As issued by the Department of Science and Innovation and Technology Innovation Agency:
Dr Cornelius Ssemakalu of Iraka Biotech emerged victorious as his innovation start-up was announced as the overall winner of the 2020 GCIP-SA Programme.
An innovation aimed at reducing the transmission of zoonotic diseases, and thereby improving the health of communities that rely on livestock for livelihoods, proved a winner, for Iraka Biotech Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Cornelius Cano Ssemakalu, as he scooped first prize-R200 000, in the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP-SA) for 2020.
An innovation start-up based in the Vaal, Iraka Biotech, won for its green and clean vaccine production platform that makes high quality veterinary vaccines affordable and reliably accessible.
The GCIP-SA an initiative of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department Science and Innovation (DSI), announced the winner , in Johannesburg on Friday, 26 March. The process started in March 2020, attracting 81 prospective participants from around the country following an intensive drive of screenings.
Reacting to the win, Dr Ssemakalu said the innovation had the potential to reduce reliance of the animal sector on imported vaccines. He believes that the innovation will contribute to making quality vet vaccines available at a favourable price point.
Dr Ssemakalu, oversees the optimisation of the company’s platform technology for the different animal husbandry sectors and veterinary needs.
The blog was written and issued by the Department of Science and Innovation and Technology Innovation Agency. The full blog can be read on the www.dst.gov.za website, by clicking here.
