Contract R&D  ·  JHB · LAT −26.20° LON 28.04°

Shaping the
Future of
Science.

At Trichome Biotechnologies, we combine PhD-level expertise with access to advanced equipment and trusted partnerships — delivering reliable R&D designed to accelerate your progress.

BEE 4
Accredited
PhD
Expert-led team
WITS
University partner
C₆H₆
1.40 Å
120°
Trichome Biotechnologies
JHB · −26.20° LAT · 28.04° LON TRICHOME BIOTECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD ● SYSTEMS ACTIVE  ·  FEMALE-FOUNDED · BEE LEVEL 4
R&D Services
End-to-end laboratory support
Consulting
Strategic scientific insight
Laboratory Services
World-class infrastructure
01 · Who We Are

An extension of your scientific team.

Trichome Biotechnologies is a proudly female-founded biotech start-up based in South Africa, founded by Chanel Willemse and Marushka Soobben — two scientists driven by a shared vision of making world-class science accessible while tackling challenges in health and nutrition.

Through our partnership with WITS University, we provide access to advanced facilities and expertise across protein science and beyond — without the overhead of building new labs.

BEE 4
Accredited
WITS
University partner
PhD
Expert-led
2
Female co-founders
"Empower innovators.
Advance science.
Build Africa's future."

We help companies navigate complex scientific, technical, and regulatory challenges. As a BEE Level 4 company, we are committed to inclusivity and transformation within South Africa's innovation ecosystem.

✦ BEE Level 4 · Female-Founded · South Africa
02 · What We Do

Three ways we accelerate science.

♀ Women's Health Focus
01
Research & Development
Contract R&D Services

End-to-end scientific R&D across molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and analytical techniques — with a particular focus on women's health outcomes.

Start a Project
02
Strategic Advisory
Consulting Services

Expert guidance across scientific, technical, and regulatory challenges — from experimental design and data interpretation to product development strategy.

Book a Consult
03
Infrastructure Access
Laboratory Services

World-class lab infrastructure through WITS University and UVU Bio, Cape Town — full-service or à la carte, built for biotech, pharma, and next-gen startups.

Explore Access
03 · Why Choose Us

Science that scales.
A team that gets it.

We act as an extension of your team — combining expert knowledge with world-class facilities to deliver reliable results, without the overhead.

Experienced, PhD-level team
Expertise across protein science, biochemistry, and pharmaceutical chemistry
WITS University infrastructure
Advanced facilities, technical mentorship, and academic collaboration
Full-service or à la carte
End-to-end support or targeted expertise — on your terms
Built for biotech & pharma
Pre-seed to established — we scale with your ambitions
04 · The Team

The people behind the science.

MS
Dr Marushka Soobben
Co-Founder & Executive Director
PhD Biochemistry & Computational Biology. Specialises in protein biochemistry and computational protein modelling. Oversees R&D and strategic planning.
CW
Chanél Willemse
Co-Founder & Executive Director
MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Experienced in drug development and formulation. Drives business strategy and client partnerships.
// Scientific & Strategic Advisors
YS
Prof Yasien Sayed
Head of Unit (PSFRL), WITS University · PhD Biochemistry
Provides guidance on protein science and experimental validation across our R&D programmes.
ND
Dr Nicholas Draeger
Founder, Cederberg GmbH · PhD Biochemical Engineering, Cambridge
Extensive experience in biotech commercialisation and scaling strategies for precision health initiatives.
05 · Partnerships

Backed by world-class institutions.

Our network gives us reach, infrastructure, and credibility to deliver results at scale.

WITS University — PSFRL Lab
Advanced protein R&D infrastructure, technical mentorship, and academic collaboration across Johannesburg.
UVU Bio — Cape Town
State-of-the-art lab facilities, incubation space, and business mentorship for biotech startups in South Africa.
06 · Get In Touch

Have an idea?
A question?
A wild hunch?

Whether you're building, researching, or just curious — we'd love to hear from you. Start the conversation; we'll bring the coffee.

📍
Address
141 Gerhardt St, Lyttelton, Centurion, 0163
Request a Quote