BioCODE Technologies, a health technology company started at Stellenbosch University, today announced it has raised R7 million in new funding. This investment will allow the company to complete the final steps needed to bring its flagship rapid inflammation test to the South African market in early 2026.

The funding round was led by the University Technology Fund (UTF), which provided R5 million. An additional R2 million came from Stellenbosch University itself as part of its support for university developed innovations. This money will help launch the company’s rapid diagnostic test.

A Step Forward in Preventative Health
The core of BioCODE’s innovation is a rapid blood test. It is designed to detect a specific substance in the blood called Serum Amyloid A (SAA), which is a highly sensitive sign of inflammation in the body. While standard lab tests for inflammation can take days to produce results, BioCODE’s test works at the point of care, providing clear data in just minutes from a single drop of blood.

“SAA is a crucial early warning signal for the body,” said Professor Resia Pretorius, Co founder and Managing Director of BioCODE. “High levels of SAA are directly connected to the early development of serious conditions like heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Importantly, our test has been vital in spotting blood vessel damage in Long COVID patients. This is often missed in standard tests, even when patients have severe symptoms.”

Connecting Patients with Faster Answers
The BioCODE system includes a portable test kit and a reader that connects to a mobile device. It uses an Internet of Things (IoT) platform to track and monitor patient results. By bringing this diagnostic power from the central lab directly to clinics and pharmacies, the company aims to lower healthcare costs by catching risks early to prevent major health events like strokes. It also empowers patients by making it easier to monitor chronic conditions, and it provides a clear diagnostic tool for the many South Africans dealing with post viral conditions like Long COVID.

“This funding marks our move from successful research to a real world product,” added Este Burger, CEO of BioCODE. “With support from Innovus and the SU LaunchLab, we have built a platform that not only detects illness but helps prevent it. We are now focused on increasing our manufacturing capacity and forming partnerships with medical aid providers to make this technology available to everyone.”

About BioCODE
BioCODE Technologies was created from a collaboration between the Physiological Sciences and Engineering departments at Stellenbosch University. The company is a leader in the African biotechnology sector, specializing in smart sensing solutions that detect inflammatory molecules in the blood, offering a clear view into a person’s vascular health.

About the University Technology Fund (UTF)
The UTF is a pioneering venture fund in South Africa. It is specifically designed to help turn academic research into commercial success by investing in intellectual property that comes from the country’s top universities.

Media Contact: BioCODE Press Office
Email: info@biocode.co.za
Website: www.biocode.co.za