inqaba biotec
inqaba biotec is a South African genomics and life science distribution company that provides DNA sequencing, oligo synthesis, and bioinformatics services across sub-Saharan Africa, while also distributing reagents, instruments, and diagnostics from global brands like PacBio, Eppendorf, and NEB to African researchers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersGauteng, South Africa
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What inqaba biotec does
inqaba biotec (legal name: Inqaba Biotechnical Industries (Pty) Ltd) is a sub-Saharan African genomics and life science distribution company founded in 2002 and headquartered in Pretoria, South Africa. The company operates as both a commercial genomics services provider and a multi-brand distributor, serving academic researchers, clinical laboratories, agricultural research institutions, and conservation programs across at least eight African countries (South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Senegal) through wholly-owned regional subsidiaries. Service offerings include Next Generation Sequencing (PacBio Revio, Onso, and NextSeq platforms), Sanger sequencing (dual ABI 3500XL, 10,000+ reads/month capacity), MassARRAY SNP genotyping, qPCR analysis, fragment analysis, oligonucleotide synthesis (15+ years of experience), microarray processing, animal genetics via the ZooOmics partnership, and customized bioinformatics analysis using DNASTAR and Advaita software. The Revio system, acquired in 2024 with UNISA, gives capacity for approximately 1,300 human-sized genomes per year with Q40+ data quality.
The company's revenue model blends fee-for-service genomics, quote-based project work, and hardware/consumables/reagent distribution across sub-Saharan Africa. It is the exclusive or principal regional distributor for a portfolio of global life science brands including Pacific Biosciences (PacBio), Eppendorf, New England Biolabs, Zymo Research, Seegene, Agena Bioscience, Shoreline Biome, Nolato Treff, Biomatik, and others, complemented by instrument servicing, micro-pipette calibration, and applied training workshops in phylogenetics, bioinformatics, and NGS techniques. Customer segments are weighted toward academic and research institutions (universities, research institutes) and healthcare/clinical laboratories, with secondary exposure to agricultural/veterinary research and early-career life science trainees.
Go-to-market is sales-led and enterprise-focused: regional field sales teams in each subsidiary market, supported by an online self-serve portal for oligo ordering, an expanding program of scientific conference participation (SASBMB-FASBMB, East Africa Health and Scientific Conference, International Congress of Human Genetics), and recurring training/workshop programs (rare disease workshops, NGS data analysis courses) that also serve as demand generation. The company is privately held, founder-led (Executive Director Dr Oliver Preisig, Co-founder Dr Joaquim de Gama), and was bootstrapped through a 2001 seed round of CHF 250,000 from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) plus private investors in Germany, South Africa, and Switzerland, with Standard Bank providing ZAR 4 million in lease funding for initial lab equipment. A pivot to in-house manufacturing is signaled by the planned late-2026 commissioning of the Autarky Consumables plastic laboratory consumables facility.
inqaba biotec firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- inqaba biotec
- Legal name
- Inqaba Biotechnical Industries (Pty) Ltd
- Website
- https://inqababiotec.co.za
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- inqaba biotec is a South African genomics and life science distribution company that provides DNA sequencing, oligo synthesis, and bioinformatics services across sub-Saharan Africa, while also distributing reagents, instruments, and diagnostics from global brands like PacBio, Eppendorf, and NEB to African researchers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
inqaba biotec industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Genomics Services
- NAICS
- Medical Laboratories (621511), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (6215)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Molecular Diagnostics & Genomics Laboratories (HLAFAMAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Microbiome & Metagenomics Services (HLAGANAH), Microbiology & Infectious Disease Testing (Trial Support) (HLAGAEAF), Microbiome Diagnostics & Biomarker Platforms (gut/skin/oral/vaginal) (HLAAAFAH)
Keywords
Where inqaba biotec is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Gauteng
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices8 records
Markets served
inqaba biotec business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- DNA Sequencing Services: Commercial DNA sequencing services including Sanger sequencing (10,000+ reads/month capacity) and Next Generation Sequencing (PacBio HiFi, short read) services. Services range from single reactions to whole genome projects with flexible tiers.
- Oligo Synthesis: Custom oligonucleotide synthesis services with over 15 years of experience, offering fastest delivery in South Africa with 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Life Science Products Distribution: Distribution of molecular biology reagents, equipment, consumables and molecular diagnostics products from international brands including Eppendorf, New England Biolabs, Zymo Research, PacBio, Seegene across sub-Saharan Africa
- Molecular Diagnostics: Diagnostic kits and testing services for respiratory, gastrointestinal, infectious diseases and other clinical applications
- Training and Workshops: Practical application training in molecular biology including introductory phylogenetics, molecular techniques, bioinformatics and NGS courses
- Instrument Services: Maintenance, service, repair and calibration of laboratory instruments including pipette calibration services
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
inqaba biotec product offering
Product offeringCore offering
inqaba biotec is a sub-Saharan African genomics company that provides commercial DNA sequencing services (Sanger, NGS/PacBio), custom oligonucleotide synthesis, bioinformatics analysis, qPCR, fragment analysis, MassARRAY genotyping, microarray processing, and animal genetics. It also distributes molecular biology reagents, instruments, and molecular diagnostics products from global brands across the region.
