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“Ideas to Impact” Biotechnology Incubation & Acceleration Programme

Join our upcoming cohort in Kigali, Rwanda
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Registration for this programme closes in June 2025

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About the programme

The UVU Bio Ideas to Impact Biotech Incubation & Acceleration Programme is designed to fast-track high-potential, registered biotech startups from idea or prototype stage to market readiness. This hands-on programme provides tailored support to help entrepreneurs overcome critical business, technical, and strategic challenges, enabling them to scale innovative biotech products and services.

Our mission is to catalyse Africa’s next generation of biotech ventures by offering structured, taiolored support across the commercialization journey from Technology Readiness Level 2 or 3(TRL 2 or TRL 3) and above (i.e. proof of concept or prototype) to market entry and investment readiness.

  • TRL 2 (Technology Readiness Level 2): The technology concept or application is formulated, and basic principles are being explored. There may be some initial research or ideas, but no experimental proof yet.
  • TRL 3 (Technology Readiness Level 3): Active research and development have begun, including lab-based studies to validate that the concept works in principle. Early proof-of-concept has been demonstrated.
Learning Outcomes
Understand how to position their biotech company for growth and investment
Have a clear roadmap to bring their product/service to market
Strengthen their pitch, financial strategy, and operational approach
Identify and address key gaps in their venture's business and technical readiness
Be connected to a network of mentors, funders, and innovation partners
Affordable access to Rwanda Biotech Hub, Kigali’s shared lab infrastructure to further product development
Programme Start Date : 07/07/2025

Key Focus Areas

Biotech Incubation & Acceleration Programme is committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive range of biotechnology innovations that are relevant, scalable, and impactful across the African continent and beyond.

Eligibility Criteria

  • A biotech-related company (eg. health, agriculture, environmental, industrial biotech, indigenous knowledge, cannabis products, cosmeceuticals, pharmaceuticals, health tech including AI)
  • Be working on a product or service at TRL 2/3 or above
  • Submit the following:
    • Complete application form
    • Concise 2-minute pitch video on product/service offered by your company
    • CVs of founders

Commitment and Availability Conditions

  • Being able to being a part of the programme full-time 
  • Able to commit to the full training
  • Be available to start from July 2025

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand how to position their biotech company for growth and investment
  • Have a clear roadmap to bring their product/service to market
  • Strengthen their pitch, financial strategy, and operational approach
  • Identify and address key gaps in their venture's business and technical readiness
  • Be connected to a network of mentors, funders, and innovation partners
  • Affordable access to Cape Town’s shared lab infrastructure to further product development 

Programme details

Key Topics Covered
  • Business model refinement and market validation
  • Regulatory pathways and product development planning
  • Go-to-market strategies and commercialisation roadmaps
  • Technical feasibility and TRL advancement
  • Strategy for building a team and scaling up
  • Financial modelling and investor engagement
  • IP protection and technology transfer
  • Team leadership and operational strategy
  • Marketing and branding (digital)
  • Accessing funding and strategic partnerships
Key Focus Areas
  • Indigenous Knowledge-Based Biotech: Supporting the transformation of traditional knowledge into validated, market-ready biotech products.
  • Health Biotechnology: Advancing diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, and biologics tailored for African healthcare needs.
  • Pharmaceuticals & Cosmeceuticals: Developing evidence-based medical and cosmetic products, including those from natural or indigenous ingredients.
  • Agri-Biotech: Enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability through biotech solutions for food security and resilience.
  • Industrial Biotechnology: Promoting bio-based industrial processes and circular economy innovations for sustainable development.
  • HealthTech & AI in Biotech: Integrating digital tools and AI to improve biotech innovation, diagnostics, and healthcare delivery.
  • Other biotechnology-related products and services
Key Benefits
  • Strategic and continuous specialised mentorship based on needs of company 
  • Investor readiness and pitch training 
  • Support with funding and grant applications 
  • Access to affordable laboratory and office infrastructure (Cape Town) 
  • Networking with peers, funders, and biotech industry experts 
  • Access to innovation competitions 

From participants of other UVU Accelerate Programmes

I've learnt and unlearnt a lot from the programme. I belive that if I went to market before coming on the course, I would have missed the vision!

