Eduvos and Partners Host Inaugural Bio Centrifuge Africa Competition.

Post by Eduvos, July 22, 2024.

On Wednesday, 17 July, we kicked off the final round of pitches for the inaugural Bio Centrifuge Africa competition in partnership with Task and supported by Wesgro. Hosted at UVU Africa, the event saw innovative ideas to transform the Bio Health space in South Africa and beyond, particularly in the student category.  

The Bio Centrifuge Africa competition was launched this year to spotlight South African talent and place them on a global stage in the biotech industry, hosting a category for industry entries to pitch their innovations and for students to pitch their innovative ideas. Together with the Western Cape biotech hub region, we forged a partnership with the BioHealth Capital Region in the U.S. As part of this collaboration, the winner from the industry category will compete at the prestigious Crab Trap competition, scheduled for September 18, 2024, in Rockville, Maryland, while the winner from the student category will attend the competition and connect with and learn from seasoned professionals. 

At Eduvos, we remain committed to empowering the next generation of scientists, bioentrepreneurs, and innovators, and connecting them with industry leaders. As part of the student category, the event was open to all public and private higher education students across South Africa at third-year and postgraduate levels.  

“At Eduvos, we consistently push the boundaries of biotech research in South Africa,” says Dr Riaan Steenberg, Executive Director at Eduvos. “The Bio Centrifuge Africa competition is a testament to our efforts in providing students an opportunity to learn from industry partners and places them on a global stage in biotech.” 

“Eduvos Applied Science focuses on medical science and biotechnology including environmental, plant, medical and industrial biotechnology.  This competition showcased the breadth and depth of scientific innovation in our beautiful country, bringing together students from public and private institutes, fittingly on the eve of Mandela Day.”, says Dr Siva Danaviah, Applied Science Head of Programme. 

Following an insightful round of pitches in the student category, one student’s innovations stood out to an expert judging panel. The finalists were: 

• Dr Carla Eksteen, Stellenbosch University (WINNER) 

Carla’s pitch focused on a scoring system to inform cancer treatment for patients. 

• Boikanyo Molefe, Eduvos 

Boikanyo’s pitch focused on an algae water filtration system. 

• Mpendulo Thembe, Eduvos 

Mpendulo’s pitch focused on enhancing power production through bio-panels. 

• Nomusa Khambule, Wits University 

Nomusa’s pitch focused on a non-invasive paediatric TB molecular diagnostics solution. 

• Tumelo Ramalili, Wits University 

Tumelo’s pitch focused on producing plant-based cannabinoids. 

Dr Carla Eksteen’s innovation won her an all-expenses paid trip to Maryland where she will connect with industry leaders during the Crab Trap 2024 competition. Dr Eskteen’s pitch is a scoring system based on the infiltration of immune cells within an individual patient's tumour, which can predict whether cancer patients will respond to treatment. 

“As part of the cancer research group, we collaborate closely with oncologists to ensure our work remains clinically relevant and addresses the needs of both oncologists and cancer patients,” says Dr Eksteen. “My passion for cancer research began during my honours year, driven by the impact cancer has on countless families, including my own. Winning the Bio Centrifuge Africa competition means I can be exposed to potential investors and industry partners, receive insights into pitching and project marketing, and raise awareness regarding the need for improved cancer treatment strategies for cancer patients.” 

As the winner of the Bio Centrifuge Africa competition – Student Category, Dr Eskteen will now prepare to attend the Crab Trap competition in the U.S. Her prize includes: 

• A 3-day trip to the BioHealth Crab Trap competition in Maryland, USA in September 2024 

• All travel expenses will be paid including return flights, visas, and accommodation, sponsored by Eduvos 

• 3-6 months complimentary access to UVUBio labs  

• Inclusion into the UVUBio incubation programme   

“As a judge, I would like to commend the four remaining participants for their innovative ideas towards solving some of the most pressing medical, environmental and sustainability challenges currently facing our world,” says Dr Siva.  “I encourage them to keep dreaming, keep reimagining and keep visualising how science can transform our world.” 

As an institution committed to empowering young minds, we are incredibly proud of all the students who believed in themselves and pitched their ideas. We look forward to hearing from the aspiring bioentrepreneurs of tomorrow in our next Bio Centrifuge Africa Competition. Watch this space for updates on the exciting Bio Centrifuge Africa 2025!  

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