South African biotechnology start-up Immobazyme has successfully secured $1.3 million (R24.5 million) in funding to expand its production capacity. This significant investment will enable the company to double the size of its facility and enhance its production capabilities, marking a pivotal moment in its growth trajectory.
Founded in 2019 by a team of innovative researchers from Stellenbosch University, Immobazyme has rapidly established itself as a leader in precision fermentation. The company focuses on producing high-value protein ingredients, which are essential for burgeoning industries such as cell-cultured meat and sugar processing.
The funding round was led by the University Technology Fund (UTF) and University of Stellenbosch Enterprises (USE). Their backing highlights the substantial potential of university-originated technology in propelling the global biotechnology industry forward. By investing in Immobazyme, UTF and USE are demonstrating their commitment to fostering innovation and supporting local start-ups with the potential to make a significant global impact.
Dr. Karen Pretorius, CEO of Immobazyme, expressed her excitement about the funding, stating, “This investment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. It will allow us to scale our operations and meet the growing demand for sustainable and high-quality protein ingredients. We are thrilled to have the support of UTF and USE as we continue to push the boundaries of biotechnology.”
Immobazyme’s proprietary precision fermentation technology enables the efficient and sustainable production of protein ingredients. This technology is particularly crucial for the cell-cultured meat industry, which relies on high-quality proteins to develop viable meat alternatives. Additionally, the sugar processing industry benefits from Immobazyme’s innovations, which enhance the efficiency and sustainability of production processes.
The funding will be used to double the size of Immobazyme’s current facility, providing the necessary infrastructure to increase production capacity. This expansion is expected to create new jobs and contribute to the local economy, further solidifying Stellenbosch’s reputation as a hub for biotech innovation.
Dr. Pretorius added, “Our expansion will not only boost our production capabilities but also enable us to explore new applications for our technology. We are committed to driving positive change in the biotechnology sector and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Immobazyme’s success story is a shining example of how academic research can be transformed into groundbreaking commercial ventures. The company’s growth underscores the importance of supporting university-affiliated start-ups, which have the potential to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges through innovative solutions.
As Immobazyme prepares for its next phase of growth, the biotechnology industry will undoubtedly be watching closely. With the backing of key investors and a clear vision for the future, Immobazyme is poised to make significant strides in the global market, further establishing South Africa as a leader in biotechnology innovation.
