemistry to technology management. Managing the commercialization of IP from universities. Learning from Babson Build MBA Entrepreneurship Summer Program: Entrepreneurial concepts, from business models to marketing. Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Monkeys analogy: Understanding the biotech market landscape. The Role of Collaboration in Growth: UNISA's push for international and local collaborations. Sibusiso's personal interactions with global entrepreneurs. Basanda's advice for fostering partnerships. Tapping into Africa's Biotech Potential: Sibusiso's insights on the future of biotech entrepreneurship in Africa, from precision medicine to agricultural innovations. South African Ecosystem Deep Dive: Infrastructure, funds, and policies already in place. The challenge: Making the ecosystem work efficiently. The role of universities, incubators, accelerators, and venture capitalists. Highlight on the innovation fund introduced by the department of innovation science. Concluding Thoughts: The power and importance of partnerships and collaboration. Harnessing the potential within universities and academic institutions. Listen, Learn, and be Inspired!

Africa stands at a unique intersection, characterised by its challenges, which simultaneously present opportunities for innovation, especially in the biotech sector. From energy to food security and healthcare, the continent's obstacles can be its biggest assets, positioning it as a key player in developing solutions that not only serve local needs but have the potential to revolutionise global industries. Listen in to explore how, by building from within, Africa's innovations can seamlessly scale and integrate into global solutions. Eugene Duvenage, CEO of Axaitech opens up about his transformative journey of bringing scientific innovation from the confines of the lab into the dynamic world of business. He touches upon the pivotal role of mentorship in his life and how seeking guidance from a successful figure outside the biotech sphere led him to an invaluable lesson: the essence of business is about focusing on people and not just passion for the product. The conversation then steers towards the present and future of biotech, with a particular emphasis on the role of AI and machine learning. Eugene offers a fresh perspective, warning against the over-glorification of AI and predicting a future where the focus shifts from the tool (AI) to its innovative applications in biotech. Eugene and the host, Dr Adrienne Leussa, ponder upon the road ahead for biotech in Africa and the rising concern of cancer in the continent. The role of both public and private sectors in supporting this journey is highlighted. This episode paints a vivid picture of biotech in Africa, from the inspiring journey of a passionate entrepreneur to the broader narrative of a continent poised at the cusp of innovation, driven by its unique challenges and opportunities. Next Episode Tease: Join us for another captivating episode as we continue to explore the multifaceted world of biotech in Africa, bringing stories of hope, innovation, and unwavering passion. --- Thank you for tuning into the Africa Biotech Conversations podcast. Share this episode and help spread the knowledge. We await you with another enriching conversation soon.

In this episode of the Africa Biotech Conversations podcast, our host Dr Adrienne Leussa engages in a captivating discussion with Gian-Marco Melfi, a partner at One Bio Venture Studio. One Bio is a venture capital fund that focuses on investing in local biotech startups in Africa. Marco, a biomedical scientist with a background in biochemistry and biomedical sciences, shares his fascinating journey from research to startups and now investing and funding early-stage biotech companies.     Marco discusses his experience at Cambridge University, where he supported biotech startups and spinouts through the Milner Therapeutics Institute. He highlights the advantages of building a biotech hub in Cape Town, South Africa, including the availability of talented scientific graduates and the potential for creating supportive ecosystems for startups.     The two delve into the competitive advantage of building a biotech business in Africa, emphasising natural biodiversity and genetic diversity. Marco explains One Bio's approach to making first-time investments, focusing on competitive advantages, team dynamics, and advisory support to refine startup ideas. He underscores the importance of understanding the science behind investments and how the One Bio team's scientific background contributes to their success.     The conversation also covered government involvement in the biotech industry in South Africa. Marco highlights the support mechanisms provided by the Department of Science and Innovation, such as soft grant funding and supporting funds and platforms. They discuss the thriving bioeconomy in South Africa and the significant role played by the government's bioeconomy strategy.     Moving forward, Marco shares a story of one of their portfolio companies in the future of food or food tech space, showcasing their resilience in closing a pre-seed round with international investors. The challenges of raising international capital are explored, along with the tips and learnings gained from their fundraising journey.     Marco emphasises the importance of building networks proactively and developing resilience and connections beyond scientific ideas. They stress the need for thorough preparation and the ability to answer technical, business development, financial, and budgeting questions.     Marco reflects on his time studying biochemistry at Stellenbosch University, crediting senior biochemists' mentorship for solidifying his interest in the field. He also shares an inspiring story of a founder's dedication and determination witnessed in the Milner incubator.     Marco discusses the commitment and sacrifice required to build a successful biotech company. He draws inspiration from notable biotech companies like Kappa Bio Systems and Gyroscope Therapeutics. Marco reveals One Bio's plans for expansion into other African countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt.     Crucial elements for a thriving biotech ecosystem are highlighted, including access to capital, support mechanisms, and talent. Marco emphasises the importance of shared access laboratories and support offerings to foster a sense of community among startups. He acknowledges the growing number of biotech startups in South Africa and other regions and emphasises the need to learn from other ecosystems while tailoring approaches to the local context.     Tune in to this enlightening episode as Marco shares their expertise, experiences, and vision for the future of biotech in Africa. 

