Shows
Africa Biotech ConversationsLegal Essentials for Biotech StartupsThis session focuses on the essential legal and funding strategies for early-stage biotech startups, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property (IP) management, legal structures, and the role of due diligence in attracting investors. The panel discusses common pitfalls, the significance of contracts, and the challenges of commercializing university IP. They also explore the timing of freedom to operate studies and the evolving landscape of biotech investment. For this session, the featured guests were: Chyreene Truluck – Partner at Spoor & Fisher, specializing in intellectual property (IP) law and IP management strategies. Dr Vuyisile Phehane – Executive Manager of UJInvnt Pty...
2024-10-291h 01
Africa Biotech ConversationsOneBio Innovation Center: A Pioneering Space for Biotech Startups in Africa In this episode of the Africa Biotech Conversations Podcast, host Adrienne Leussa welcomes Erin Rencken, General Manager of the newly launched OneBio Innovation Center (OBIC) in Cape Town, South Africa. The special episode features a live recording from the launch event and a detailed discussion about OBIC's mission, offerings, and community-building efforts. Erin outlines the center's vision to provide biotech startups with essential lab space, equipment, and a collaborative environment. The conversation also highlights the support received from the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), private sector partners like Eppendorf, and the center's focus on inclusivity and community engagement through initiatives like Bi...
2024-09-1651 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsProteinea: Pioneering the Development of the First Fully African-Originated DrugIn this episode of the "Africa Biotech Conversations" podcast, host Adrienne Leussa interviews Abdulaziz El Gamal, the co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Proteinea. Proteinea, based in Cairo and Boston, is a tech-bio company focused on leveraging AI to develop next-generation biologics, particularly antibodies with enhanced efficacy, safety, and convenience. Key Points from the Episode: Company Background: Proteinea was founded in early 2020, right before the global pandemic, which influenced its strategic direction and provided a real-time showcase of biotech's potential in health crises. Role of AI in Biotech: Abdulaziz discusses how AI...
2024-08-1044 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsAMA Series on Investment Funding for Biotech - The Art of Valuation for Early-Stage Biotech Startups The LinkedIn Live session, part of the AMA series on "The Art of Valuation," focused on valuation strategies for biotech startups at early and post-Series A stages. Moderated by Dr. Adrienne Leussa, the discussion featured finance experts Olufemi Elegbe, CFA and Sewu-Steve Tawia. Key highlights included the importance of financial literacy for biotech entrepreneurs, methods for accurately valuing biotech startups, and strategies for enhancing valuation after Series A. The session also emphasized the need for tailored communication when presenting valuations to investors and included practical advice on packaging a compelling narrative. The session concluded with...
2024-08-1059 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsAMA Series on Investment Funding for Biotech - Understanding the Investment Ecosystem (Pre-seed Focus) In this insightful episode of the "Ask Me Anything" series on funding and investment, the focus was on early-stage biotech entrepreneurs in Africa. Adrienne was joined by Gian-Marco Melfi, a partner at OneBio Venture Studios, who shared his expertise on the unique challenges and strategies relevant to securing investment in the biotech sector. The discussion covered the intricacies of biotech investments, including the importance of understanding the investment landscape, targeting the right type of investors (such as angel investors, family offices, and venture capitalists), and leveraging grants and non-dilutive capital in the early stages. Gian-Marco...
2024-05-2847 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsAMA Series on Investment Funding for Biotech - Building Investor RelationsIn this comprehensive session of the ongoing dialogue with African biotech leaders, the focus was on building and maintaining investor relationships. Joining Adrienne were seasoned experts, including Dr. Vuyisile Phehane and Gian-Marco Melfi, who are regular contributors, along with first-time guests Natasha Drapeau and Frank Schwarz from Cohesion Bureau. The discussion covered best practices for engaging with investors, emphasising the importance of communication, the strategic presentation of business plans, and the need for biotech startups to clearly articulate their value proposition. The panel also delved into the nuances of investor relations, such as handling communications d...
2024-05-281h 00
Africa Biotech ConversationsAMA Series on Investment Funding for Biotech - Common Pitfalls in Securing FundingIn this episode of the "Ask Me Anything" series under the Dialogue with African Biotech Leaders, experts Gian-Marco Melfi and Vuyisile Phehane discuss the nuances of funding for biotech startups. Focusing on the early stages of startup financing, the conversation explores the challenges startups face in securing funding, the importance of aligning with the right investors, and effective strategies for engaging potential backers. Gian-Marco Melfi, from One Bio Venture Studio, emphasises the significance of building strong, capable teams, while Vuyisile Phehane from the Technology Innovation Agency sheds light on governmental support mechanisms and due diligence processes.
