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As Africa advances toward a sustainable future, the continent’s growing bioeconomy presents immense opportunities to translate science into real-world impact. Yet many promising research ideas often remain confined to laboratories, never reaching the markets or communities they could transform.
To bridge this gap between research and commercialisation, BioInnovate Africa convened its inaugural Biobased Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp (BIEB), held in partnership with the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) from 28 July to 7 August 2025, under the theme “Making Ideas Investable.” The key insights from the bootcamp, including its design, activities, and outcomes, along with recommendations, are highlighted in this Info Note. A profile of each of the bootcamp participants can also be accessed in this Abstract Book.
By the end of the bootcamp, participants had developed pre-tested customer profiles, refined value propositions, preliminary IP and financial strategies, and investor-ready pitch decks. They also formed an informal network to continue collaborating, sharing knowledge, and exploring funding opportunities.
Moving forward, five of the most promising biobased innovations will receive follow-on mentorship and financial support through BioInnovate Africa’s BioVenture Hub, a platform hosted at icipe that nurtures science-based ventures for 9 – 12 months, providing expert guidance and exposure to investors.
This bootcamp illustrates how linking science, business, and investment can accelerate the growth of Africa’s bioeconomy. It showed that with the right support, young African scientists can become entrepreneurial leaders who create jobs, promote sustainability, and transform research into enterprises that make a real difference in society. Watch the bootcamp’s Summary Video below:
