In partnership with Stellenbosch University, Fluorobiotech proudly announces the completion of Launch Lab CERI Bio—an innovation hub designed to accelerate early-stage South African biotech startups addressing global challenges.
Why This Lab Matters
Commercialising biotech innovation requires four pillars: a breakthrough idea, a tenacious founding team, funding, and a compliant physical space to scale. Stellenbosch already provides the first three. But until now, many biotech startups struggled with the fourth – access to the kind of specialised laboratory infrastructure essential for commercialization.
Launch Lab CERI Bio answers that call. Located on campus and supported by the university, it offers subsidized rent, access to certified lab space, high-end equipment, academic expertise, and a collaborative community – removing barriers to biotech entrepreneurship and helping talent thrive at home. The facility combines shared infrastructure with private lab spaces, giving startups both the community support and dedicated facilities they need to grow. Because local is lekker.
For Fluorobiotech, the launch of this facility represents a turning point. What once felt like an uphill battle to build our own lab has now become a clear runway. We can now focus entirely on doing what we do best: producing, scaling, and selling world-class biotech solutions.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Anita Nel of INNOVUS, whose vision and dedication to fostering innovation led to the creation of this facility, and also to Prof. Tulio de Oliveira from the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) and the Stellenbosch University for making this facility a reality. Your support empowers South African scientists to compete and win on the global stage.
We can’t wait to see what the future holds for LaunchLab CERIBIO and for the many incredible startups that will call it home.
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