2024-05-2858 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsAMA Series on Investment Funding for Biotech - Where's the Money and How Do I Get It?In this first episode of the "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) series focused on Investment Funding for biotech, held live on LinkedIn, we delved into the intricate world of funding for biotech startups. The session features profound insights from Dr. Vuyisile Phehane, the Executive: Bio-Economy at South Africa's National Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), and Mr. Gian-Marco Melfi, an investment principal at One BioVenture Studio. Together, they explore the diverse sources of funding available to biotech startups in Africa and provide practical advice on navigating the complex investment landscape. The discussion covers government and private funding, the...
2024-05-2857 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsDialogue with African Biotech Leaders: Your 2024 Biotech Growth Plan from Africa and BeyondWelcome to another retrospective episode of the Dialogue with African Biotech Leaders. In this special session, titled "Going Global: Your 2024 Biotech Growth Plan from Africa and Beyond," we explore cutting-edge strategies for biotech leaders aiming for significant growth in the 2024. This episode is packed with insights from two distinguished speakers: Erica Sosnowski: Managing Partner at Sosna and Co, a leading business development firm in the life sciences industry, with a stellar track record of closing over $250 million in deals. Jennifer Andrews: CEO of Freshly Marketing, a seasoned marketing strategist with 14 years of experience in the life...
2024-05-1455 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsDialogue with African Biotech Leaders: Navigating Funding and InvestmentWelcome to another insightful episode of the Dialogue with African Biotech Leaders. In this episode, we focus on a critical aspect of biotechnology entrepreneurship—funding and investment. This episode was recorded as a live plenary session at BIO Africa 2023 in Durban, South Africa, and features in-depth discussions on funding challenges and opportunities in the African biotech landscape. Join our distinguished panelists: Dr. Allama Elmehdi: CEO of Prophamedis International from Mauritania, sharing insights on the funding landscape in West Africa, particularly Francophone Africa, and the role of foreign direct investment. Ms. Kim Hewlett: Co-founder and CE...
2024-05-141h 15
Africa Biotech ConversationsDialogue with African Biotech Leaders: Biotechnology for Gender EqualityWelcome to another special episode of the Dialogue with African Biotech Leaders series, dedicated to exploring the theme of biotechnology for gender equality. In this episode, we delve into the intersection of biotechnology and gender equality, discussing both the challenges and successes within this dynamic field. Our goal is to envision a future where biotechnology serves as a catalyst for positive change. Join us as we introduce our distinguished panelists: Dr. Sibongile Gumbi: Founder and CEO of Smart Biotech, South Africa, with a PhD in pharmacology, and numerous certifications in finance, intellectual property, and...
2024-05-1456 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsDialogue with African Biotech Leaders: Exploring Leadership and Health Applications in African BiotechWelcome to the second retrospective episode of the Dialogue with African Biotech Leaders series. In this episode, we feature an engaging panel of experienced biotech leaders from across Africa and the diaspora. Join us as we delve into the intersections of biotechnology, leadership, and the unique opportunities and challenges within the African biotech landscape. Our esteemed panelists, Dr. Omar Sakr, Mrs. Delali Attipoe, and Dr. Davidson Ateh, bring diverse perspectives from Cairo, Egypt; Mauritius; and Washington, D.C. We explore their journeys, key turning points in their careers, and how they overcame significant challenges in the biotech...
2024-05-1457 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsDialogue with African Biotech Leaders: Unleashing the Potential of African BiotechWelcome to a special retrospective episode of our digital networking platform, the Dialogue with African Biotech Leaders, dedicated to engaging and empowering members of the African biotech community. This platform aims to connect, engage, and exchange ideas, transcending geographical boundaries to fully unleash the potential of the African biotech industry. Join us as we reflect on the insights shared by our esteemed guests: Dr. Siya Ntutela, Non-Executive Director of Africa Bio, and Dr. Laud Bassing, founder and CEO of Incas Diagnostics. Dr. Ntutela provided a comprehensive overview of the biotech landscape in Africa, h...