In this episode of Africa Biotech Conversations, host Adrienne Leussa welcomes Nii Simmonds, a non-resident fellow for the Atlantic Council and the Center for Global Development, based in Washington, DC. With a diverse background in pharmaceuticals, life sciences, consulting, and international development, Nii Simmonds emphasises the importance of supporting Africa's development and passing on skills to future African leaders.     The discussion begins by exploring trends and opportunities for investors and biotech entrepreneurs in Africa, considering the challenges in the financial landscape. Nii Simmonds highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in healthcare systems and supply chains, but also presents opportunities for Africa to develop its own pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing capabilities. Drawing inspiration from the success of India, Nii Simmonds suggests that Africa can learn from their achievements thanks to diaspora engagement.     While acknowledging the difficulties in financing pharmaceutical ventures in Africa due to government-controlled healthcare systems, Nii Simmonds notes the growing interest in life sciences, pharma, and medical devices, with more skilled individuals from the diaspora returning to the continent. Africa's burgeoning population and rising disposable incomes are identified as significant market factors, and the continent's potential in producing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and leveraging its biodiversity is underscored.     The conversation continues with a focus on the strategic plans of various governments over the past 50 years to engage the diaspora and leverage their experience for the benefit of India. Successful companies like Dr. Reddy's and Ranbaxy in the pharmaceutical and life science space are highlighted as examples. Nii Simmonds emphasises the opportunities for African companies and entrepreneurs as the population grows and urban centres develop. He stresses the importance of health outcomes and the need for sophisticated capital markets in Africa.     The episode provides guidance for African entrepreneurs, emphasising the importance of building strong teams and finding the right support when raising capital. The potential for African entrepreneurs to integrate into global supply chains by supplying products and services is discussed.     Nii Simmonds advises small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to gain experience and establish cash flow before venturing into niche markets like biopharmaceuticals. He advocates for focusing on addressing everyday challenges in Africa, such as malaria and food insecurity, before moving up the value chain.     The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies on Africa is also explored. While acknowledging the enhancements in productivity and business reach that AI offers, Nii Simmonds highlights concerns about job displacement. They stress the need for an Africa-focused debate on how to harness AI in the context of African realities and challenges to drive development. Addressing fundamental needs such as food, education, and basic infrastructure is deemed essential before fully adopting AI.     Finally, Nii Simmonds shares insights into advising and mentoring early-stage ventures, highlighting challenges such as building a strong advisory board, establishing governance structures, attracting talent, and raising capital. The higher costs and complexities involved in biotech and life science startups compared to consumer internet startups are emphasised.  Join Adrienne Leussa and Nii Simmonds in this enlightening episode as they delve into the opportunities, challenges, and potential of Africa's biotech sector, discussing the importance of innovation, investment, and collaboration to drive sustainable development and improve health outcomes across the continent. 

In this episode of Africa Biotech Conversations, host Adrienne Leussa (PhD) interviews Dr. Nhlanhla Msomi, the president and chairman of Africa Bio, a nonprofit association advocating for biotechnology in Africa. Dr. Msomi shares his extensive experience and insights into the biotech sector and the objectives of Africa Bio. The conversation delves into Africa Bio's mission to defend and promote evidence-driven policies for biotechnology adoption, particularly in agriculture and healthcare. Dr. Msomi mentioned the need to address misconceptions surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the lack of availability of biosimilars in Africa's healthcare industry as some of the factors that brought Africa Bio into existence. The interview highlights the upcoming African Health Excon event, where Africa Bio is organising a Startup Stadium. The Startup Stadium aims to provide a platform for startups in the biotech and healthcare sectors to showcase their innovations and connect with potential partners and investors. Dr. Msomi discusses the expansion of the Startup Stadium concept to other regions in Africa, fostering local innovation and indigenous healthcare solutions. Dr. Msomi shares his vision for Africa Bio as a federation of innovation activists, with chapters established across the African continent to address regional agendas and drive innovation. The importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the role of startups in driving indigenous innovation are emphasised. You are encouraged to join Africa Bio, contribute to the growth of biotech in Africa, and stay tuned for upcoming events and initiatives such as the 2023 Bio Africa Convention taking place from 1-6 September in Durban, South Africa. The episode concludes with a reflection on the exciting potential of biotech in Africa and the role it can play in solving indigenous healthcare challenges.  

