The FAS Biocamp
Our flagship program. An intensive where Africa's most driven scientists step out of the lab and become biotech founders, turning research into ventures that solve real problems in health, diagnostics, and agriculture.
Where scientists become founders
The Biocamp takes Africa's most exceptional scientists and immerses them in the discipline of building. Under real-world pressure, with mentorship from global biotech leaders and direct exposure to investors, they learn to turn deep science into companies the market will actually adopt.
This is no borrowed playbook. Forged over five years alongside African scientists, the Biocamp is built for the real archetype of the African founder, and calibrated to meet every scientist, builder, and student exactly where they stand, then take them further than they believed they could go.
No one leaves with just a paper. They leave as founders, and whatever comes next in their journey, they join a lifelong network of support that has their back, for good.
What Our Scientists Have Built
The proof is in the ventures. These are real biotech companies founded by scientists who came through the Biocamp.
Every one of these companies started with a scientist and an idea, and became a venture at the Biocamp. Hover any logo to see the company behind each mark.
The Builder Mindset
We go beyond academic metrics. What matters most is the ability to turn groundbreaking research into real impact, combining technical depth, entrepreneurial vision, and character.
Scientific Depth & Vision
Real expertise in biotechnology, diagnostics, therapeutics, genomics, or agricultural innovation, and the ability to see a path from a laboratory discovery to a solution the market needs.
Entrepreneurial Grit
Evidence of building things, not just ideas, but creating, iterating, and persisting through setbacks. We value learning velocity and adaptive thinking over a perfect initial concept.
Character & Integrity
The foundation of trust and long-term impact. We look for ethical decision-making, strong team dynamics, and a genuine commitment to solving problems that matter for Africa.
Not a scientist? Great ventures are built by great teams. We also welcome business-minded builders and ambitious students ready to help turn science into a company.
Inside the Biocamp
An immersive environment designed to test and develop the complete scientific entrepreneur.
Learn from the best
Direct guidance from global biotech pioneers, venture experts, and scientists who have taken discoveries from the bench to the market.
Build something real
Hands-on venture work under real-world pressure, turning your science into a proof-of-concept and a company, not just a paper.
Pitch to those who matter
Present your venture to investors, policymakers, and leading scientists, and join a lifelong network of African founders and mentors.
Where it all began
Before the Biocamp, FAS trained hundreds of scientists through the African Science Research Academy and the Mentorship Fellowship. Those programs are part of our story, and the foundation everything is built on.
Biocamp FAQs
The questions builders ask most. Have another? We're always happy to talk.
Africa's most driven builders. Scientists are our core, from students to PhDs, postdocs, and working researchers, but great ventures need great teams, so we also welcome business-minded people and entrepreneurs ready to help turn science into a company. We look for drive, ability, and character over formal credentials, and we welcome exceptional talent from every background.
No. Bring a scientific idea, or simply the ambition to build one. You don't need a registered company, funding, prior intellectual property, or a co-founder to apply. Individuals and teams are both welcome, and many builders find their people here.
The Biocamp is fully funded. Participants are selected purely on merit, never on their ability to pay. Cost is never a barrier to the right builder.
You do. FAS is a non-profit built to launch African founders and strengthen the ventures they create, your science, and your company, stay yours.
A founder's mindset, a sharper venture, and a network for life, a community of African founders, world-class mentors, and the momentum to keep building long after the Biocamp ends.
The Biocamp is the beginning, not the end. The strongest builders continue their journey with FAS, and every participant joins a community that keeps opening doors, mentorship, connections, and opportunities, for years to come.
Applications open for each cohort. Register your interest and you'll be the first to hear when the next Biocamp opens, with everything you need to prepare.
Still have a question? Get in touch.
Ready to Build?
Think you have the science, the grit, and the vision to become a founder? Register your interest and be the first to hear when applications for the next FAS Biocamp open.