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LaunchLab CERIBIO - Biotech Incubator in Stellenbosch
LAUNCHLAB CERI BIO
Creating a biotechnology incubator and accelerator in Africa
text: CERI and LaunchLab photo: CERI Media
On 22 May, we at the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), together with the LaunchLab, officially launched LaunchLab CERIBIO; a new biotechnology laboratory aimed at supporting biotech startups in South Africa. The occasion also marked a major milestone for LaunchLab, which is proudly celebrating 10 years of empowering innovators and entrepreneurs.
LaunchLab CERIBIO is an extension of the support already provided to entrepreneurs by Stellenbosch University’s business incubator, the LaunchLab. The facility is positioned to help accelerate Africa’s biotechnology sector by turning research into real-world applications. It offers entrepreneurs access to high-quality lab infrastructure and tailored incubation support to commercialise their research.
Biotechnology is uniquely positioned to address pressing African health, food security, and sustainable energy challenges. Of Stellenbosch
University’s current 35 spinout companies, ten are in the biotechnology space. Innovus Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and LaunchLab have successfully incubated five biotech spinouts; Fluorobiotech, Biocode, Phagoflux, Urobo Biotech and Immobazyme. Two key challenges became evident during their incubation: the high costs of materials and the lack of dedicated laboratory infrastructure.
Unlike traditional academic or government-run labs, LaunchLab CERIBIO is designed to overcome these hurdles by providing costeffective, top-tier lab space, cuttingedge equipment, and specialised business support. It’s a strategic investment to grow Africa’s deep tech ecosystem and attract more biotech investment.
“We have an incredible foundation for research at Stellenbosch University and in South Africa, in general. However, we lack biotech laboratory incubators that can convert our world-class science into products,” comments Prof. Tulio de Oliveira, Director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI).
Prof. de Oliveira adds: “During the pandemic, we led the world in the discovery of variants and clinical trials, but we were at the back of the queue to access diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. That is one of the reasons why we are investing in LaunchLab CERIBIO, to position South Africa as a global leader in the production of biotechnology products that save lives and advance livelihoods.”
The commercialisation of deep technologies like biotech holds high impact potential in Africa. But unlike software or fintech, which offer faster returns, deep tech ventures require long-term infrastructure and investment. LaunchLab CERIBIO is a deliberate intervention to shift this dynamic.
Anita Nel, Chief Director of Innovation & Commercialisation (I&C) at SU, founded the original LaunchLab in 2015 and led the establishment of LaunchLab CERIBIO with the vision of fostering collaboration between startups, academia, and industry.
“The LaunchLab CERIBIO coupled with the LaunchLab business incubator facility is the start of what we hope will foster more collaboration in our ecosystem. SU LaunchLab will continue hosting various ecosystem events and programmes in collaboration with Stellenbosch Network and Innovus TTO. These activities are always driving local investor support, and the LaunchLab CERIBIO adds some depth to this community by attracting local and global investors, and stakeholders who are keen to collaborate,” states Nel.
As a key project partner, SU spinout Fluorobiotech led the facility’s renovation, design, and implementation. The Fluorobiotech team will also operate the space under a Service Level Agreement with SU’s I&C Division. Fellow biotech spinouts Biocode and Phagoflux will co-share the lab.
“Biotech is experiencing a surge in South Africa, and LaunchLab CERIBIO is uniquely positioned to accelerate this momentum – empowering biotech startups to transform innovative concepts into impactful, industry-changing realities,” says Dr. Ross the Fluorobiotech team.
Though this new facility marks a significant leap forward, it has limited capacity. The I&C Division is already looking ahead and aims to raise funds for a larger biotech hub. The long-term vision is to scale this model at The Bridge, a smart city development near Stellenbosch, and find collaborative partners to help realise that goal.
In a final comment, Prof. de Oliveira declares, “this is just the beginning, we are already engaged with large funders and investors such as the Mastercard Foundation to help us expand the ecosystem.”
LaunchLab CERIBIO is not only a celebration of a decade of innovation at the LaunchLab; it’s also a bold signal of what’s to come for South African biotech: a future built on world-class research, entrepreneurial ambition, and collaborative infrastructure.
Watch the video of the launch of CERI BIO: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=4OjNfD_iqhQ