In this podcast, host Adrienne Leussa speaks with Shobhita Soor from Ghana to learn about her journey as a biotech entrepreneur and sustainable nutrition solutions. Shobhita is the founder of two startups, Aspire Food Group and Legendary Foods. The mission of Legendary Foods is to deliver the nutrition of meat at the price point and the sustainability of plants. Insects are consumed by a third of the world's population and they are an underutilised resource to provide high-quality nutrition. Tune in to learn more about Shobhita's journey as a biotech entrepreneur and her innovative solutions to sustainable nutrition! Highlights: Insects provide sustainable nutrition Adapting and building resiliently as a biotech entrepreneur in Africa Women need equal opportunities Partnerships with startups, academic institutions and established consumer goods companies.

In this episode of the Africa Biotech Conversation podcast, host Adrienne Leussa speaks with Cindy Lawley, Sr Director, Global Population Health of the Proteomics Company, Olink.  Cindy shares insights on her background, the technology of Olink, and its potential impact on understanding genetic risks of diseases. In this episode, we learn of the first deployment of Olink's technology on the African continent at the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) in Cape Town, South Africa.  Cindy joined Olink in 2020 soon after the launch of the Explore Platform that leverages Next Generation Sequencing as a high throughput proteomic readout.  At Olink, she drives population health initiatives, working closely with the UK Biobank, FinnGen, SCALLOP and other large cohort studies.  Prior to Olink, Cindy spent 14 years at Illumina and together with customers, she helped develop solutions to better understand genetic risk in diverse populations and holds several Excellence in Technology Transfer awards for her work leading Illumina's Consortia Program.  Cindy is passionate about innovation to make multiomic technologies easier and cheaper to measure.  Such advances are essential to lower barriers to implement scalable, reproducible discoveries that can be translated to the clinic to drive individualized medicine and health equity.  Main Topics Covered:  Cindy Lawley's background and work with Illumina  The importance of studying diverse populations to understand the impact of genetics to health  The Olink platform as a scalable tool for protein analysis to understand disease phenotype  Case studies of Olink's use around the world  The first deployment of the Olink technology on the African continent  The potential advantages of employing proteomics in Africa's biopharma startups.  Career advice for women and recent graduates The human capacity and intellectual capabilities in the biotech space in Africa  Links to publications mentioned in the interview:  SCALLOP website: https://olink.com/our-community/scallop/  SCALLOP Nature Metabolism paper Folkersen et al 2020: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7611474/  54gene preprint Biddanda et al 2022 https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.09.519773v1  UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project Preprint: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.17.496443v1  Cohen et al 2005 on PCSK9 and LDL in African population: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15654334/ 

In this episode of the Africa Biotech Conversation podcast, host Adrienne Leussa speaks with Neil Thanedar, the founder of labdoor.com and Utopic Ventures. Neil shares his inspiring story of building a biotech startup like a Silicon Valley tech company, including the creation of Labdoor.com, which tests vitamins and supplements that the FDA doesn't test and offers free transparency on product purity and accuracy. Through Labdoor.com, Neil raised over $7 million in seed and Series A funding and built a platform for independent testing.  Neil also discusses Utopic Ventures, a fund they started to fill the gap for the first equity check for biotech startups, particularly those that need to drop out or spin out of universities. The focus of the fund is to help biotech founders take the first few steps after they've spun out of a university and get their first sets of funding.  Here are some of the key topics covered in this episode:  Neil Thanedar's background and inspiration for entering the biotech industry  How he raised funding for Labdoor.com and his vision for the future of biotech startups  The vision for Utopic Ventures and filling the gap for pre-seed and seed funding for biotech startups  The potential of younger and international biotech founders  The bias against founder-driven and non-pharma biotech  The potential for biotech in agriculture, industrial, and environmental sectors  The meaning of "it's 1994 again" and how the next generation of businesses will be created  The importance of education for investors about biotech. The potential for Africa in the biotech industry

Discover the cutting-edge world of Valley DAO - the decentralised autonomous organisation that's shaking up venture capital. In this episode, we explore how Valley DAO is using blockchain technology and community-driven decision-making to invest in the future of biotech startups. Join the co-founders, Albert Anis and Morgan Richards, as we uncover the fascinating story behind this innovative approach to funding and supporting early-stage companies. We share information on how to become a member of Valley DAO. 

Welcome to the latest episode of our Africa biotech conversations podcast, where we explore the latest innovations and trends in the biotechnology industry on the African continent and beyond.  In today's episode, we'll be diving into the rapidly growing SynBio Africa community and how it is advancing the field of synthetic biology on the continent. Synthetic biology combines biology, engineering, and computer science to design and build new biological systems with specific functions.  Our guest today is Ian Peter Busuulwa, an expert in the field of synthetic biology, acting as science policy and communication officer of SynBio Africa. We'll be discussing how this community is tackling some of Africa's most pressing challenges, such as food security, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, and how they are building capacity for synthetic biology research, innovation and biosecurity on the continent.  We covered these topics and more: Origin story of SynBio Africa  Synthetic Biology landscape in Africa  Membership conditions for SynBio Africa  Policy gaps that need to filled to enable a thriving biotech industry in Africa  How to support the involvement of women in the field of synthetic biology field in Africa  Relevant trends in biotechnology to Africa  SynBio Africa has an exciting upcoming event, the second International Synthetic Biology and Biosecurity conference in Africa (#SBA2.0) taking place in Kampala, Uganda from July 12 to 14, 2023.  So sit back, grab your headphones, and join us as we delve into the exciting world of synthetic biology in Africa! 

