Research & Development

Enabling Biotech Innovation: Where Ideas Become Impact

Our Research and Development (R&D) platform drives the development of transformative biotechnologies and products. Committed to advancing innovation, cutting-edge biotechnologies and transformative products, we serve as a catalyst for collaboration between academia, industry, and government.

Our state-of-the-art infrastructure, expert resources, and vibrant innovation community empower researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to bring bold ideas to life.

Together, we’re building a sustainable bioeconomy and shaping Africa’s biotech future.

Our Training Facilities

Kigali,

Rwanda

We have expanded our footprint with the opening of a new open access biotech lab in Rwanda. This facility is now operational and offers similar training programmes to support the growth of the biotech industry in the region.

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.

Why choose UVU Bio Labs?

Whether you’re developing the next breakthrough in sustainable food systems or advancing drug discovery, choose UVU Bio as your launchpad for success.

Collaborative Spirit

Join a dynamic community of innovators. Share ideas, form partnerships, and accelerate research in areas like alternative foods, fermentation, and drug discovery.

Focus on What Matters: We handle lab maintenance and equipment upkeep, allowing you to concentrate on your scientific breakthroughs.

Benchtop fermenters for large-scale cell cultures, ideal for alternative food production Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) systems for protein purification, crucial for drug discovery Ultra-low temperature storage in -80°C and -20°C freezers for biomaterial preservation Advanced equipment for nucleic acid and protein analysis to support all your research needs

Our labs are meticulously maintained to ensure a clean, safe, and professional environment for your research endeavours.

Our Team

UVU Bio’s R&D team consists of skilled scientists, researchers, and technicians specializing in industrial biotechnology, fermentation, and bioprocessing. Their diverse experience in academia, industry, and skills development fosters innovation and supports biotech entrepreneurs in bringing scientific advancements to market.

80

Trained Professionals

30

Active Participants

65%

Employment Success

3

Completed Cohorts

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Tristan Jones

Bioprocess Technician

Kelebogile Modikwe

Lab and Project Administrative Assistant

Dr. Uraisha Magan

Specialist Scientist and Acting Head of Skills Development

Dr. Nodumo Zulu

Chief Scientist and Head of R&D

Who Can Benefit from Our R&D Services?

Our team of highly skilled scientists and industry experts specializes in bioprocess and product development across multiple systems, including microbial, tissue culture, and plant-based technologies. We primarily focus our research on, but our expertise extends beyond, the following areas:

Pharmaceuticals

Advancing drug development and biotherapeutics.

Renewable Energy & Biofuels

Innovating sustainable fuel and biogas solutions

Agriculture & Aquaculture

Enhancing crop yields, animal feed, and indigenous knowledge systems

Environmental Remediation & Waste Management

Recovering valuable products from liquid and solid waste

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Developing sustainable and natural bio-based ingredients.

Food & Beverage

Improving production processes and sustainable product development

Testimonials

Hear from our alumni and partners about their experiences

A great start to a biotechnology career as it allows one to get hands-on experience essential to one's career.
Abongile Majongolo, Biotechnology Accelerator Programme
I highly recommend the programme to anyone who interested in persuing a career in bioprocessing and biotechnology
Penelope Chuene, Biotechnology Accelerator Programme
It’s an enriching experience. The content is comprehensive, the instructors are knowledgeable, and the interactive approach fosters effective learning.
Khadija Chapola, Biotechnology Accelerator Programme

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

Accelerating Africa’s Bioeconomy: Stories & Highlights

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UVU Bio BioFiesta – our Introduction to Bioprocessing and Biotechnology programme

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Cohort 1 of Introduction to Biotechnology and Bioprocessing Programme

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UVU Bio launch the Rwanda Bioeconomy Hub in Kigali

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World-Class Facilities by UVU Bio