Access to scientific infrastructure shouldn’t be a barrier to innovation. Yet for many scientists and entrepreneurs across Africa, gaining entry to specialised lab spaces comes with steep costs, long delays and often, strings attached.
UVU Bio’s Open Access Lab in Cape Town is the first of its kind in Africa and the longest-standing open access lab on the continent. This lab exists to break barriers and reimagine access by putting affordability, flexibility, and independence at the centre of scientific progress.
In many cases, access means giving up control over your intellectual property or partnering on terms that limit innovators independence. Innovation thrives where ideas are protected. That’s why UVU Bio’s Open Access Lab in Cape Town ensures that every tenant retains 100% ownership of their intellectual property. In an industry where IP rights are often a barrier to entry, this model empowers lab tenants to grow on their own terms while safeguarding the integrity of their innovations.
This article is your insider guide to how the lab operates, who it serves, how it’s enabling broader participation in Africa’s growing bioeconomy.
Explore the Open Access Labs model that’s opening doors in the bioeconomy
“Our shared lab model removes the high costs and long lead times of building a private facility. We offer flexible, affordable, fully equipped lab space in Cape Town, giving innovators an oppurtunity to fast track from idea to impact. Tenants also gain access to the Rwanda Bioeconomy Hub; a state-of-the-art facility at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology. This Kigali hub serves as a regional launchpad, offering advanced skills training, entrepreneurial support, and specialised equipment. Together, these labs open doors for collaboration, scaling, and growth across Africa’s expanding bioeconomy.
Curious about what happens inside our labs? Click here to watch a short video.
See who’s welcome at UVU Bio’s Open Access Lab
UVU Bio’s Open Access Lab is designed to serve a diverse community, from early-career scientists and recent graduates to academic researchers and startups developing science-based innovations.
It’s an ideal space for biotech ventures and research teams advancing pilot-scale experiments, proof-of-concept projects, or early-stage ideation. With the right tools, support, and environment, the lab helps transform bold ideas into real-world breakthroughs.
Explore the benefits and see why innovators choose UVU Bio’s Open Access Labs
Designed to reduce barriers, the lab is inclusive by design, creating space for underrepresented communities to turn biotech ideas into viable solutions. The lab offers access to state of the art equipment, on-site technician support, and health and safety guidance. Tenants benefit from practical training, mentorship opportunities, and UVU Bio’s broader skills development ecosystem, including internships, events, and commercialisation support. Lab tenants also become part of UVU Bio’s ecosystem with networking and collaboration opportunities within South Africa and in Kigali.
Watch this video to see what our tenant has to say about working from UVU Bio’s Open Access Lab.
A look at the equipment powering our Open Access Lab in Cape Town
The lab is located at Brickfield Canvas in Woodstock, Cape Town, and it’s purposely built for early-stage biotechnology and bioprocessing research and development. It supports key capabilities such as inoculum preparation, strain development, small-scale fermentation, and analytical workflows including quality control testing.
This lab is particularly well-suited for biotech startups, research teams, and innovators conducting pilot-scale experiments or working on proof-of-concept development. It also serves as a hub for incubation and early ideation, offering an ideal environment for transforming bold ideas into tangible progress.
The lab offers access to a robust suite of industry-standard tools essential for modern biotechnology work. These include PCR machines, gel electrophoresis systems, spectrophotometers, centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, autoclaves, cold storage, and digital platforms for data logging and workflow tracking. Whether your focus is molecular biology, microbiology, cell culture, or analytical testing, the lab is equipped to meet your technical needs.
Want in? Follow these steps to start using the Open Access Lab
To become part of UVU Bio’s Open Access Lab in Cape Town, start by visiting uvubio.com and explore the Open Access Lab page to view available services and locations. Once you’ve familiarised yourself with the offering, complete a short contact form outlining your research goals or startup requirements. After submission, you’ll be invited to meet with the lab team to finalise your access plan, schedule any necessary training, and complete a lab safety orientation. From there, you can begin booking bench time, equipment, or customised support to suit your project.
