About BioPAD

BioPAD believes that South Africans should own the process of developing an active and sustainable biotechnology sector in SA; we encourage broader participation by all stakeholders and BioPAD will continue to play a prominent role in facilitating the process.

Mission and Vision

Our mission is to broker partnerships between researchers, entrepreneurs, business, government and other stakeholders to promote innovation and create sustainable biotechnology businesses in support of South Africas needs.

We envision the BioPAD region a hub of cutting-edge biotechnology research and enterprise development that contributes to a better life for all South Africans.

Our History

BioPAD is a Biotechnology Regional Innovation Centre established by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

The centre was initiated in 2002 by a group of interested biotechnology stakeholders with the aim of boosting biotechnology development in the region. At the core of BioPADs objectives was the implementation of the National Biotechnology Strategy of South Africa.

The centre is governed as a Trust.

In 2002 the DST approved BioPADs first business plan and subsequently the first CEO of BioPAD Mr. Butana Mboniswa was appointed.

In 2003, 13 multi-institutional projects, amounting to R45million, were selected and approved. These projects were in the areas of animal health and production, industrial, mining and environmental biotechnology.

In 2004 BioPAD expanded its areas of operations to include Human Health and Bio-processing.

By the end of 2006 BioPADs investments in research projects and private companies were approaching R200 million.

During 2007, BioPAD will continue to identify near commercialization opportunities, particularly in the areas of Animal Health and Production.

Further value addition will be provided to our investee companies moving into the future.