CONNECTING IDEAS, PEOPLE AND POSSIBILITIES FOR A HEALTHIER TOMORROW
Genomics & Bioinformatics Platform
We provide healthcare providers, researchers, and industry with next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics services for genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome studies — advancing precision medicine and biopharma R&D.
Clinical Research Platform
We partner with healthcare providers to establish and operate clinical trial sites (SMOs). In collaboration with regulators and sponsors, we promote equity in translational research while delivering high-quality clinical trial data aligned with both local ethos and global standards.
Health Data & AI/ML Platform (Viwingu)
We empower researchers and innovators with tools to analyze health data, enhance diagnostics, and design smarter, cost-effective clinical trials using AI and machine learning.
About Biolinx Africa
Biolinx Africa is a pioneering biotech venture studio and innovation catalyst dedicated to transforming Africa’s health security through homegrown solutions. Born from Villgro Africa, we focus on building globally competitive biotech and medtech startups while strengthening Africa’s healthcare innovation ecosystem.
Our Vision
To establish a vibrant, globally competitive health research & innovation ecosystem that underpins Africa's health security and resilience.
Our Mission
Our mission is to invest in African-led innovations and bridge the gap between local ingenuity and global resources — ensuring breakthroughs in genomics, proteomics and precision medicine are both accessible and relevant to African populations
Our Operational Model
We believe that the future of Africa's healthcare lies in locally driven innovation — supported by world-class infrastructure, global partnerships and access to cutting-edge tools like genomics and AI/ML, hence our unique venture studio and ecosystem building operational model.
Venture Building
For venture building, our Bioxcelerator Venture Studio model scouts for homegrown ideas and talent to co-create health solutions for local and global markets by building an integrated pipeline for co-creation from ideation to investment-ready ventures.
Venture Studio
To innovators and investors, we identify and develop early-stage ideas into investable biotech startups, leveraging Africa’s genetic diversity for discovery, and world-class infrastructure for commercialization.
To global-north health solution developers we provide best-of-class go-to-market support that includes:
- Building and validating business models for market entry and scale
- Navigating Africa's regulatory landscape
- Establishing strategic partnerships with local manufacturers and distributors
Ecosystem Building
For ecosystem building, we are addressing critical gaps in Africa's health innovation landscape — from poor access to health data, to underrepresentation in clinical trials and genomic databases, to lack of market entry support for global health solutions — by building an integrated platform of service providers, namely:
Genomics & Bioinformatics Platform Nextgen Molecular Lab & TAGCC
To healthcare providers, researchers and industry, we provide next generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics services tailored for genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and microbiome for precision medicine and biopharma R&D services.
Clinical Research Platform Clinical Research
We partner with healthcare providers to establish capacity and operate as clinical trial sites (SMOs). We also partner with regulators and trial sponsors to promote equity in translational research by facilitating the production of high-quality clinical trial data in Africa that is aligned with local ethos while meeting global standards.
Genomics/Health Data Repository & AI/ML Platform Viwingu
We empower researchers, innovators with advanced tools to analyze health data, improve diagnostics, and design smarter and cost-effective clinical trials.
Our Portfolio
Building on the East Africa Biosciences Studio, the Bioxcelerator program is developing a novel test for prostate cancer diagnosis whose patent registration is ongoing and seeking partnerships with industry for the product commercialization.
Prostate Cancer Diagnostic Test
A novel diagnostic test developed under the Bioxcelerator program. Patent registration is ongoing, with partnerships being sought for commercialization.
Learn More →
East Africa Biosciences Studio
A pilot program focused on cancer innovation, laying the foundation for future biotech venture building across Africa.
Learn More →Our Leadership Team
Biolinx Africa's leadership team brings together over 85 years of experience in health research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and early-stage investment across Africa and Europe.
Dr. Robert Karanja
Executive Director & Bioxcelerator Lead
Dr. Lutchmee Nobaub
CRO Lead
Mr. Michael Karaimu
Investment Lead
Dr. Fiona Okonjo
UK Country Director
Our Advisory Board
Our advisory board consists of globally recognised leaders with expertise in R&D, commercialisation, and venture capital in health and life sciences across Africa and Europe.
Dr. Joerg Rippmann
Director Pharmacology, Boehringer Ingelheim
Ms. Carol Banks
Founder and CEO Innovare Health Collective
Dr. Jeremmy Okonjo
Assistant Professor of International Economic Law at University of Warwick
Dr. Damaris Matoke-Muhia
Deputy Director, Biotechnology Programme, KEMRI
Prof. Mehdi Tavakoli
Innovate UK
Sewu-Steve Tawia
Managing Partner, Chief Investment Officer, Jaza Rift Ventures
Dr. Maricianah Onono
Senior Principal Clinical Research Scientist, KEMRI