2024-05-1456 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsNewform Foods: Innovating Africa's Food Industry with Cultivated Animal ProductsIn this enlightening episode of the Africa Biotech Conversations Podcast, Siso Mbanxa, a research scientist at Newform Foods, delves into the intriguing world of biotechnology in the food industry, focusing on cultivated meat. Her journey from academic research in biotech, particularly in cellular biology and tissue culture, to a role in the industry is explored. The episode highlights the technological advancements and challenges in producing sustainable and efficient food systems, with a focus on cultivated meat's role in enhancing food security in Africa. Siso's insightful discussion illuminates the potential of biotech to revolutionize...
2024-01-3154 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsUNISA: Entrepreneurial Initiatives and SupportDive into UNISA's efforts to integrate entrepreneurial skills among its students. Spotlight on the tech transfer office and its role in encouraging new ventures. 🎙 Guests: Mr. Sibusiso Malindisa: A decorated PhD candidate, lecturer, and biotech enthusiast with ambitions of establishing a biotech startup. Mr. Basanda Pongoma: The bridge between business and academia, representing UNISA's directorate of innovation, technology transfer, and commercialization. 🎙 Discussion Highlights: From Academia to Entrepreneurship: Sibusiso's journey and the influence of his background. The value of the scientific method in entrep...
2023-10-1541 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsAxaitech: Africa's Edge in Harnessing Challenges as Catalysts for Global Biotech InnovationAfrica stands at a unique intersection, characterised by its challenges, which simultaneously present opportunities for innovation, especially in the biotech sector. From energy to food security and healthcare, the continent's obstacles can be its biggest assets, positioning it as a key player in developing solutions that not only serve local needs but have the potential to revolutionise global industries. Listen in to explore how, by building from within, Africa's innovations can seamlessly scale and integrate into global solutions. Eugene Duvenage, CEO of Axaitech opens up about his transformative journey of bringing scientific innovation...
2023-08-2439 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsONE BIO: Building a Thriving Biotech Ecosystem in Africa In this episode of the Africa Biotech Conversations podcast, our host Dr Adrienne Leussa engages in a captivating discussion with Gian-Marco Melfi, a partner at One Bio Venture Studio. One Bio is a venture capital fund that focuses on investing in local biotech startups in Africa. Marco, a biomedical scientist with a background in biochemistry and biomedical sciences, shares his fascinating journey from research to startups and now investing and funding early-stage biotech companies. Marco discusses his experience at Cambridge University, where he supported biotech startups and spinouts through the Milner Therapeutics Institute. He highlights the...
2023-07-2642 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsNii Simmonds: Africa's Diaspora as a Force Multiplier for the Biotech Sector In this episode of Africa Biotech Conversations, host Adrienne Leussa welcomes Nii Simmonds, a non-resident fellow for the Atlantic Council and the Center for Global Development, based in Washington, DC. With a diverse background in pharmaceuticals, life sciences, consulting, and international development, Nii Simmonds emphasises the importance of supporting Africa's development and passing on skills to future African leaders. The discussion begins by exploring trends and opportunities for investors and biotech entrepreneurs in Africa, considering the challenges in the financial landscape. Nii Simmonds highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in healthcare systems and supply cha...
2023-06-251h 02
Business Of BiotechThe Face Of African Biotech with Adrienne Leussa, Ph.D.We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message. Dr. Adrienne Leussa is one of my favorite follows. If the booming biotech scene on an incredibly diverse continent of 1.2 billion people interests you, she should be one of your faves, too. Dr. Leussa's intellect, energy, and glowing spirit contribute to her ambassadorship of the African biotech scene. She's an entrepreneur, a visionary, a communicator, and a tireless advocate for African biotech opportunity. On today's epsiode of the Business of Biotech, we share a lot of laughs as we learn how Adrienne's entrepreneurial beginnings selling nuts...
2023-06-121h 04
Africa Biotech ConversationsAfrica Bio: Championing the Use of Biotechnology for Health and Food Security in AfricaIn this episode of Africa Biotech Conversations, host Adrienne Leussa (PhD) interviews Dr. Nhlanhla Msomi, the president and chairman of Africa Bio, a nonprofit association advocating for biotechnology in Africa. Dr. Msomi shares his extensive experience and insights into the biotech sector and the objectives of Africa Bio. The conversation delves into Africa Bio's mission to defend and promote evidence-driven policies for biotechnology adoption, particularly in agriculture and healthcare. Dr. Msomi mentioned the need to address misconceptions surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the lack of availability of biosimilars in Africa's healthcare industry as some of the...
