Stellenbosch-based Biotech startup Immobazyme has secured R24.5 million for global expansion of its innovative enzyme immobilization and precision fermentation platform. This funding, led by the University Technology Fund (UTF) and University of Stellenbosch Enterprises (USE), will enable Immobazyme to double its facility size and dramatically scale its high-value proteins and enzyme production capabilities.
The company plans to double the size of its facility and dramatically scale its production capabilities, positioning itself at the forefront of South Africa’s biotech industry.
Dominic Nicholas, CEO of Immobazyme, expressed his gratitude in achieving this milestone.
“We’re incredibly grateful to all our investors and partners for recognising the value and impact of our work. We are poised to tackle real-world challenges, delivering economic, social, and environmental benefits to the private sector through our technology. With this funding, we can now set our sights on bigger, more ambitious goals. Our immediate focus is on scaling our facility to introduce our products to the global market.”
Since its founding in 2019 by Dominic Nicholas, Ethan Hunter, and Nicholas Enslin, Immobazyme has seen impressive year-on-year growth, culminating in the opening of their state-of-the-art independent laboratory in 2023. This major infrastructure milestone, supported by the doubling of their research team, brought Immobazyme one step closer to its overarching goal of providing sustainable and affordable biologics to the global market.
Utilising precision fermentation, Immobazyme manipulates microorganisms to cultivate high-value proteins and enzymes. Its products range from growth factors, a primary ingredient in cell-cultured meat, to enzymes like dextranase, which is used to break down contaminants in sugar. The Immobazyme team has even recently ventured into the Food and Beverage industry with a variety of novel food ingredients created using their precision fermentation platform.
The most recent co-investment was led by the University Technology Fund (UTF) and University of Stellenbosch Enterprises (USE).
“Immobazyme personifies our vision to innovate for purpose and planet. The University Technology Fund actively identifies global game-changing companies to invest in. The company’s enzyme immobilisation platform is unique to the biotechnology industry. This excites us to support their ambitions for sustainable solutions,” said primary investor Wayne Stocks of the UTF.
Immobazyme’s unique enzyme immobilization platform and advanced precision fermentation techniques allow for the sustainable and efficient production of high-value proteins and enzymes, setting new benchmarks in the biotech industry.
The recent funding will facilitate significant expansion, positioning Immobazyme to meet increasing global demand and broaden its market reach.
Their technology supports sustainable production processes, aligning with global trends towards environmental responsibility.
Immobazyme’s products, including growth factors for cell-cultured meat and novel food ingredients, offer diverse applications across various industries.
Backing from UTF and USE highlights the credibility and potential of Immobazyme’s innovations, showcasing the value of local university-driven technology.
Anita Nel, Chief Director of Innovation and Commercialisation of Stellenbosch University and CEO of University of Stellenbosch Enterprises (USE), the university’s holding company, explains, “The investment in Immobazyme is another great case study demonstrating that local university technology is an overlooked but very promising asset class. Immobazyme’s success is also a great example of the fast growth in the Stellenbosch University group of companies, which currently boasts nearly 30 spinout companies.”
