The program covers seven modules: Foundations of Market-Driven Innovation, Translational Science, Design Thinking & Project Framing, Intellectual Property & Commercialization, Product Development & Translation, Business Planning & Pitching, and an African Innovation Showcase.
BIOTECH INNOVATION BOOTCAMP 2026
Translational Research & Innovation Bootcamp
An immersive program equipping Africa’s researchers, clinicians, innovators, and biotech founders to transform scientific breakthroughs into scalable real-world impact.
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Translational Research & Innovation Bootcamp 2026
An immersive program equipping Africa’s researchers, clinicians, innovators, and biotech founders to transform scientific breakthroughs into scalable real-world impact.
The Bootcamp is a 5-day intensive program hosted by Ashesi University, Yemaachi Biotech, and the African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology. It is designed for scientists and technologists with early-stage innovations, helping them bridge the gap between a promising prototype and a commercially viable product across Health, Biotech, and Biomanufacturing.
Application Deadline: July 13, 2026
November 2–6, 2026
Ashesi University
research@ashesi.edu.gh
The Bootcamp is a 5-day intensive program hosted by Ashesi University, Yemaachi Biotech, and African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology. It is designed for scientists and technologists with early-stage innovations, helping them bridge the gap between a promising prototype and a commercially viable product across Health, Biotech, and Bio-manufacturing.
Bootcamp Details
- Deadline: July 13, 2026
- November 2 - 6, 2026
- Ashesi University
- research@ashesi.edu.gh
Foundations of Market-Driven Innovation
Learn how breakthrough scientific discoveries become successful products. Explore innovation pathways, market opportunities, and commercialization strategies across biotechnology sectors.
Foundations of Translational Science
Understand the journey from scientific discovery to real-world application, including technology transfer, diagnostics development, and translational research frameworks.
Design Thinking & Project Framing
Apply human-centered design approaches to identify needs, define opportunities, and create innovative biotechnology solutions with measurable impact.
Intellectual Property & Commercialization
Explore intellectual property management, licensing, technology transfer, commercialization pathways, fundraising, and partnership development.
Product Development & Translation
Develop practical knowledge in validation, regulatory pathways, product development, natural products innovation, and scaling research outcomes.
Business Planning, Communication & Pitching
Build business models, refine value propositions, and develop compelling investor-ready pitches through storytelling and communication training.
African Innovation Showcase
Gain insights from successful African innovators, biotechnology entrepreneurs, and translational research leaders shaping the continent's future.
What You Will Learn
Learn how breakthrough scientific discoveries become successful products. Participants explore biotech opportunities across health, agriculture, and industry while understanding market-driven innovation, technology roadmapping, and commercialization pathways.
Discover how research moves from the laboratory to real-world application. This module introduces translational research pathways, diagnostic development, technology transfer, and the evolving African innovation ecosystem.
Apply human-centered design principles to scientific innovation. Participants learn how to define problems, understand end-user needs, map stakeholder journeys, and frame impactful biotech solutions.
Explore how to protect and commercialize innovation. Topics include intellectual property strategy, technology transfer, licensing models, fundraising approaches, and building strategic partnerships.
Learn how to transform research into scalable products and services. Participants examine validation pathways, regulatory requirements, natural product innovation, and commercialization challenges in academia.
Translate scientific ideas into compelling business opportunities. Participants develop business models, refine value propositions, and build investor-ready pitches through storytelling and presentation coaching.
Experience real-world examples of African biotech innovation. Through case studies, founder stories, and innovation showcases, participants gain insights into successful translational research and commercialization journeys across the continent.
Important Dates
Application Timeline
The Biotech Innovation Commercialization Bootcamp follows a structured review and onboarding process. Applicants are encouraged to take note of the key dates below and prepare accordingly.
1
July 14–28, 2026
Application Review & Shortlisting
Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee and assessed based on eligibility, innovation potential, scalability, and alignment with the objectives of the bootcamp.
2
July 28–31, 2026
Notification of Selected Applicants
Successful applicants will receive official communication with details regarding participation, expectations, and next steps.
3
August 3–7, 2026
Confirmation Period
Selected applicants will be required to confirm their participation within the stated period to secure their place in the program.
4
August 10, 2026 Onward
Travel & Logistics Preparation
The organizing team will begin coordinating participant travel, accommodation, and other preparations ahead of the bootcamp.