2023-05-2449 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsLegendary Foods: Sustainable Nutrition SolutionsIn this podcast, host Adrienne Leussa speaks with Shobhita Soor from Ghana to learn about her journey as a biotech entrepreneur and sustainable nutrition solutions. Shobhita is the founder of two startups, Aspire Food Group and Legendary Foods. The mission of Legendary Foods is to deliver the nutrition of meat at the price point and the sustainability of plants. Insects are consumed by a third of the world's population and they are an underutilised resource to provide high-quality nutrition. Tune in to learn more about Shobhita's journey as a biotech entrepreneur and her...
2023-05-0135 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsOlink: Revolutionising Disease Research in Africa In this episode of the Africa Biotech Conversation podcast, host Adrienne Leussa speaks with Cindy Lawley, Sr Director, Global Population Health of the Proteomics Company, Olink. Cindy shares insights on her background, the technology of Olink, and its potential impact on understanding genetic risks of diseases. In this episode, we learn of the first deployment of Olink's technology on the African continent at the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) in Cape Town, South Africa. Cindy joined Olink in 2020 soon after the launch of the Explore Platform that leverages Next Generation Sequ...
2023-03-311h 06
Africa Biotech ConversationsUtopic Ventures: Building Biotech Startups Like a Silicon Valley Tech Company In this episode of the Africa Biotech Conversation podcast, host Adrienne Leussa speaks with Neil Thanedar, the founder of labdoor.com and Utopic Ventures. Neil shares his inspiring story of building a biotech startup like a Silicon Valley tech company, including the creation of Labdoor.com, which tests vitamins and supplements that the FDA doesn't test and offers free transparency on product purity and accuracy. Through Labdoor.com, Neil raised over $7 million in seed and Series A funding and built a platform for independent testing. Neil also discusses Utopic Ventures, a fund they started to fi...
2023-03-2029 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsValley DAO: where blockchain, synthetic biology and community shape sustainability and the climateDiscover the cutting-edge world of Valley DAO - the decentralised autonomous organisation that's shaking up venture capital. In this episode, we explore how Valley DAO is using blockchain technology and community-driven decision-making to invest in the future of biotech startups. Join the co-founders, Albert Anis and Morgan Richards, as we uncover the fascinating story behind this innovative approach to funding and supporting early-stage companies. We share information on how to become a member of Valley DAO.
2023-03-1254 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsSynBio Africa: Sustainable biosynthetic technologies for Africa Welcome to the latest episode of our Africa biotech conversations podcast, where we explore the latest innovations and trends in the biotechnology industry on the African continent and beyond. In today's episode, we'll be diving into the rapidly growing SynBio Africa community and how it is advancing the field of synthetic biology on the continent. Synthetic biology combines biology, engineering, and computer science to design and build new biological systems with specific functions. Our guest today is Ian Peter Busuulwa, an expert in the field of synthetic biology, acting as science policy and comm...
2023-03-0753 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsThe future will be shaped by the convergence of life science and computing technologies2 to 4 trillion USD in 2030-40...is the potential direct annual global impact of an estimated pipeline of 400 currently scientifically achievable use cases of the Bio Revolution, according to a 2020 report by McKinsey & Company. This is going to be as a result of up to 60 percent of the physical inputs to the global economy being produced biologically—with nonbiological materials like plastics or fuels potentially being produced or substituted using biology. Biology will become the ultimate distributed, manufacturing platform. Bio-based industries will exchange expensive, complicated industrial chemical syntheses that use high temperatures, high pressures and toxic ca...
2023-02-0537 min
Africa Biotech Conversationsgeorge james Ltd: executive recruitment capability targeted at SMEsIn this first episode of the Africa biotech conversations podcast for 2023, I spoke with Jayne McLaughlin, a director at george james Ltd, a company founded in 1999 to provide successful recruitment and training services to the technology and science sector. Jayne and I talked about: Jayne's journey from research through commercial to recruiting supporting the growth of the Life sciences industry across Europe Huge diversity of jobs available to people with a scientific background Taking responsibility for your career and broadening your skillset How biotech startups can benefit from the 3 branches of business of george james Ltd: r...
