About Bio Centrifuge 2025
As the first of its kind in South Africa, through the vision of TASK in collaboration with UVUBio and supported by Wesgro, the inaugural Bio Centrifuge Africa competition launched in 2024 to highlight South African talent in the expanding biotech sector and serve as a bridge between the country and the USA’s BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR).
This groundbreaking event promises to propel visionary health-focused entrepreneurs and biomedicine students onto the global stage. The Bio Centrifuge Africa competition was open to all South African entrepreneurs in the health sector to showcase their transformative solutions that address issues in the biomedical field.
South Africa, through the Western Cape’s biotech hub, has forged a partnership with the BioHealth Capital Region in the U.S. As part of this collaboration, the winner of Bio Centrifuge Africa will have the opportunity to compete at the prestigious Crab Trap competition, scheduled for September 24, 2025, in Rockville, Maryland.
Five finalists from the Industry Category and five finalists from the Student Category will be pitching their ideas to the panel of judges.
Innovate. Transform. Impact.
Your groundbreaking biotech or health solution could receive funding, mentorship, and global exposure.
Why Enter?
Innovation
Help promote a culture of innovation
Recognition
Acknowledgement
Public acclaim
Network
Benchmark
Your innovation against those of other entrepreneurs
Be inspired
Prizes
The South Africa Bio Centrifuge Africa competition prize package for the winner in the Industry category includes:
Compete
Industry: A 3-day trip to the BioHealth Capital Region Conference and Crab Trap competition in Maryland, USA in September 2025.
Travel
All travel expenses will be paid including return flights, visas and accommodation (excluding domestic travel to and from local event).
Access
3-6 months complimentary access to UVUBio labs
The U.S. Crab Trap competition prize package for the winner includes:
Prize
A cash prize of $10 000 courtesy of Greenberg Traurig
Residency
A one-year residency at JLABS @ Washington, D.C., for a company chosen by JLABS.
Services
Access to $10 000 worth of Preclinical CRO services provided by Noble Life Sciences. by JLABS.
The South Africa Bio Centrifuge Africa competition prize package for the winner in the Student category includes:
Prize
Access
Entry Criteria
Commercial entries
This year, South Africa, through the Western Cape’s biotech hub region, has partnered with BioHealth Capital Region, U.S. and has been invited to send a winning candidate from our region to compete as a finalist at The Crab Trap competition on the 24th of September 2025 in Rockville, Maryland.
The Bio Centrifuge Africa competition invites South African innovators in the health sector to showcase their transformative solutions. If your company has an early stage, world changing product that is technically feasible, then this is the competition for you.
Judging criteria for all companies making it to the final will be the following:
- Demonstrated Proof of Concept
- Have received Funding (dilutive/nondilutive)
- Understanding Regulatory/Reimbursement Paths
- Clear Path to Market & Scalable
Application criteria will be aligned with the BioHealth Capital Region’s consideration but with specific nuances for our region.
Shortlisted candidates will be announced in early May, and then embark on a preparation journey to workshop their pitches and business ideas.
A final selection of ready candidates will pitch on the 26th of June where our resident judges as well as the CEO and President of BioHealth Capital Region will select the winning candidate who will compete (all expenses covered) at the Rockville Crap Trap.
Student entries
We are also excited to include our own unique category for students at this event, with the aim of empowering and inspiring future bio-entrepreneurs and innovators. The winner of this category will have entry into the UVUBio Entrepreneurship Bootcamp week, as well as a cash prize.
Judging criteria for all students making it to the final will be the following:
- Solution meeting a need
- Clarity of the message and desired outcome
- African export opportunity (uniquely African in design and manufacturing)
Get ready to shape the future of biotech innovation.
Enter Now
Deadline for entries
Get ready to shape the future of biotech innovation.
Be part of South Africa’s transformative journey to the BioHealth Crab Trap competition in Maryland!
01
Entry Deadline
18 April 2025
02
Adjudication Period
28 April – 2 May 2025
03
Finalists Announced
8 May 2025
04
Competition Event
26 June 2025