- Flight bookings and travel coordination
- Accommodation arrangements
- Visa-on-arrival support
- Pre-event orientation and readiness activities
Please note that these timelines may be adjusted if necessary. All selected participants will receive official communication regarding logistics, travel arrangements, and pre-bootcamp preparations.
Meet the Leaders
Program Directors
Learn from globally recognized leaders advancing biotechnology, innovation, and research commercialization across Africa.
OUR ECOSYSTEM
Partners
The Biotech Innovation Commercialization Bootcamp is delivered in collaboration with leading institutions across research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and biotechnology.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ
Find quick answers to the most common questions about the bootcamp, including eligibility, funding, logistics, and participation details.
When and where does the bootcamp take place?
The bootcamp runs from November 2 to 6, 2026 at Ashesi University's Campus, Berekuso, Eastern Region, Ghana.
Who should apply?
The bootcamp is open to biotech researchers, academic innovators, clinicians, food experts, postdocs, PhD students, technology transfer professionals, biotech entrepreneurs, and Africa-based aspiring founders.
We encourage applicants from across the continent!
What type of researcher / venture should apply for this bootcamp?
This bootcamp welcomes ventures across the full innovation spectrum, from early-stage research through to solutions approaching deployment.
To help us understand where your venture sits, we use the BIRAC Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) framework, which runs from TRL 1 (Basic Research) to TRL 9 (Fully Deployed Technology).
In your application, you will be asked to select the level that most closely reflects your current stage. You can familiarize yourself with the framework before applying.
Is there funding available?
Yes. Full scholarships are available for selected participants, covering registration, travel, hotel accommodations, and select meals.
Applicants who wish to be considered for a scholarship should indicate this in their application.
Participants who prefer to self-sponsor are also welcome. Self-sponsored attendees are responsible for their own travel, hotel, and other related costs.
Will I receive support with accommodation and travel logistics?
Yes. Self-sponsored participants who require assistance with accommodation, travel planning, or other logistics can contact us at research@ashesi.edu.gh, and our team will be happy to help.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality, and we recommend checking your eligibility and entry requirements early through the Ghana Immigration Service Visa Information Portal.
Most African nationals can enter Ghana visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival, while participants from outside Africa may need to apply through a Ghanaian embassy or high commission.
If you require support for your visa application, we can provide invitation or introductory letters upon request.
Learn from globally recognized leaders shaping Africa’s innovation and biotechnology ecosystem.
Learn from globally recognized leaders shaping Africa’s innovation and biotechnology ecosystem.
Dr. Yaw Bediako
Dean of Research & Innovation - Ashesi University; CEO, Yemaachi Biotech
Prof. Collen Masimirembwa
Founder & President, AiBST
The bootcamp runs from November 2 to 6, 2026 at Ashesi University’s Campus, Berekuso, Eastern Region, Ghana.
This bootcamp welcomes ventures across the full innovation spectrum, from early-stage research through to solutions approaching deployment.
To help us understand where your venture sits, we use the BIRAC Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) framework, which runs from TRL 1 (Basic Research) to TRL 9 (Fully Deployed Technology).In your application, you will be asked to select the level that most closely reflects your current stage. You can familiarize yourself with the framework here.
The bootcamp is open to biotech researchers, academic innovators, clinicians, food experts, postdocs, PhD students, technology transfer professionals, biotech entrepreneurs, and Africa-based aspiring founders. We encourage applicants from across the continent!
Yes. Full scholarships are available for selected participants, covering registration, travel, hotel accommodations, and select meals. Applicants who wish to be considered for a scholarship should indicate this in their application. Participants who prefer to self-sponsor are also welcome. Self-sponsored attendees are responsible for their own travel, hotel, and other related costs.
Yes. Self-sponsored participants who require assistance with accommodation, travel planning, or other logistics can contact us at research@ashesi.edu.gh, and our team will be happy to help. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, and we recommend checking your eligibility and entry requirements early through the Ghana Immigration Service Visa Information Portal. Most African nationals can enter Ghana visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival, while participants from outside Africa may need to apply through a Ghanaian embassy or high commission. If you require support for your visa application, we can provide invitation or introductory letters upon request.
For any questions about the bootcamp, applications, scholarships, logistics, or visa support, please email us at research@ashesi.edu.gh, and a member of the team will get back to you.