How PetriCam Is Making Lab Diagnostics Affordable in South Africa
How PetriCam Is Making Lab Diagnostics Affordable in South Africa. In Eastern Cape, a young scientist named Ntobeko Songcata embarked on a journey that would bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application. As a PhD student in Biotechnology at Rhodes University, Songcata co-founded Pro’Land Biotech alongside Charles Arineitwe, a Pharmacology PhD candidate. Their mission: to develop affordable, scalable solutions for microbial monitoring in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.
Identifying the Need: A Personal Encounter with Systemic Challenges
Songcata’s inspiration for PetriCam stemmed from his internship at the Rhodes University Biotechnology Innovation Centre (RUBIC). There, he observed the limitations faced by laboratories in resource-constrained settings, particularly the high costs and inaccessibility of advanced microbial monitoring equipment. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted these challenges, exposing the dire need for affordable diagnostic tools in the Eastern Cape’s public healthcare sector.
Innovating with Purpose: The Birth of PetriCam
Leveraging 3D printing technology, open-source electronics, and wireless IP cameras, Songcata and Arineitwe developed PetriCam, a low-cost, modular device capable of real-time analysis of bacterial, yeast, fungal, and microalgal colonies. This innovation allows for remote monitoring and data collection, making it a game-changer for laboratories with limited resources.
Overcoming Obstacles: From Concept to Recognition
Transitioning from a university project to a recognized innovation was no small feat. Songcata faced initial skepticism, particularly when applying for the Eastern Cape Innovation Challenge, which was geared towards registered businesses. Undeterred, he submitted his project and was awarded first prize, receiving R80,000 in funding and mentorship opportunities. This recognition validated the potential impact of PetriCam and propelled it towards commercialization.
Scaling Impact: National and International Acclaim
PetriCam’s success didn’t stop at provincial recognition. In 2024, the project received a R700,000 start-up grant from the SAB Foundation’s Social Innovation Awards, further supporting its development and scalability. Additionally, PetriCam was shortlisted as a top 12 African innovation finalist at the AIT Swiss-Africa Conference in Nigeria, highlighting its potential on the continental stage.
Actionable Insights for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- Leverage Academic Resources: Utilize university facilities and mentorship to develop and refine your innovation.
- Identify Real-World Problems: Ground your innovation in addressing tangible challenges faced by communities or industries.
- Embrace Open-Source Technology: Incorporate accessible technologies like 3D printing and open-source electronics to create cost-effective solutions.
- Seek Recognition and Funding: Participate in competitions and apply for grants to gain validation and financial support.
- Be Resilient: Overcome skepticism and institutional barriers by staying committed to your vision and demonstrating the value of your innovation.
Songcata’s journey from a university student to an award-winning entrepreneur exemplifies the transformative power of innovation rooted in social impact. Through PetriCam, he has not only addressed a critical need in microbial monitoring but also paved the way for accessible diagnostic tools in resource-limited settings. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs to harness their skills and knowledge to create meaningful change.
