About Us
UVU Bio is dedicated to accelerating Africa’s growing bioeconomy by nurturing talent, supporting research, and creating pathways for innovation. From providing state-of-the-art lab facilities to offering mentorship and skills development, we’re empowering scientists and entrepreneurs to turn groundbreaking ideas into solutions that address Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Our Story
UVU Bio started in 2019 as a specialised incubator dedicated to providing tailor -made, individualised support to biotech start-ups. Over time, we’ve evolved into a thriving ecosystem focused on developing the skills and talent needed to grow Africa’s bioeconomy. With the launch of Africa’s first open-access biotech lab, we’ve created a foundation that combines cutting-edge infrastructure, technical expertise, and business guidance. This enables us to help scientists transform their research into viable businesses, driving innovation and creating jobs.
Our skills development programmes offer comprehensive support throughout the entrepreneurial journey, connecting participants with specialized mentors in research, finance, business strategy, and professional growth.
From Cape Town to Kigali, we’re proving that African innovation can solve Africa’s challenges. Each startup we support, each young mind we train and every researcher we enable, strengthens the DNA of a self-sustaining bioeconomy across the continent. UVU Bio was founded by the UVU Africa Group and was established to fill a critical gap in the growing bioeconomy.
Mission
Our mission is to advance Africa’s bioeconomy by turning scientific ideas into societal and environmental solutions. We promote collaboration and provide entrepreneurs with affordable lab space, incubation support, and expert mentorship.
Vision
Our vision is to be the key enabler of a thriving bioeconomy in Africa. We’re dedicated to helping biotech businesses grow and thrive by tapping into the continent’s special strengths.
Ethos
Science-driven collaboration: Uniting diverse perspectives for positive innovation.
Bold Execution catalyst: Turning visionary ideas into impactful reality.
Diverse Excellence: Forging solutions that conquer complex challenges.
Our Why
As Africa’s first shared laboratory, we’re revolutionizing Bioeconomy start-ups by reducing R&D risks. We foster “Tech for Good” solutions with sustainable impacts.
By providing shared lab space, business support, mentorship, and a vibrant community, we bridge the gap between research and commercialization, shaping future industries.
What Sets Us Apart
Our tailored courses equip entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge to navigate the biotech industry, including market analysis, regulatory requirements, and
commercialization strategies.
This training supports business scaling and market testing, ensuring startups can validate their products and services in
real-world markets.
Our Team
The UVU Bio leadership team brings decades of expertise in biotech, AI regulation, facilities management, and commercialization, empowering startups to launch market-ready solutions while driving collaboration, mentorship, and sustainability in Africa’s bioeconomy.
Trained Professionals
Active Participants
Employment Success
Completed Cohorts
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Dheepak Maharajh
Vedantha Singh
Dr. Anesu Conrad Moyo
Dr. Bradley Cerff
Riana Slight
Wiclef Kagisha
Partner With Us
Join us in our mission to enable a thriving African bioeconomy. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or organisation, there are numerous ways to partner with UVU Bio. Together, we can drive innovation, create jobs, and build a sustainable bioeconomy across the continent.
Our Partner & Funders