2023-01-1942 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsIncas Diagnostics: local manufacturing of low-cost diagnostic products in GhanaIn this episode of the Africa biotech conversations podcast, I spoke with Laud Anthony Basing, the Founder and CEO of Incas diagnostics, a biotech company in Ghana, which develops and manufactures lateral flow and molecular Point-of-Care tests specifically for the African Market. In our inspiring and insightful conversation we covered the following points: How his upbringing contributed to his entrepreneurial skills and curiosity The transition of Diagnostics from a medical laboratory to a Biotech manufacturing company Taking a bet on himself and an unusual strategy to gain required skills in the USA The importance of starting...
2022-12-211h 00
Africa Biotech ConversationsBiotech innovation commercialization at Universities in South AfricaIn this episode I spoke to Saberi Marais, an Innovation Commercialization Manager for the University of Cape Town in South Africa; part of Research Contracts and Innovations. He commercializes the University's research outputs to realize their intended impact in society and return on capital. Saberi has extensive experience in deep technology invention valorization, project and business fund raising, deal structuring, investment funds management through the different stages of technology development and Venture Capital. He is experienced in a variety of industry sectors; including inventions in healthcare, medical devices, human and animal vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics...
2022-11-131h 01
Africa Biotech ConversationsIraka Biotech: a vaccine and surveillance diagnostic production company in Africa"Who's crazy enough to start a vaccine production company, a surveillance diagnostic production company in Africa?" Dr Cornelius Cano Ssemakalu, one of the co-inventors and CSO at Iraka Biotech. Iraka Biotech is a South African-based start-up company that localises the creation, enhancement, and equitable sharing of life science solutions. Iraka Biotech was founded by Ms Blanche Lee Shong (CEO) and Dr Cornelius Cano Ssemakalu to address the lack of adequate and timely access to quality one health solutions, especially in Africa. Their vision is to improve health by making premium one health solutions reliably and...
2022-10-2338 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsMariHealth Solutions - Aquaculture biotech solutions for a sustainable futureThis has been one of my favorite episodes of the Africa Biotech Conversations podcast because it is about 2 of my favorite topics women and biotech business. In honor of August being women's month in South Africa, I interviewed Dr Sarah Carroll who is CEO and co-founder of MariHealth Solutions, a spin-off company of the University of Cape town, in South Africa. MariHealth Solutions was co-founded with her ex-PhD supervisor, Vernon Coyne to make real-world use of research that was being done at the academic institution. Sarah is passionate about climate change activism and finding innovative ways to...
2022-08-2932 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsRaman Sehgal, Author of "The Floundering Founder" on Marketing Considerations for Biotech CompaniesIn this episode, I spoke with Raman Sehgal, serial entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Ramarketing, a marketing agency, which is headquartered in the UK, Northeast with a presence in Boston, Massachusetts. It is now a multimillion dollar, recently private equity backed international digital design and content marketing agency with over 60 employees and growing. They support clients in the life science space across the world to raise their profile and generate leads. Raman is also an international bestselling author of the book, The Floundering Founder. He's a keynote speaker, a blogger as well as a member of Forbes...
2022-08-0935 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsBiotikum: A university spin-out African company specializing in microbial production for agricultureIn this episode I spoke with Dr Deon Neveling, the co-founder and CEO of Biotikum Ltd, which is a spin-off company of the Stellenbosch university in South Africa, that researches, develops and produces microbial additives for the agricultural industry to promote sustainable farming. During his studies, Deon developed a multistrain probiotic for chicken which they realized could be commercialized because the chicken industry is very well known for the unsustainable use of antibiotics as a preventative measure to fight pathogens. They observed there was a gap in the market for an African company capable of manufacturing microbial...
2022-07-0524 min
Molecule to Market: Inside the outsourcing spaceAfrica’s biotech butterflyIn this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Adrienne Leussa, Director of Ecosystem Partnerships at 54gene.Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Adrienne, covering:
How the reality of the health challenges living in Africa as a child drove Adrienne into the drug discovery space.
A rich insight into the only remaining high growth market globally for pharma companies.
Learn about the main cities driving drug development growth within Africa and the prospect for more localised manufacturing.
Life working for on...
2022-06-2743 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsMzansi Meat Co. - Pioneering cultivated meat to impact food security and sustainability in AfricaGet to know the story behind the company Mzansi Meat Co. and its remarkable CFO Tasneem Karodia who combines a love for flying airplanes, rock climbing, and changing the world by changing our food systems. A bachelor of business science in management studies, majoring in accounting and finance from the university of Cape town, South Africa, a chartered accountant qualification, a postgraduate degree in accounting, and working at Bain and company, a global management consulting firm have equipped Tasneem to excel in her role at the biotech start-up. She shares with us how following her...