2 to 4 trillion USD in 2030-40...is the potential direct annual global impact of an estimated pipeline of 400 currently scientifically achievable use cases of the Bio Revolution, according to a 2020 report by McKinsey & Company. This is going to be as a result of up to 60 percent of the physical inputs to the global economy being produced biologically—with nonbiological materials like plastics or fuels potentially being produced or substituted using biology. Biology will become the ultimate distributed, manufacturing platform. Bio-based industries will exchange expensive, complicated industrial chemical syntheses that use high temperatures, high pressures and toxic catalysts with cheaper, more resource efficient and less toxic biochemical syntheses. The Bio Revolution is fueled by a convergence of breakthroughs in biological science and faster development of computing, automation, and artificial intelligence. The Bio Revolution would transform what we eat and wear, the medicines we take, the fuels we use, and how we construct our physical world. Cognizant of these facts, my guest on the latest episode of the Africa Biotech Conversations podcast believes that "The future will be shaped by the convergence of life science and computing technologies" and has dedicated her investment thesis to synthetic biology startups. Loretta TIOIELA is the co-founder & Managing Partner of Next Sequence, a new venture firm incubated at VC Lab. Prior to starting Next Sequence, Loretta worked for over 12 years as a technologist in Cloud and A.I. technologies for major industry players such as Samsung and Huawei Technologies and she co-founded OpenSynBio, the 1st Open Computing Foundation for Synthetic Biology. In our conversation, we spoke about: Why she started the not-for-profit foundation, OpenSynBio and the Venture Firm, Next Sequence The global focus of Next Sequence  What criteria does Next Sequence lean towards to vet entrepreneurs for investment  Renowned investors targeting synthetic biology or tech bio companies The need for diversity in venture capital firms and investor community Loretta's personal motivation for going into VC and recommendations for anyone interested in VC and becoming an investor. Please continue to share the link to our podcast with your network so that they can also get value out of the very insightful conversations. Don't forget to rate the podcast to support our growth and the quality of future guests.

In this first episode of the Africa biotech conversations podcast for 2023, I spoke with Jayne McLaughlin, a director at george james Ltd, a company founded in 1999 to provide successful recruitment and training services to the technology and science sector.  Jayne and I talked about: Jayne's journey from research through commercial to recruiting supporting the growth of the Life sciences industry across Europe Huge diversity of jobs available to people with a scientific background Taking responsibility for your career and broadening your skillset How biotech startups can benefit from the 3 branches of business of george james Ltd: recruitment, training and corporate development Free access for startups to two databases, of +1500 consultants and non-executive directors from across the globe, built over the last five years. The importance of having quality, diverse, and experienced people as part of the C-level leadership, board of directors and advisors of biotech startups to de-risk and get investment How to manage skills gaps by scientific founders of biotech startups The role of networking in either shaping your career or making a business successful. Practical networking tips Do rate our podcast and share this episode with someone in your network. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-leussa/

In this episode of the Africa biotech conversations podcast, I spoke with Laud Anthony Basing, the Founder and CEO of Incas diagnostics, a biotech company in Ghana, which develops and manufactures lateral flow and molecular Point-of-Care tests specifically for the African Market. In our inspiring and insightful conversation we covered the following points: How his upbringing contributed to his entrepreneurial skills and curiosity The transition of Diagnostics from a medical laboratory to a Biotech manufacturing company Taking a bet on himself and an unusual strategy to gain required skills in the USA The importance of starting a company as a side hustle as an aspiring entrepreneur The purpose of Incas Diagnostics and the key role of medical testing in healthcare Social entrepreneurship and profitability Closing the supply chain gap via human capital development Challenges faced by Incas Diagnostics as a local biotech company on the continent How to enlist support from the general population for biotech industry in Africa Current products on the market by Incas Diagnostics Expansion prospects and collaboration opportunities Recommended skills and how to gain them to succeed as a biotech entrepreneur in Africa Lessons learned from the economic downturn in 2022 2023 Outlook for Biotech industry in Africa Upcoming trends in the Africa biotech space in the near future Do rate our podcast and share this episode with someone in your network.

