Transforming Durban into the biotech capital of Africa
Individuals or teams with scientific ideas that have the potential to deliver innovations for diagnosis of infectious diseases and therapeutics, are invited to apply for a project grant of up to R300 000.
A BIOTECH incubation initiative, between the eThekwini Municipality and the KwaZulu-Natal Research, Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), BioDurban, has created an exciting new space for bio-innovation and the much-needed translation of science and local biodiversity into commercially viable products for the socio-economic benefit of the wider community.
“South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal’s rich biodiversity combined with the scientific excellence and world-class infrastructure found within higher education institutions in Durban, creates the perfect foundation to grow Durban as the biotech capital of Africa,” said Prof Tulio de Oliveira, director of KRISP.
A call has been released, inviting individuals or teams with scientific ideas that have the potential to deliver innovations for diagnosis of infectious diseases and therapeutics, to apply for a project grant of up to R300 000.
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This funding is offered to enable scientists to conduct critical, value-adding experiments to de-risk early stage projects and to help advance their ideas to market.
The opportunity is also open to innovators from indigenous knowledge systems. The deadline for these applications is 6pm on 21 October.
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Gugulethu Mkhize, group lead for the KRISP Business Development Unit added: “BioDurban extends its invitation to interested members of society and organisations, who have value-add in terms of expert knowledge and experience; to get involved in the initiative and contribute advice and mentorship to the cohort of innovators that will be selected.”
The long-term goal of this initiative is to incubate start-up and small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) companies in the health, agricultural and industrial biotechnology sectors.
Dr Ajiv Maharaj, Deputy Head, eThekwini Municipality, Economic Development Unit said the City is proud to partner with KRISP for the BioDurban Incubator.
Contact Paul Harris on paul@htagmedia.co.za or 082 806 6290 for more information.
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