2022-05-2424 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsSmart biotech - developing antigens and antibodies for animal health vaccines and diagnosticsSmart biotech is a biotech startup in South Africa involved in the development of antigens and antibodies used in animal health vaccines and diagnostics as well as the commercialization of scientifically tested herbal products. The aim is to provide much more effective diagnostic and vaccine products that are specific to the strain of diseases in Africa. Dr Sibongile Gumbi, founder and CEO of Smart Biotech saw that it was important for Africa to build the capacity and the capability of manufacturing some of the technology needed to address the animal and human health diseases that are prevalent...
2022-04-2526 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsBioCiTi LABS- Africa's first open access biotech labSetting up a biotech lab is very costly and can be the bottleneck to start something new especially in LMICs in Africa. BioCiTi is taking that off the hands of prospective biotech entrepreneurs to make sure that businesses can transition the so-called chasms of product development and the business cycle. I interviewed Anesu Conrad Moyo (PhD.), Laboratory Manager at BioCiTi Laboratory, and Dheepak Maharajh, BioCiTi executive cluster head on this episode of the Africa Biotech Conversations podcast. From a joint desire to create a biotech future for South Africa, ONEBIO (a previous guest on the...
2022-03-2837 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsAzargen Biotechnologies- How to succeed as a biotech entrepreneur without incubators, accelerators or an MBA degree!How do you go from a full-time academic researcher and lecturer to the CEO of a biotech company in Africa? Dr Mauritz Venter found a way of combining his passion and curiosity for both science and business by co-founding a biotech company, Azargen biotechnologies, following a successful career as an academic lecturer and researcher. His exposure to business magazines from his father who worked in the corporate sector and an internship in a business consultancy after a course for bioentrepreneurs by the then Cape biotech hub allowed him to pursue this entrepreneurial journey. He recounts how they...
2022-03-0726 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsFounders Factory Africa: Building and Scaling Startups in AfricaIn this episode, I spoke with Sona Mahendra who is the Associate Program Manager at Founders Factory Africa where she helps manage the Build and Scale programs. Her passion sits at the intersection of business and biology, and she is immensely excited by the growing biotechnology industry in Africa. FFA acts as investor, venture builder and an accelerator. They create concepts in-house, design and launch companies. FFA was launched in 2018 and is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. In the build programs they co-create concepts with founders, offering a lot of support while in the scale programs they act as an...
2022-02-1636 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsHutano Diagnostics Ltd.: Using aptamers instead of antibodies as core ingredient in lateral flow devicesIn this episode, I spoke to Atherton Mutombwera, CEO and founder of Hutano diagnostics Ltd about his journey from Zimbabwe, through a BPharm degree and a MSc in Nanomedicine in South Africa, to an MBA at the University of Oxford, UK. He told stories about how he was inspired by a sick parent and his desire to get out of the shadow of a sibling combined with his curiosity and ability to collaborate with others, to how his MSc research project formed the basis of his company. The company aims to develop a modular configurable platform using aptamers in...
2022-01-3133 min
The Vulnerable Scientist35 | The story of Dr. Adrienne Leussa | From academia to salesAdrienne Leussa talks about moving from academia after a PhD and a Post-doc to Sales. She supports scientists and technicians using Biotechnology like PCR, NGS, CRISPR/Cas, other Gene editing and molecular biology techniques in Africa.Adrienne Leussa's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-...This is Science Media Africa and Planet Wizard Africa production where Adrienne Leussa talks about his journey in science.The whole idea of this project (The scientist's path) is:Give the general audience insight into what it takes to be a scientist, the Type...
2022-01-211h 31
The Vulnerable Scientist35 | The story of Dr. Adrienne Leussa | From academia to salesAdrienne Leussa talks about moving from academia after a PhD and a Post-doc to Sales. She supports scientists and technicians using Biotechnology like PCR, NGS, CRISPR/Cas, other Gene editing and molecular biology techniques in Africa.Adrienne Leussa's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-...This is Science Media Africa and Planet Wizard Africa production where Adrienne Leussa talks about his journey in science.The whole idea of this project (The scientist's path) is:Give the general audience insight into what it takes to be a scientist, the Type...
