The Cape Fynbos is a small belt of indigenous shrubland vegetation located in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. The region is predominantly a winter rainfall, coastal and mountainous area with a Mediterranean climate. This beautiful region is surrounded by forests, woodlands, and shrubland biomes. Over 70% of the plant species are native to the region, giving rise to unique microbial composition and diversity.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) initiated a project that led to the establishment of CapeBio Technologies (Pty) Ltd. In this project bio-prospecting techniques were used to extract economic value from soil microbes in the Cape Biosphere. The high plant biodiversity directly translates into high microbial diversity. Consequently, this results in novel genes for making a wide range of proteins and enzymes used in various industries. Some of these proteins and enzymes are used world-wide by researchers who conduct studies based on DNA and protein analysis, among others. The current portfolio includes molecular biology enzymes used by researchers to cut, join and to a larger extent, make many copies of DNA molecules in a laboratory setting.

The molecular biology techniques that utilize these proteins and enzymes are key drivers of the genome editing and genome engineering revolution occurring around the world. CapeBio is well poised to be a pioneer in genome editing and genome engineering in Africa through its supply of novel proteins and enzymes that are derived from indigenous microbial diversities. The metagenomics data and enzymes that CapeBio source from the Cape Biosphere are key drivers of the company’s mission – “deliver excellence in innovation so that others can have quality of life”.

CapeBio believes in the conservation of South Africa’s unique biodiversity ecosystems. Research activities conducted by CapeBio in these vulnerable regions pose no threat to the vegetation and does not involve the destruction of precious fynbos shrubs for any purpose. In order to preserve South Africa’s indigenous resources for the benefit of future generations and the well-being of the country, CapeBio partners with biodiversity conservation organizations. In addition, CapeBio works closely with all its stakeholders to ensure compliance with the National Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 as amended from time to time.

The research and development (R&D) division of the original project was funded by the CSIR and the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) from the South African Government. Through their support, CapeBio established its R&D division, as well as its end-user beta-testing campaign between 2015 and 2018. Flagship products were tested by more than 500 researchers across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Kenya and Nigeria. After achieving nearly 100% customer feedback and satisfaction rate, CapeBio was formally launched as a private spin-off company in 2018.

CapeBio supplies to both local and international markets, with North America being its biggest export market. Moreover, CapeBio has two R&D partners, as well as a distributor partner in North America. Our local R&D partners include the CSIR, Agricultural Research Council of South Africa (ARCSA) and local universities.