Gauteng
South Africa
Sector
Biotechnology
Biotechnology has been growing in popularity in South Africa over the last few years, with private investments and partnerships cropping up over the entire country.
The sector was adopted by the government as a priority for fostering growth and development in South Africa back in 2001, when the government announced its National Biotechnology Strategy.
Former President Thabo Mbeki said: “We recognise the fact that competitiveness is driven by technological advances and innovation. In recognition of this, investment in research and development is one of the focal points of our integrated plan aimed at attaining a cutting edge in key areas such as biotechnology.”
Since then the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has worked tirelessly to promote biotechnology throughout the country by establishing centres around the country. These are known as Biotechnology Regional Innovation Centres (BRICS)
The BRICs comprise of anchor investors, an incubator, a technology platform and a research programme.
Investors keen on developments in biotechnology should consider Gauteng as a means of furthering their interest, as its own BRIC was established in Pretoria with a focus on animal health and production, industry, mining and minerals processing, and the environment.
Gauteng takes the lead with Biotechnology
Gauteng’s BRIC is known as BioPAD (Biotechnology Partnerships and Development), and both the DST and the province’s investment promotion agency, the Gauteng Economic Development Agency (GEDA), have worked to promote the centre.
GEDA has also targeted biotechnology as one of its key sectors for growth and strives to promote both the biotechnology industry as well as BioPAD.
The Gauteng Province offers vast opportunities for investments in biotechnology. BioPAD and its stakeholders offer sound bases for new technology development and venture establishment in the region.
For interested parties the potential is huge in this still relatively untapped market, and there are a number of investment opportunities available.
For more information about biotechnology opportunities in Gauteng, please contact Mr. Mudunwazi Baloyi at GEDA on mudunwazi@geda.co.za or by Tel on +27 11 833 8750.
More information about BioPAD
BioPAD believes that South Africans should own the process of developing an active and sustainable biotechnology sector in SA; and encourages broader participation by all stakeholders and BioPAD will continue to play a prominent role in facilitating the process.
The centre aims to broker partnerships between researchers, entrepreneurs, business, government and other stakeholders to promote innovation and create sustainable biotechnology businesses in support of South Africa's needs.
BioPAD is working towards placing South Africa among the world leaders in the application of biotechnology, thereby stimulating economic development, contributing to job creation, and building world-class skills and technology platforms to sustain and continue development.
For more information about how BioPAD is brokering in biotechnology for the benefit of the region and South Africa visit: BioPAD.
For more information about investment opportunities in Gauteng, and in biotechnology, please contact GEDA:
Name: Mr. Mudunwazi Baloyi
Email: mudunwazi@geda.co.za
Tel: +27 11 833 8750
