UVU Bio

UVU Bio Enabling a thriving bioeconomy across Africa

Across Africa, we've watched young people reimagine what's possible in some of the most exciting sectors on the continen...
17/06/2026

Across Africa, we've watched young people reimagine what's possible in some of the most exciting sectors on the continent. In labs. In agro-processing. In markets still taking shape. They're not waiting for the world to catch up. They're building ahead of it.

From South Africa to Rwanda, this generation is ready. Skills, space, and the right ecosystem, that's what it takes.

Build your career by improving your laboratory skills. If you have a science background and are looking to gain hands-on...
10/06/2026

Build your career by improving your laboratory skills.

If you have a science background and are looking to gain hands-on laboratory experience, this programme can help you build the technical and professional skills needed in laboratory environments.

Join the General Laboratory and Equipment Operation Skills Programme, delivered in partnership with Global Gateway and GIZ Rwanda-Burundi, and receive practical training in a real laboratory setting in Kigali.

You will gain:

Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and processes

Training in biosafety and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards

Skills in molecular biology equipment, aseptic techniques, and laboratory documentation

Professional workplace and employability training

Apply today and strengthen your laboratory skills for opportunities in the life sciences industry.

Apply here: https://www.uvubio.com/programmes/general-laboratory-and-equipment-operation-skills-programme/

For too long, indigenous knowledge has been treated as something to archive. We think it's something to build with. Last...
08/06/2026

For too long, indigenous knowledge has been treated as something to archive. We think it's something to build with.

Last week, our CEO Dheepak Maharajh joined government, academia, and industry leaders at the Indigenous Knowledge-Based Technology Innovation Investment Summit, hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. Three days of conversation on how IKS can drive real entrepreneurship, commercialisation, and inclusive economic growth in South Africa.

The summit explored how Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) can drive entrepreneurship, commercialisation and inclusive economic growth, creating pathways for traditional knowledge to become market-ready solutions that benefit communities and contribute to South Africa's growing bioeconomy.

It's a conversation UVU Bio is already part of, and one we're deepening. Through our RISP IKS Innovation Platform, launching this June, we're creating pathways for young people and communities to transform indigenous knowledge into science-backed, market-ready innovations.

“The summit confirmed what we already believe: IKS sector doesn’t only need more attention, it needs more action. That’s what we’re focused on.” Dheepak Maharajh, CEO UVU Bio

Read the article: https://www.dsti.gov.za/index.php/media-room/latest-news/5062-summit-drives-investment-in-indigenous-knowledge-based-innovation-and-entrepreneurship?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Across the continent, the bioeconomy foundation already exists. Scientific talent is growing. Breakthroughs are happenin...
04/06/2026

Across the continent, the bioeconomy foundation already exists.

Scientific talent is growing.
Breakthroughs are happening.
Entrepreneurs are building.

But progress is slowed by one critical gap: these efforts are not connected.

Talent, infrastructure, and innovation operate in isolation which limits what could otherwise become globally competitive industries.

UVU Bio is intentionally bridging the gap by building an integrated ecosystem designed to move ideas beyond the lab and into viable, scalable businesses.

From Cape Town to Kigali, we are laying the groundwork for a more connected, pan-African bioeconomy where collaboration defines growth.

Africa has the biodiversity, the indigenous knowledge, and the scientific talent to compete globally in the bioeconomy. What’s needed now is coordinated investment in the systems that unlock this potential.

For partners, funders, and industry leaders, this is about strengthening the full value chain to scale.

Partner with UVU Bio to help build the infrastructure, talent, and innovation pipelines that will define Africa’s bioeconomy.

Bridge the gap between theory and real laboratory work If you have a science background and want hands-on laboratory exp...
29/05/2026

Bridge the gap between theory and real laboratory work

If you have a science background and want hands-on laboratory experience, this programme is designed for you.

Join the General Laboratory and Equipment Operation Skills Programme, delivered in partnership with Global Gateway and GIZ Rwanda-Burundi, and gain practical training in real laboratory environments in Kigali.

You will gain:

Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and processes

Training in biosafety, GLP standards,Skills in general molecular biology equipment, aseptic techniques, and documentation

Professional workplace and employability training

Applications close: 15 June 2026

Apply today and build the skills to enter the life sciences industry.