- Yonela Mneno, Founder of Ndiyazazi

"My biggest takeaway was learning that I needed to focus not just on sales, but my client's perception of my brand"

- Wilma Petersen, Founder of True Kroes

"Everything I have learnt has been valuable in elevating my small business"

- Lucinda Ramsay, Founder of 2020 V

Frequently Asked Questions

UVU Bio’s Business Incubation Programme is designed to support biotech entrepreneurs and startups in taking their innovative ideas to market. It offers tailored mentorship, technical advice, and access to a network of business and industry experts. The programme focuses on empowering startups to refine their products and business models to become investor-ready or market-ready.

  • Indigenous Knowledge-Based Biotech: Supporting the transformation of traditional knowledge into validated, market-ready biotech products.
  • Health Biotechnology: Advancing diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, and biologics tailored for African healthcare needs.
  • Pharmaceuticals & Cosmeceuticals: Developing evidence-based medical and cosmetic products, including those from natural or indigenous ingredients.
  • Agri-Biotech: Enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability through biotech solutions for food security and resilience.
  • Industrial Biotechnology: Promoting bio-based industrial processes and circular economy innovations for sustainable development.
  • HealthTech & AI in Biotech: Integrating digital tools and AI to improve biotech innovation, diagnostics, and healthcare delivery.
  • Other biotechnology-related products and services

No. UVU Bio does not take any equity or intellectual property (IP) from startups participating in the programme. Your ideas and IP remain fully yours.

  • Tailored Mentorship & Technical Support: Hands-on guidance from business and technical experts.
  • Innovation-to-Market Support: Tools and advice to become investor-ready or market-ready. 
  • Access to Extensive Networks: Experts in areas like business acumen, financial management, digital marketing, branding, intellectual property, HR, legal compliance, and regulatory affairs. 
  • State-of-the-Art Lab Facilities: For Kigali-based startups, we provide cutting-edge lab facilities for research and product development

No. While our physical facilities are located in Kigali, the programme is open to biotech startups across Africa. We provide remote mentorship and business support to ensure accessibility for all entrepreneurs.

  • Indigenous Knowledge-Based Biotech
  • Health Biotechnology
  • Pharmaceuticals & Cosmeceuticals
  • Agri-Biotech
  • Industrial Biotechnology
  • HealthTech & AI in Biotech
  • Other biotechnology-related products and services

The incubation programme is tailored to meet the needs of startups and provides ongoing support over a set period, depending on the specific growth milestones and development needs of the business.

Spots are limited, so we encourage startups to apply as soon as possible. Applications will remain open until all spots are filled.

  • Complete application form
  • Concise 2-minute pitch video on product/service offered by your company
  • CVs of founders
  • Proof of company registration (CIPC certificate)
  • Any additional documents demonstrating revenue generation or team size (optional) 

To apply, complete the online application form by clicking apply. If you have questions or need further assistance, please email vedantha@uvubio.com.

No, there are no costs associated with participating in the UVU Bio Business Incubation Programme.

Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed by our team. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further discussions or interviews as part of the selection process.

  • Gain access to tailored mentorship and technical guidance for innovation support. 
  • Refine their business model and products for market entry. 
  • Connect with a network of industry experts and mentors. 
  • Access cutting-edge laboratory facilities (for Cape Town-based startups). 
  • Prepare to attract investors and scale their businesses. 

Applications are open now and will close once all spots are filled. Early applications are encouraged due to limited availability.

For any questions or additional details, please contact vedantha@uvubio.com.

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Fiona Tabraham

Fiona Tabraham is a strategic workforce development expert with a career founded on a resolute commitment to inclusivity, talent nurturing, and societal impact. Chief Executive of CAPACITI Digital Career Accelerator, Fiona’s passion for equity has charted pathways across numerous organisations, guiding bespoke Talent Initiatives, Future Leadership Development Programs, and transformative Career Pathway Development. Her tenure at Network Rail bore inclusive talent strategies, STEM advocacy, and innovative Graduate, Apprentice, and Internship initiatives. A trusted partner to a number of governmental, corporate and impact driven entities, Fiona empowers individuals and organisations, fostering diverse recruitment practices and innovative talent strategies. Fiona’s impact transcends the tech sector, positioning her as a leading voice for inclusive digital career initiatives.