29/04/2025
Farewell to Lumegen!
25 April 2025 marked the final day of operations at Lumegen Laboratories - and closing this chapter is without a doubt one of the hardest things I've had to do in my professional career.
Building Lumegen was truly a dream come true. Over the past 9 years, it has been a rollercoaster ride that taught me more than I could have ever imagined — lessons I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
There were real highs and lows - as anyone who has walked the entrepreneurial journey knows.
Failed collaborations, successful collaborations. Failed experiments, groundbreaking experiments. Business expansions that fell flat, and expansions that soared.
Through it all, the journey has been defined by the people - collaborations and friendships with some of the best in their fields. Scientists, business leaders, mentors, colleagues - and most importantly, examples of character and passion.
I am especially grateful to Prof. Francois van der Westhuizen, whose vision to start Lumegen created a space where science could change lives.
Nico van Zyl, who trusted a young scientist with a big mission - and helped take that vision even further.
To every staff member, every student who ever stepped into our laboratory - you are part of this story.
From beginning to end, there was one constant: the support of family. The gratitude can never be put into words in a mere LinkedIn post.
Yes, there is sadness. Yes, I do have regrets. The reality of employees and their families now with no income. Disappointed clients who have walked the journey with us for more than 12 years. And much much more.
But above all, I walk away with gratitude.
A passion for science and innovation that has been forever cemented.
And a life motto that continues to take shape:
Honesty and collaboration above all - because we are not building this world for our own glory.