In this episode I spoke to Saberi Marais, an Innovation Commercialization Manager for the University of Cape Town in South Africa; part of Research Contracts and Innovations. He commercializes the University's research outputs to realize their intended impact in society and return on capital. Saberi has extensive experience in deep technology invention valorization, project and business fund raising, deal structuring, investment funds management through the different stages of technology development and Venture Capital. He is experienced in a variety of industry sectors; including inventions in healthcare, medical devices, human and animal vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics, biotechnology, renewable energy and various software and hardware applications. He was awarded the coveted DSI/ SARIMA Award for Professional Excellence in Innovation Management in 2020. He is a member of the SA Startup Act Movement steering committee. His previous work roles included the Head of the Seed Fund Programme at the Technology Innovation Agency where he oversaw the implementation, management and pipeline growth of the early-stage technology-enabling Fund; he worked as a Business Development Manager at Innovus, Stellenbosch University; and the SA Medical Research Council's Innovation team. Our very insightful conversation went quite in depth on several topics including: The role of universities in this whole innovation ecosystem Lessons learnt from the golden triangle in the UK and other ecosystems Examples of university spin out companies part of the biotech value chain in South Africa: Unistel medical laboratories from Stellenbosch university, Smart Spot from Wits university, Hyrax biosciences from UWC, Resyn biosciences from the CSIR, Cape Biopharms and Cape Biologics, Impulse biomedical from University of Cape town. Factors that set apart successful biotech startups and specifically university spin outs The IPR Act and other policies that govern the creation of biotech companies in South Africa The role of technology transfer offices at universities Various commercialization scenarios The evolution of the funding landscape in South Africa Trends to focus on in South Africa for a sustainable Biotech ecosystem in the near future

"Who's crazy enough to start a vaccine production company, a surveillance diagnostic production company in Africa?" Dr Cornelius Cano Ssemakalu, one of the co-inventors and CSO at Iraka Biotech. Iraka Biotech is a South African-based start-up company that localises the creation, enhancement, and equitable sharing of life science solutions. Iraka Biotech was founded by Ms Blanche Lee Shong (CEO) and Dr Cornelius Cano Ssemakalu to address the lack of adequate and timely access to quality one health solutions, especially in Africa. Their vision is to improve health by making premium one health solutions reliably and conveniently accessible. To achieve this vision, Iraka Biotech is developing cutting-edge therapeutics, diagnostics, and product logistics technologies. Iraka Biotech has received several awards, including the Global Clean Tech Program (GCIP) SA award, Gauteng Accelerator Programme (GAP) Medical award, the Irish Tech Challenge SA award and the Bio Africa start-up pitch award. Iraka Biotech has been considered among the top 40 Tech startups globally by the Animal Health, Nutrition and Technology Innovation (AHNTI) network. With Dr Ssemakalu, we covered the broad topics below: Why and how Iraka biotech was created Some of the solutions Iraka biotech has developed The challenges encountered by operating in Africa and how they get around these What skill(s) are most useful to possess as a biotech entrepreneur in Africa How to ensure that more women are retained and lead in the African biotech industry Trends are currently having the most impact on biotech in Africa and how is that likely to play out over the next few years?

This has been one of my favorite episodes of the Africa Biotech Conversations podcast because it is about 2 of my favorite topics women and biotech business. In honor of August being women's month in South Africa, I interviewed Dr Sarah Carroll who is CEO and co-founder of MariHealth Solutions, a spin-off company of the University of Cape town, in South Africa. MariHealth Solutions was co-founded with her ex-PhD supervisor, Vernon Coyne to make real-world use of research that was being done at the academic institution. Sarah is passionate about climate change activism and finding innovative ways to live sustainably in a changing climate. Her introduction to business has been aided by mentorship and business ideation and execution through a venture acceleration program hosted by the Graduate School of Business at the University of Cape Town, in partnership with Ayoba. Sarah and I had a fun and insightful conversation around: Building an open and honest relationship with her PhD supervisor and now co-founder The origin story of MariHealth Solutions from research lab focus to a university spin-off company Filling the gap by shifting focus from a reactive aquaculture health management to a proactive approach Opportunities in the aquaculture business sector within the South African context Challenges of being a female entrepreneur and leader in the African biotech space Skills that have enabled her to be a successful entrepreneur How to ensure more women become biotech entrepreneurs in Africa Trends that will drive biotech innovation in Africa over the next few years

In this episode, I spoke with Raman Sehgal, serial entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Ramarketing, a marketing agency, which is headquartered in the UK, Northeast with a presence in Boston, Massachusetts. It is now a multimillion dollar, recently private equity backed international digital design and content marketing agency with over 60 employees and growing. They support clients in the life science space across the world to raise their profile and generate leads. Raman is also an international bestselling author of the book, The Floundering Founder. He's a keynote speaker, a blogger as well as a member of Forbes agency council. Moreover, Raman co-founded Lead Candidate, a specialist talent acquisition partner for the pharma and biotech outsourcing space and he's the host of the industry leading pharmaceutical podcast, Molecule to Market, where he takes listeners inside the outsourcing space of the drug development and manufacturing ecosystem. We talked about Raman's background and how from a very early age of 7 he got exposed to business life through his parents' convenient store. He tells the inspirational story of how he was given the opportunity to start Ramarketing by his employers who became his first clients. After 13 years of Ramarketing, Raman shares the secret to their growth as well as some of the learnings and marketing considerations that should be made for and by biotech startups. In his book, The Floundering Founder, Raman shares real-life, practical, doable lessons from all his learnings, neatly packaged into 24 valuable insights. The book will help founders, entrepreneurs and CEOs find focus and direction to navigate forward in their lives and business with renewed intentionality and purpose. The first 50 pages are available for free on www.ramansehgal.com. Raman and I also talk about the value of podcasting in the life science ecosystem. His podcast Molecule to Market now has over 100 episodes of valuable content. Consistency, commitment and discipline are key to Raman's achievements on all these fronts.

