Cape Town,

South Africa

Our first lab, and Africa’s first open access biotech facility, is located in Cape Town. The city is also home to our Bioeconomy Skills Centre, a facility dedicated to delivering specialised training programmes, equipping individuals with the skills needed to excel in the industry.

Explore our Facilities

Cape Town Open Access Lab

The first of its kind on the African Continent

Located in the vibrant Woodstock region, UVU Bio offers Africa’s first fully open-access biotechnology R&D facility, designed to lower the barriers for scientific startups, entrepreneurs, and research teams. 

Our labs are equipped with a comprehensive range of industry-grade tools, including but not limited to: 

  • Benchtop fermenters and bioreactors – for microbial cultivation and cell-based production 
  • Protein purification systems and nucleic acid analysis platforms – supporting diverse molecular workflows 
  • Ultra-low temperature storage (-80°C and -20°C) – for secure preservation of cell lines, reagents, and biomaterials 

All equipment is professionally maintained by our in-house lab operations team, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and uptime for your experiments. 

With flexible access packages, cold storage options, and a built-in network of innovators and collaborators, UVU Bio empowers you to focus on discovery, development, and impact, while contributing to the growth of Africa’s bioeconomy. 

Bioeconomy Skills Centre

UVU Bio’s dedicated hub for training initiatives

The Bioeconomy Skills Centre features state-of-the-art training labs and equipment. Home to our Skills Development division, the facility runs essential skills training in introductory biotechnology, bioprocessing, and vaccine manufacturing, empowering individuals to fill critical skills gaps and support the growth of Africa’s bioeconomy.

Your Virtual Access to UVU Bio’s Innovation Spaces

Key Focus Areas

Unlock Cutting-Edge Bioeconomy Innovation

Our labs provide state-of-the-art facilities, expert support, and a collaborative environment to accelerate research and innovation in the bioeconomy sector. Whether you’re a startup, researcher, or established business, our labs are designed to help you bring your ideas to life.

Select your preferred lab from the dropdown menu and fill in your details to enquire about available resources, services, and partnership opportunities. Our team will get back to you to discuss how we can support your work.

Have specific questions? Feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!

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