BioPark@Gauteng Incubation Centre
BioPark@Gauteng entrepreneur Prof Keolebogile Shirley Motaung has been selected to participate in the Nepad SANBio FemBioBiz Acceleration Programme. Prof Motaung is the founder of Global Health, an innovative company leading the way in the production of a plant based bone morphogenetic product derived from indigenous medicinal practices. She is a mother, researcher and teacher, and the only black female in South Africa with a Doctorate specialising in tissue engineering of articular cartilage. Her passion for science has seen her spearhead research in a field that few women have pursued. Her work in morphogenetic research has seen her contribute to discussions at international conferences as a speaker and host lectures series as a visiting researcher. Prof Motaung is committed to enhancing the scientific body of knowledge of South Africa and as such serves on various medical boards. Her company, Global Health, was established in March 2015 and in February 2016 joined the BioPark@Gauteng Business Incubator which supports start-ups in the biosciences (agriculture, health and industrial). It is for these reasons that she is one of the few entrepreneurs that have been invited to participate in the first phase of the SANBio FemBioBiz Acceleration Programme.
Also selected to participate in the programme is Ms Phepsile Maseko from Phepisa Natural Resources, another notable BioPark@Gauteng entrepreneur registered in 2011. Phepisa Natural Resources manufactures a skin care product range, available on selected retail outlets. The company uses oils extracted from indigenous plants as well as aloe in their products. The company has a wide range of products including petroleum jelly, tissue oil, wound sprays, shampoo, facial scrub, lip balm etc. Founder of the product, Phephsile Maseko, says “our skin care line does not change or undermine African complexions; instead it is intent on serving and maintaining African beauty.”
The third entrepreneur from BioPark@Gauteng that was selected to participate in the programme is Tanzeem Fakir from DermoProf. DermoProf offers a range of targeted skincare solutions to treat various skin conditions. DermoProf joined the BioPark@Gauteng Business Incubator was registered in February 2017.
Pioneered by a pharmacist with 20 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical and aesthetics industries, DermoProf Skincare focuses on solutions to challenging skin conditions related to Acne and Hyperpigmentation.
Since incubation at BioPark@Gauteng, these companies have received an array of business development support services, including access to skills and advisory, markets, infrastructure and funding and have consequently demonstrated significant growth.
SANBio is a biosciences network which aims to improve the livelihood of South Africans by supporting an effective and dynamic regional research network; enhancing human and infrastructure capacity; and developing and commercialising innovation products in health and nutrition.
The FemBioBiz Acceleration Programme is targeted at dynamic women with leading innovations in the biosciences arena. The programme has various benefits which include business acceleration methods and skills; marketing exposure; a two day training session; introduction to investors and funders; seed capital and much more.
We at The Innovation Hub congratulate Global Health, Phepisa Natural Resources and DermoProf on a well-deserved opportunity and are confident that they will surpass even her own expectations.