In this episode I spoke with Dr Deon Neveling, the co-founder and CEO of Biotikum Ltd, which is a spin-off company of the Stellenbosch university in South Africa, that researches, develops and produces microbial additives for the agricultural industry to promote sustainable farming. During his studies, Deon developed a multistrain probiotic for chicken which they realized could be commercialized because the chicken industry is very well known for the unsustainable use of antibiotics as a preventative measure to fight pathogens. They observed there was a gap in the market for an African company capable of manufacturing microbial additives which also helps curb the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes. We spoke about: Deon's journey from PhD to starting Biotikum as a University spin-out company Skills and personality traits that enable success in entrepreneurship How to get around the most stated challenge to African biotech start-ups, funding Upcoming trend of biotechnology in Africa

Get to know the story behind the company Mzansi Meat Co. and its remarkable CFO Tasneem Karodia who combines a love for flying airplanes, rock climbing, and changing the world by changing our food systems. A bachelor of business science in management studies, majoring in accounting and finance from the university of Cape town, South Africa, a chartered accountant qualification, a postgraduate degree in accounting, and working at Bain and company, a global management consulting firm have equipped Tasneem to excel in her role at the biotech start-up. She shares with us how following her passion for sustainability in food systems and her curiosity led her to join co-founder Brett Thompson at Mzansi Meat to pioneer the cultivated meat industry in Africa. Hers is an example of how a company's branding can attract remarkable talent. Tasneem recons that retaining talent also requires focus on selection for mission-driven individuals. We discussed: the challenge of being a new industry in Africa leveraging extended timelines due to technical challenges towards public education and enabling market readiness for innovative products like cultivated meat the specialized skillsets required to be successful in the biotech industry especially in a start-up environment how the increasing need for food security in Africa makes it likely that we'll leapfrog in the Food tech space in Africa similar to what is happening in Fintech. Follow Mzansi Meat (https://www.mzansimeat.co/) on all social media platforms to stay updated on all they are doing in the Food tech space in Africa.

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.

Setting up a biotech lab is very costly and can be the bottleneck to start something new especially in LMICs in Africa. BioCiTi is taking that off the hands of prospective biotech entrepreneurs to make sure that businesses can transition the so-called chasms of product development and the business cycle. I interviewed Anesu Conrad Moyo (PhD.), Laboratory Manager at BioCiTi Laboratory, and Dheepak Maharajh, BioCiTi executive cluster head on this episode of the Africa Biotech Conversations podcast. From a joint desire to create a biotech future for South Africa, ONEBIO (a previous guest on the ABCs podcast) and CiTi, the oldest tech incubator on the African continent created the nonprofit company, BioCiTi in 2019. The shared model with the open access labs has been a game changer for the biotech ecosystem, as it's the first open access lab on the African continent. As an open access lab they do not take equity nor look to take any of the intellectual property of their tenants. If startups go to a university, they need to look at sharing the intellectual property. Contract research organizations tend to charge them a substantial amount of money to do the research on their behalf. BioCiTi is making impact not only to startups and entrepreneurs, but across the entire length and breadth of the biotech ecosystem in South Africa. The BioCiTi model makes it easier for biotech entrepreneurs to pay rental access to their lab, have full access to all the equipment and have a freedom to develop and refine their products and concepts in their own timeframes. BioCiTi also offers contractual research services to people that do not have the scientific technical know-how but have an idea. The other emerging need is that larger businesses, SMEs, and even medium-sized businesses have a need to access a lab, but they don't need to have their own lab. BioCiTi can partner with these businesses in research and development without having to outlay that large amount of costs. Thanks to the amount of innovation that is coming out from universities, the increased interest in setting up biotech businesses globally post-COVID, and with a lot of businesses using the COVID vaccine development in the Western Cape province of South Africa as a springboard for emerging into the biotech sector, BioCiTi has seen massive growth over its 3 years of existence. BioCiTi will be moving to bigger and better premises on the 1st of June 2022 to expand their labs even further and also add additional equipment that can help entrepreneurs navigate to the next level of their business. Their continuous growth is dependent on securing funding. Dheepak aims to grow open access labs outside of the Western Cape province, as well as into the African continent. Mzansi Meat and De Novo Dairy are two of many tenants at BioCiti currently. Listen to this episode of the ABCs podcast and find out about: internship opportunities, criteria to become a tenant, for graduating from the program, and to access their thriving alumni post-graduation, models for purchasing niche equipment by incubatees or tenant, what skills and personality traits are required to thrive in a biotechnology environment, some of the trends that Dheepak and Anesu see coming up in biotech in Africa, and the existing gaps in South Africa's biotech ecosystem that you can fill to enable a thriving bioeconomy.