2022-01-211h 31
Africa Biotech ConversationsAOM Group- leveraging the dynamism of African youth for innovative healthcare solutionsIn the first episode of the ABC podcast for 2022, I spoke with the co-founders of the AOM group Brett Lyndall Singh and Clarisse Manishimwe, as well as David Songotu, the Administrating Manager of AOM Group's Internship program. We discuss how AOM Group aims to resuscitate African healthcare innovation and create SDG youth employment by transforming life science on the continent through research & development.
2022-01-1942 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsUsing fermentation technology for large scale production of mushroom-derived ingredientsPower couple Busi and Neo Moloi of Sawubona mycelium, a biotech startup in Centurion, South Africa, spoke with me on: How they make their relationship work as husband and wife as well as CBO and CEO respectively Capitalizing on their knowledge of mushrooms and experience with fermentation technology to make natural products at large scale, low cost, and sustainably such as beta glucans useful in the cosmetic, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. Opportunities to leverage the gap in the supply chain caused by the Covid-19 pandemic Collaboration with state-owned research platforms like the CSIR and TIA (technology innovation agency...
2021-12-0730 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsFailing towards a successful global company - Resyn biosciencesWhat is possible from a failed experiment? A biotech company, Resyn biosciences! In the 5th episode of the Africa biotech conversations podcast, I spoke with Stoyan Stoychev about proteomics and the Resyn biosciences story. The polymer technology behind the products was a result of a failed biocatalysis experiment. The curiosity to explore what could be done with the novel polymer and support from the CSIR with funding, work space, researchers etc. led to a spin out of the company from the CSIR. We discussed among others: strategic creation of a successful proteomic portfolio of...
2021-11-2432 min
Life Science Marketing RadioWhat's Happening in African Biotech?Adrienne Leussa is the host of Africa Biotech Conversations. We chatted about podcasting and what's happening in the African biotech community. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cclifescience.substack.com
2021-11-2333 mincc: Life Science PodcastWhat's Happening in African Biotech?Adrienne Leussa is the host of Africa Biotech Conversations. We chatted about podcasting and what's happening in the African biotech community. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cclifescience.substack.com
2021-11-2333 min
Life Science Marketing RadioWhat's Happening in African Biotech?Adrienne Leussa is the host of Africa Biotech Conversations. We chatted about podcasting and what's happening in the African biotech community.
2021-11-2300 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsAfrica's only venture studio focusing on biotechnology startupsONEBIO provides life science startups with funding, business support, lab facilities and office space; access to networks; mentorship; and connections to resources, international markets and large corporate partners, both in Africa and internationally. ONEBIO is led by Michael Fichardt and Nick Walker. Michael is an entrepreneur, technologist and investor, with experience working in banking, private equity, business consulting, technology startups and venture investing. Michael holds an MBA, a Bachelor of Commerce, post graduate diploma in Sustainability. Nick is a scientist, entrepreneur and venture builder. He worked in business development and venture building at Ne...
2021-11-0932 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsAfrobodies: Revolutionary nanobodiesHave you experienced delays in receiving reagents for your research? How did that make you feel? In Africa, it is almost a guaranteed experience. For at least one person, Dr Peter Durcan, that was enough impetus to start his biotech company Afrobodies. A great twist to the story is that his wife Benedicta Mahlangu is the CEO! Listen to this episode of the ABCs podcast with Adrienne to learn more about their origin story; why their products, nanobodies, are revolutionary; their latest innovation in relation to COVID-19 treatment; and Peter's take on skills required to b...
2021-10-2625 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsDe Novo Dairy: What do you know about precision fermentation?In this episode of the ABCs podcast with Adrienne I talked with two of the co-founders of the startup De Novo Dairy based in Cape town, South Africa. They are out to revolutionize the dairy industry by producing nature identical dairy proteins using specially engineered yeast. The foundation of their company is a combination of friendship, lifestyle choices and how to find/scale sustainable alternatives that alleviate the pressure on agriculture. We spoke about: the story behind De Novo Dairy considerations on building an efficient team skills required in bioentrepreneurship unique challenges in starting a biotech...
2021-10-1121 min
Africa Biotech ConversationsHow can podcasting help strengthen the African biotech ecosystem?"If you're curious about what goes on in biotech across the African continent, I have good news for you. Adrienne Leussa has started a podcast to give us all a look into that community. I have no doubt that this will be good. Adrienne interviewed me about podcasting and its potential to build a community while providing insights. I asked her a few questions too. What's exciting in the African biotech space right now? Are there particular areas of interest? ... And more. Give this a listen and share it with someone who will be interested."...
2021-09-2828 min