Product overview
Inqaba biotec is a South African genomics company providing a comprehensive portfolio of DNA/RNA sequencing and synthesis services alongside distribution of life science consumables and instruments. The core service offering includes Next Generation Sequencing (using PacBio Revio, Onso, and NextSeq platforms), Sanger Sequencing, Oligo Synthesis, MassARRAY Genotyping, qPCR Analysis, Fragment Analysis, Bioinformatics, Animal Genetics, Instrument Services, Workshops, and Microarray Services. The company distributes products from major global brands including Eppendorf, Zymo Research, PacBio, Seegene, New England Biolabs, DNASTAR, and Advaita. Inqaba biotec operates as a service provider and distributor, with plans to launch in-house manufacturing of plastic laboratory consumables in late 2026.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Comprehensive NGS services including whole genome sequencing, transcriptome sequencing, targeted sequencing, metagenomics, and epigenetics using PacBio Revio, Onso, and NextSeq platforms for research institutions and clinical labs.
- Sanger Sequencing DNA sequencing services using ABI 3500XL genetic analyser producing more than 10,000 reads per month for researchers and clinical laboratories.
- Oligo Synthesis Custom oligonucleotide synthesis with fastest delivery in South Africa and 100% satisfaction guarantee, serving researchers needing DNA synthesis for PCR, sequencing, and molecular biology applications.
- MassARRAY Genotyping Medium to high throughput SNP detection using Agena Bioscience MassARRAY System with MALDI-TOF analysis, supporting up to 36 SNPs per plex, copy number variation, and methylation analysis.
- qPCR Analysis Real-time PCR services including gene expression analysis, SNP genotyping, and absolute quantification with RNA/DNA extraction and assay development.
- Fragment Analysis Capillary-based fragment analysis using ABI 3500XL genetic analyser for DNA fingerprinting, indel mutation analysis, and multiplex PCR reactions with high-throughput marker analysis capacity.
- Bioinformatics Customized bioinformatics analysis services for NGS data interpretation using DNASTAR and Advaita bioinformatics software, covering analysis, training, and project support.
- Microarray Service Automated microarray processing using GeneTitan instrument with Affymetrix HT Array Plates for genome-wide SNP genotyping and gene expression profiling.
- Instrument Services Maintenance, service, and repair for instruments including Eppendorf, Vilber Lourmat, Seegene, and NanoDrop equipment, including micro-pipette calibration and tailored maintenance plans.
- Workshops and Training Practical application training in molecular biology including introductory phylogenetics workshops, molecular techniques courses, and PacBio HiFi sequencing courses for graduate students and researchers.
- Life Science Products Distribution Distribution of molecular biology reagents, DNA/RNA isolation kits, biochemicals, cell culture solutions, ELISA kits, antibodies, proteins, CRISPR products, and laboratory plastics from global brands across sub-Saharan Africa.
- Molecular Diagnostics Distribution Distribution of molecular diagnostic products including Seegene multiplex qPCR kits, Devyser genetic testing kits, Vircell infectious disease diagnostics, Bio-Rad clinical diagnostics, and OGT FISH probes and NGS panels.
Quantifiable outcome
- 10,000+ Sanger sequencing reads per month capacity
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use inqaba biotec
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
inqaba biotec technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
inqaba biotec partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- University of South Africa (UNISA)flagshipJoint partnership for acquisition and operation of Africa's first PacBio Revio sequencing platform. Capital cost jointly shared, located at Inqaba Biotec facilities in Pretoria and jointly operated. Represents mutual commitment to advancing scientific research.
- Pacific Biosciences (PacBio)coreCertified Sequencing Service provider partnership for superior long read (HiFi) sequencing on Sequel IIe system. Expanded to include Revio system in 2024 - Africa's first PacBio Revio platform. Partnership enables access to cutting-edge sequencing technologies for African researchers.
- Shoreline BiomecoreProduct distribution and StrainID services partnership for microbiome research products in Sub-Saharan Africa. Enables provision of easy-to-use microbiome kits and software to customers with strain-level identification capabilities using PacBio Sequel IIe.
- Zymo ResearchcoreExclusive distribution partnership for DNA and RNA purification, epigenetics, microbiomics, and NGS solutions in sub-Saharan Africa since 2006. Zymo Research products include DNA/RNA Shield, ZymoPURE, Direct-Zol and complete microbiome portfolio.
- New England Biolabs (NEB)coreDistribution partnership for recombinant enzymes and reagents for molecular biology applications. Partnership celebrating 10 years in 2024 with co-sponsored events at International Congress of Human Genetics.
- EppendorfcoreDistribution partnership for pipettes, centrifuges, thermal cyclers and other life science equipment across Africa.
- Agena BiosciencecorePartnership to introduce MassARRAY technology in sub-Saharan Africa for SNP genotyping and methylation analysis. System uses MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry with single base-extension chemistry.