How do you go from a full-time academic researcher and lecturer to the CEO of a biotech company in Africa? Dr Mauritz Venter found a way of combining his passion and curiosity for both science and business by co-founding a biotech company, Azargen biotechnologies, following a successful career as an academic lecturer and researcher. His exposure to business magazines from his father who worked in the corporate sector and an internship in a business consultancy after a course for bioentrepreneurs by the then Cape biotech hub allowed him to pursue this entrepreneurial journey. He recounts how they were able to establish the company before the advent of incubators and accelerators and shares valuable skills that allowed them to succeed. I like that he mentioned how he followed the emotional pull that business and genetics had on him without necessarily having clarity of where this would lead. He believes in hands-on learning from real life experiences provided you take time to reflect on feedback you receive from colleagues, investors, mentors and even family members. Also important to his upskilling was continuous education by immersing himself in business literature and taking short courses at business schools. According to Dr Venter, if you decide to get into the industry with the highest risk but also the highest reward, which is the biopharmaceutical industry, you need to find like-minded people who are willing to work hard and give it their all. It would develop your character and you should infuse your values and make sure it is meaningful and worthy. The most important skills you will need are: to tolerate uncertainty the willingness to embrace complexity not to depend on textbook frameworks and theories, but to really be rooted in reality to have a deep understanding of risk relationship management understand how innovation works in other countries, but also in Africa get clarity of the desire of what you want to achieve and address the question on why did you are starting keep up your mental and physical health Some of the achievements of Azargen to date include a patent for a therapeutic candidate for respiratory disease which they have been able to express in a plant-based system. And the other one is a licensing candidate, a monoclonal antibody for auto immune disease that they've just completed a preclinical phase in the US. They are one of a few African biotechs that received feedback from the US FDA. In parallel they have entered the synthetic biology space with a platform technology for scalable manufacturing of biologics in therapeutics, biofuels and the cultivated meat industry. We also explored the trends that are likely to impact biotech in Africa in the near future such as bio-manufacturing capability, digital health, precision medicine, synthetic biology. Listen to find out Dr Venter's answer to my question on what role an MBA plays in becoming a biotech entrepreneur? At what stage do you need that certification? Is it when you're starting or in the course of it? Do you absolutely need it?

In this episode, I spoke with Sona Mahendra who is the Associate Program Manager at Founders Factory Africa where she helps manage the Build and Scale programs. Her passion sits at the intersection of business and biology, and she is immensely excited by the growing biotechnology industry in Africa.    FFA acts as investor, venture builder and an accelerator. They create concepts in-house, design and launch companies. FFA was launched in 2018 and is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. In the build programs they co-create concepts with founders, offering a lot of support while in the scale programs they act as an accelerator for already established businesses at the scale stage.  Information on how to apply to the programs is available on the FFA website. They provide cash, training, mentorship, and coaching.  Sona also has a blog called "Biology by Code". Her blog is about biotech in Africa, startups, health tech, entrepreneurship and a little bit of philosophy.  I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation on What startups and entrepreneurs are of interest to FFA? What areas they are interested in investing in? What skill(s) are most useful to possess as a biotech entrepreneur in Africa? What trends are currently having the most impact on biotech in Africa and how is that likely to play out over the next few years? Why and how investors should prioritize biotech in Africa

In this episode, I spoke to Atherton Mutombwera, CEO and founder of Hutano diagnostics Ltd about his journey from Zimbabwe, through a BPharm degree and a MSc in Nanomedicine in South Africa, to an MBA at the University of Oxford, UK. He told stories about how he was inspired by a sick parent and his desire to get out of the shadow of a sibling combined with his curiosity and ability to collaborate with others, to how his MSc research project formed the basis of his company. The company aims to develop a modular configurable platform using aptamers in lateral flow devices. Aptamers are attractive because they are easy to make, stable and can be reliably produced without batch variation. The company is currently focused on developing techniques to immobilize aptamers on nitrocellulose which is the main technical hurdle to widespread use of aptamers in lateral flow devices. Atherton offered his views, wrapped in personal stories, on networking and relationship building as a useful skill for entrepreneurs as well as the trends that are likely to impact the biotech space in the medium to long term.

In the first episode of the ABC podcast for 2022, I spoke with the co-founders of the AOM group Brett Lyndall Singh and Clarisse Manishimwe, as well as David Songotu, the Administrating Manager of AOM Group's Internship program. We discuss how AOM Group aims to resuscitate African healthcare innovation and create SDG youth employment by transforming life science on the continent through research & development.

