Fluorobiotech CEO, Dr. Du Preez van Staden, was recently invited to speak at the AUDA-NEPAD Home Grown Solutions (HGS) Masterclass, a high-impact learning session designed to empower African entrepreneurs in the health and biotech sectors. The event brought together early-stage innovators and startup founders from across the continent, offering practical insights on how to scale biotech ventures within the African context.
In his presentation, Dr. van Staden reflected on the journey of building and growing Fluorobiotech, sharing key lessons on navigating technical challenges, managing scale-up, aligning with investors, and fostering innovation with limited resources. His experience served as a valuable case study for other entrepreneurs working to localize health technology and manufacturing capabilities.
“It was a privilege to engage with so many passionate entrepreneurs solving real problems in African biotech,” said Dr. van Staden. “We face unique challenges on the continent, but also hold unique opportunities to lead innovation that is homegrown, sustainable, and globally competitive.”
The Masterclass was made possible through the continued support of Villgro Africa, a key strategic partner in the Home Grown Solutions Accelerator. Fluorobiotech extends its heartfelt thanks to the Villgro team, whose ongoing mentorship has been instrumental in helping the company refine its financial model and align more closely with investor expectations.
The AUDA-NEPAD HGS Accelerator, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Villgro Africa, is a flagship initiative that aims to build resilient, African-led health innovation ecosystems capable of responding to current and future pandemics.
Fluorobiotech remains committed to advancing local biotech solutions that are scalable, sustainable, and built to serve the unique needs of the continent.