- CERI (Centre for Human Genetics, Stellenbosch University)minorCollaboration for rare disease workshop on NGS data analysis and interpretation for rare genetic disorders, presented by Prof. Alex Hoischen and Prof. Christian Gilissen from Radboudumc.
- African BioGenome Project (ABP)flagshipPartnership for genome challenge initiatives supporting African biodiversity. Inqaba biotec sponsoring PacBio SMRT cells for sequencing African eukaryotic genomes. Joint effort for 2021 and 2022 genome challenges.
- Seegene DiagnosticscoreDistribution of multiplex qPCR diagnostic kits for respiratory, gastrointestinal, and infectious disease panels. Products include Allplex and Anyplex real-time PCR platforms and Seeplex automated capillary electrophoresis diagnostics.
- BIOREBAminorDistribution of solutions for detection of plant pathogens including validated products for testing potatoes, vines, fruit trees, vegetables, and field crops.
- Bernhard Notch Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM)minorTraining collaboration in Hamburg for diagnostics of communicable diseases as part of East African Community Regional Network initiative funded by German Development Bank.
- Nolato Treff AGminorDistribution of premium TreffLab plastics including 96-well plates, microtubes, pipette tips, cryogenic tubes. Products manufactured in ISO 14644-1 class 8 sterile environments, free of RNase, DNase, endotoxins and human DNA.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves14 records
Expansion highlights6 records
inqaba biotec competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Macrogen: Korea-headquartered genomics services company offering Sanger, NGS, oligo synthesis and bioinformatics globally; structurally closest comparable to Inqaba as a sequencing-led services company serving research and clinical customers.
- GENEWIZ (Azenta Life Sciences): Global genomics services provider (now part of Azenta) offering Sanger, NGS, gene synthesis and bioinformatics to research customers; very similar service model to Inqaba's research-led segments.
- Source BioScience: UK-based genomics and laboratory services company offering Sanger, NGS and clinical diagnostics; closely comparable in service mix and customer profile (academic, clinical, pharma).
Regional players
- Ampath: Major South African pathology and diagnostic laboratory group; relevant regional competitor and customer overlap for Inqaba's clinical diagnostics and molecular testing offerings.
- Lancet Laboratories: Leading South African clinical diagnostics and pathology laboratory network; comparable regional peer for Inqaba's molecular diagnostics and clinical lab services across Southern Africa.
Emerging players
- 54gene: Nigeria-founded genomics and molecular diagnostics company focused on African populations; emerging African competitor with overlapping ambitions in clinical genomics and biorepository.
Broad incumbents
- Eurofins Genomics: Global commercial DNA sequencing, oligo synthesis and bioinformatics services provider; comparable to Inqaba's core service portfolio but at vastly larger scale across Europe, North America and Asia.
- BGI Genomics: China-based global genomics powerhouse offering sequencing services, instruments and diagnostics; competes for large-scale genomics projects and represents a long-term competitive threat as African capacity matures.
- Novogene: Large global NGS services provider with PacBio and Illumina platforms serving academic and pharma customers; overlaps with Inqaba's NGS and bioinformatics offerings at much greater scale.
Others
- Inqaba Biotec's own ZooOmics division: Listed for completeness as Inqaba's own animal/wildlife genetics arm; reflects the company's diversification beyond human genomics into agricultural and conservation genetics, which mirrors peers in animal genomics services.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
inqaba biotec social profiles
Digital presenceinqaba biotec financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
inqaba biotec leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
inqaba biotec subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
inqaba biotec funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
inqaba biotec M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about inqaba biotec
What does inqaba biotec do?
inqaba biotec is a sub-Saharan African genomics company that provides commercial DNA sequencing services (Sanger, NGS/PacBio), custom oligonucleotide synthesis, bioinformatics analysis, qPCR, fragment analysis, MassARRAY genotyping, microarray processing, and animal genetics. It also distributes molecular biology reagents, instruments, and molecular diagnostics products from global brands across the region.
Is inqaba biotec a public or private company?
inqaba biotec is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was inqaba biotec founded?
inqaba biotec was founded in 2002. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is inqaba biotec based?
inqaba biotec is headquartered in Gauteng, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does inqaba biotec make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. DNA Sequencing Services are the primary driver. The others are oligo Synthesis, life Science Products Distribution, molecular Diagnostics, training and Workshops and instrument Services.
Who are inqaba biotec's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Macrogen, GENEWIZ (Azenta Life Sciences) and Source BioScience. Regional players are Ampath and Lancet Laboratories. 54gene is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Eurofins Genomics, BGI Genomics and Novogene. Inqaba Biotec's own ZooOmics division is listed as an others.
Does inqaba biotec have an API?
No public API is recorded for inqaba biotec.
What industry is inqaba biotec in?
inqaba biotec's product category is Genomics Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAFAMAE, Molecular Diagnostics & Genomics Laboratories, with a secondary code of HLAGANAH, Microbiome & Metagenomics Services. Its NAICS code is 621511 and its SIC code is 8731.