Power couple Busi and Neo Moloi of Sawubona mycelium, a biotech startup in Centurion, South Africa, spoke with me on: How they make their relationship work as husband and wife as well as CBO and CEO respectively Capitalizing on their knowledge of mushrooms and experience with fermentation technology to make natural products at large scale, low cost, and sustainably such as beta glucans useful in the cosmetic, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. Opportunities to leverage the gap in the supply chain caused by the Covid-19 pandemic Collaboration with state-owned research platforms like the CSIR and TIA (technology innovation agency) for R&D. How to raise stage-relevant funding Leveraging collaboration and networking in the biotech ecosystems in South Africa for support and resources Making use of the department of trade, industry and competition for market research data What are the most valuable skills to be a biotech entrepreneur in Africa? Making use of coaching and accelerator programs to gain entrepreneurial/business skills Please tell a friend about the ABC podcast today.

What is possible from a failed experiment? A biotech company, Resyn biosciences! In the 5th episode of the Africa biotech conversations podcast, I spoke with Stoyan Stoychev about proteomics and the Resyn biosciences story. The polymer technology behind the products was a result of a failed biocatalysis experiment. The curiosity to explore what could be done with the novel polymer and support from the CSIR with funding, work space, researchers etc. led to a spin out of the company from the CSIR. We discussed among others: strategic creation of a successful proteomic portfolio of products from the technology the mindset and strategy for success in local and global markets current trends of proteomics in Africa building brand reputation through networking and peer-reviewed publications networking tips for scientists strategy for the organic growth of the company when they failed to secure funding from angel investors keeping up with the rapid development of the omics space and demand for more robust, high-throughput, sensitive, and user-friendly solutions by establishing R&D partnerships with the research community. Stoyan has over 13 years of hands-on experience in mass spectrometry, proteomics and protein characterization. When he is not working on proteomics in his numerous roles, he loves adrenaline hobbies like motorcycling.

ONEBIO provides life science startups with funding, business support, lab facilities and office space; access to networks; mentorship; and connections to resources, international markets and large corporate partners, both in Africa and internationally. ONEBIO is led by Michael Fichardt and Nick Walker. Michael is an entrepreneur, technologist and investor, with experience working in banking, private equity, business consulting, technology startups and venture investing. Michael holds an MBA, a Bachelor of Commerce, post graduate diploma in Sustainability. Nick is a scientist, entrepreneur and venture builder. He worked in business development and venture building at Next Biosciences between 2016 and early 2018. Nick is the Co-founder of Muzi, a decentralisation AI assisted disease testing platform. He received his PhD from UKZN, with a research focus in muscle stem cell biology. Both are graduates of the Singularity University's Global Solutions Program in Silicon Valley that is set up to apply technology to solve large global problems. Ecosystems that excel in translational research have 3 layers: Strong scientific base Support ecosystem: co-working lab space, incubator programs etc. Venture capital funding In Africa, we lack the latter 2 layers. There is really great science in Africa but the translation rate to products and services is still low. ONEBIO is the only venture studio focusing on biotechnology in Africa and aims to fill this gap by building co-working lab spaces, an incubator and a venture fund. We spoke about: the history of ONEBIO ONEBIO's faith in Biotechnology investment in spite of the high risk and relatively long timelines how a scientist can gain entrepreneurial skills how ONEBIO assists biotech start ups Bixbio startup success story how to increase the investment mix into the Africa biotech space qualities of startups and entrepreneurs that are of interest to ONEBIO the areas in which ONEBIO is interested in 

Have you experienced delays in receiving reagents for your research? How did that make you feel? In Africa, it is almost a guaranteed experience. For at least one person, Dr Peter Durcan, that was enough impetus to start his biotech company Afrobodies. A great twist to the story is that his wife Benedicta Mahlangu is the CEO! Listen to this episode of the ABCs podcast with Adrienne to learn more about their origin story; why their products, nanobodies, are revolutionary; their latest innovation in relation to COVID-19 treatment; and Peter's take on skills required to be a successful biotech entrepreneur. Be sure to note the call on how you can become part of this success story from Africa to the world. Also, don't miss Peter's prediction on the most important biotech trends to impact Africa in the near future.

In this episode of the ABCs podcast with Adrienne I talked with two of the co-founders of the startup De Novo Dairy based in Cape town, South Africa. They are out to revolutionize the dairy industry by producing nature identical dairy proteins using specially engineered yeast. The foundation of their company is a combination of friendship, lifestyle choices and how to find/scale sustainable alternatives that alleviate the pressure on agriculture. We spoke about: the story behind De Novo Dairy considerations on building an efficient team skills required in bioentrepreneurship unique challenges in starting a biotech company in Africa trends currently having the most impact on biotech in Africa and much more.

"If you're curious about what goes on in biotech across the African continent, I have good news for you. Adrienne Leussa has started a podcast to give us all a look into that community. I have no doubt that this will be good. Adrienne interviewed me about podcasting and its potential to build a community while providing insights. I asked her a few questions too. What's exciting in the African biotech space right now? Are there particular areas of interest? ... And more. Give this a listen and share it with someone who will be interested." Chris Conner, Host of The Life Science Marketing Radio podcast