Apply now: https://www.uvubio.com/programmes/general-laboratory-and-equipment-operation-skills-programme/

An Open Lab Is an Open Invitation: UVU Bio Opens Its Doors to the EcosystemLast week, founders, researchers, scientists,...
26/05/2026

An Open Lab Is an Open Invitation: UVU Bio Opens Its Doors to the Ecosystem

Last week, founders, researchers, scientists, students, and ecosystem partners were in our space for lab tours, equipment demonstrations, founder conversations, and meaningful networking.

A special thank you to our exhibiting partners: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Sartorius, LABOTECH, Hanna Instruments, JLW Supplies (Pty) Ltd, Eppendorff, Separation Scientific (Sep Sci), SEPARATIONS and the University of Stellenbosch as well as the UVU Bio entrepreneurs: Lulama Health, Imaan Luxury Organics, African Secret and Organoboosts, who contributed to the experience by exhibiting.

To our founders, Bogadi Pako Letsile of NanoPula and Erich Scholtz of OrganoBoost, thank you for sharing your journeys and the work you are building through the ecosystem.

If you missed the event or would like to explore the lab space further, book a lab tour and come see what’s being built at UVU Bio: https://forms.zohopublic.com/uvuafrica1/form/LeadGenForm/formperma/ykdroCeDRzP7JeFojWFvbZ_Of0ir_TDVQrBR0cDGrNc

22/05/2026

Yesterday we opened our doors and the lab came alive. We can't wait to show you more. 🧪

We’re proud to welcome some of the leading names in lab equipment and scientific innovation to the UVU Bio Open Day on 2...
18/05/2026

We’re proud to welcome some of the leading names in lab equipment and scientific innovation to the UVU Bio Open Day on 21 May.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Sartorius, Labotec, Hanna Instruments, Eppendorf, and Sepsci, will all be on the floor, bringing their technology into the space and giving attendees a rare chance to get hands-on with world-class equipment.

If you work in biotech, research, or the bioeconomy, this is worth showing up for.
📍 Woodstock, Cape Town
🗓 21 May | 15:00
🔗 Register: https://web.cvent.com/event/c0f594a7-da2c-4036-a233-cfdfc82a56cf/register

On 21 May 2026, UVU Bio Labs in Cape Town is opening its doors for an Open Access Lab Open Day. We invite biotech founde...
14/05/2026

On 21 May 2026, UVU Bio Labs in Cape Town is opening its doors for an Open Access Lab Open Day. We invite biotech founders, researchers, scientists, and early-stage innovators to experience the lab environment supporting biotech innovation.

Join us to explore the infrastructure, tools, and ecosystem designed to help innovators move from research and experimentation to product development. Come and see what's possible when the infrastructure is already there and the only thing you need to bring is your idea.

On the day, you’ll experience:

– Guided lab tours and equipment demos

– Insights from founders and current tenants

– A virtual walkthrough of our Kigali lab

– Networking with others building in the bioeconomy

Lab tours will run in small groups throughout the event, and space is limited.

Register to attend: https: https://web.cvent.com/event/c0f594a7-da2c-4036-a233-cfdfc82a56cf/register

From Lab to Land: OrganoBoost Trials Deliver Measurable ProgressLast year, we introduced OrganoBoost through early-stage...
11/05/2026

From Lab to Land: OrganoBoost Trials Deliver Measurable Progress

Last year, we introduced OrganoBoost through early-stage trials, exploring how a pondweed-based soil enhancer could improve soil health and support crop growth.

Since then, we tested multiple formulation variations under controlled lab conditions using spinach and lettuce to better understand both crop performance and soil impact.

The results demonstrated clear progress. Formulations containing biochar achieved crop growth comparable to commercial fertilisers while maintaining stable soil pH within optimal ranges for nutrient availability.

The trials not only evaluated overall plant growth, but also the efficiency with which that growth translated into harvestable yield. Some formulations promoted greater overall plant biomass, while others maximised harvestable output, providing valuable insight into how OrganoBoost can be tailored for different agricultural applications.

One formulation emerged as a particularly strong benchmark. A pondweed-based blend containing 20% biochar demonstrated consistent, balanced performance across both crop growth and soil stability metrics.

These findings did not simply validate the concept, but they also helped refine OrganoBoost into a solution with potential for real-world agricultural systems.

As we move into the next phase, the focus shifts toward scaling these formulations and evaluating performance under outdoor growing conditions beyond controlled greenhouse environments.

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2nd Floor, Bandwidth Barn, Brickfield Canvas, 35 Brickfield Road, Woodstock
Cape Town
8001

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

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