The Biotech Institute: Who we are and what we offer

THE Biotech Institute is a hybrid academic-biotech institute that has the vision to become the leading innovative, globally-competitive and socially responsible academic-biotech institute in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a primary focus on providing genomics and machine learning driven health services, research and innovation.

The mission is to promote good health and economic prosperity through the development of hightech institutions that leverage innovative technologies in health and agriculture sectors. Which COVID-19 testing possibilities are available?

Both COVID-19 testing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antigen tests are available.

Our laboratory is certified by Health and Child Care ministry for travelling certification.

We have the fastest COVID-19 RT-PCR platform that takes 35 minutes from swab to certificate.

We also have developed our own secure laboratory software with QR codes called “BIOSPACE” and phone application to properly manage patient data and prevent fake certificates.

This software is available to other interested testing laboratories. What is the COVID-19 testing procedure?

When a client walks into our reception, they have their temperature checked and hands sanitised.

Their details are taken down and the clients pay at the reception.

Next, the client is invited into the sample collection room, where a nasopharyngeal swab is collected.

The swab is send to the PCR laboratory for testing. Our machine processes the sample in 30 minutes.

When the result is out, it is verified before release to the results hatch. In what other ways is the laboratory combating COVID-19?

Besides the actual testing and software development, we also distribute personal protective equipment, especially FFP2 masks, and other consumables such as swabs and viral transport mediums (VTMs).

We are also beginning some research projects on the genetics of COVID-19, as well as vaccine development. What sort of clients do you get for COVID-19 testing?

The majority of our clients walk walk-in clients planning to travel out of the country. Doctors also refer patients suspected of COVID-19 infection.

Any other critical issues that you think the public should know about COVID-19?

Individuals need to strictly adhere to the COVID-19 measures put in place by the Health and Child Care ministry.

In addition, we urge all Zimbabweans to get vaccinated at designated centres around the country to protect themselves from the viral disease.

What other services are offered by the institute besides COVID-19?

The institute focuses on research with current interest on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas technologies, enzyme biotechnology, vaccine development and new strategies of combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Educational degree programmes at masters and PhD levels will also be offered from August 2022.

Further, we have a comprehensive molecular diagnostics laboratory as well as food and water testing.