Makerere University Biomedical Research Center

Name

Makerere University Biomedical Research Center

Legal name

Makerere University Biomedical Research Centre Limited

Website

https://brc.mak.ac.ug

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Kampala

HQ country

Uganda

HQ region

Africa

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Laboratory Diagnostic Services: Provides laboratory services in support of patient care, research, clinical trials, and training with a rich test menu including Chemistry, Virology, Microbiology, Mycobacteriology, and Molecular Diagnostics
2. Training Programs and Short Courses: Offers internship placements, graduate training, short courses in GCP, RCR, ISO 15189 implementation, and professional development training with participant fees
3. Biobanking Services: Provides biospecimens to communicable and non-communicable disease researchers globally

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

MakBRC is a not-for-profit Centre of Excellence wholly owned by Makerere University that delivers advanced biomedical laboratory diagnostic services, research support, biobanking, and graduate/postgraduate research training. It operates specialized laboratories in genomics, molecular diagnostics, immunology, mycobacteriology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and HPLC/mass spectrometry, and develops proprietary low-cost diagnostic reagents and rapid test kits for African disease surveillance.

Product overview

Makerere University Biomedical Research Centre (MakBRC) is a Centre of Excellence and not-for-profit company wholly owned by Makerere University. It offers a comprehensive portfolio of biomedical research products and services, including: (1) Diagnostic and research reagent products under the MakGen brand (Viral Extraction Kit, STDSAgX Covid-19 RDT, Proficiency Panels, and enzymes); (2) State-of-the-art laboratory services through specialized units including GMI Labs (Genomics, Molecular and Immunology), Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, and the Biomarker Discovery Lab; (3) Biobanking services through IBRH3AU with over two million biospecimens shipped globally; (4) Education and training programs including graduate research training, internships, and short courses; and (5) Grants management support. The organization serves as a Center of Academic Excellence, Health Care and Collaborative Research, bridging gaps in medical research for Uganda and the broader African region.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MakGen: Viral Extraction Kit developed by MakBRC for PCR testing, providing estimated savings of UGX 2,500,000 for 250 Reactions
• STDSAgX Covid-19 RDT
• GMI Laboratories

Products and services

• Comprehensive Laboratory Diagnostic Services A full suite of laboratory services supporting patient care, research, clinical trials, and training, with a rich test menu covering Chemistry, Virology, Microbiology, Mycobacteriology, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Anatomy disciplines. Services are provided to physicians, healthcare facilities, researchers, epidemiologists, students, and health policymakers.
• Genomics, Molecular and Immunology Laboratories (GMI Labs) Diagnostic, research, and training laboratory services covering infectious and non-infectious diseases, including RNA preparation, DNA extraction, Illumina MiSeq sequencing, and immunology assays. The facility serves healthcare providers, researchers, epidemiologists, students, and policymakers.
• Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory Molecular diagnostic services including pre-amplification, amplification, and post-amplification workflows across more than 1,100 sq. ft., equipped with electrophoresis equipment, -80°C freezers, and automated electrophoretic systems. Services extend to Mulago National Referral Hospital, Makerere University Hospital, and surrounding health facilities.
• Integrated Biorepository of H3Africa Uganda (IBRH3AU) Biobanking Service Biobank providing well-characterized and annotated quality biospecimens to communicable and non-communicable disease researchers worldwide, with over two million samples shipped globally. Operations include sample storage, processing, and shipment.
• Biomarker Discovery Lab Research laboratory for basic and translational analysis of target biological markers with prototype validation capabilities, equipped with a high-performance liquid chromatograph-triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC/MS/MS) covering m/z 2 to 2000.
• MakGen Viral Extraction Kit Proprietary PCR kit for viral RNA extraction developed by MakBRC with funding from the Government of Uganda through PRESIDE, providing an estimated saving of UGX 2,500,000 for 250 reactions.
• STDSAgX Covid-19 Rapid Diagnostic Test Affordable, easy-to-use, rapid point-of-care diagnostic test platform for Covid-19 suitable for remote sub-Saharan Africa settings, developed with funding from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. Estimated to cost less than USD 1 per test on market once commercialized.
• PCR Covid-19 Proficiency Panel Quality assurance panel developed in partnership with the Supranational Reference Laboratory, distributed to select COVID-19 testing centers in Africa for free to enable validation of results for partner institutions.
• Phusion DNA Polymerase and Reverse Transcriptase Reagents Proprietary enzymes developed and purified on a small scale by MakBRC for molecular biology applications. Phusion DNA polymerase provides 5'-3' exonuclease activity for real-time PCR, and Reverse Transcriptase enables cDNA synthesis from viral RNA. Estimated saving of UGX 4,000,000 per 1,000 reactions.
• Research and Training Programs Graduate and postgraduate research training programs with internship placements that prepare individuals to conduct rigorous and relevant research that advances biomedical knowledge. Programs support hands-on experience in biomedical research careers at MakBRC labs.
• Grants Management Services A team of grants specialists who help maximize the impact of grant funds, with experience in applying for and managing grants for research and institutional projects.
• ISO 15189:2022 Implementation Training Three-day training course on implementing the ISO 15189:2022 medical laboratory quality management standard, scheduled at Dean's Conference Hall, College of Health Sciences, Mulago, priced at UGX 350,000 per participant.
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Workshop Three-day GCP workshop for clinical research professionals, with participant pricing of UGX 230,000.
• Makerere Bioethics Conference (MakBC) Annual bioethics conference with the theme "Embracing Bioethics in Global Health," featuring early bird and late registration tiers for nationals/residents, international attendees, and undergraduate/master's students, plus group packages.
• Cambridge Makerere Summer School A 5-day collaborative summer school program hosted with the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, delivering lectures and practical workshops demonstrating state-of-the-art technologies and concepts aligned with ongoing research at Uganda Cancer Institute.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2 million biospecimen samples shipped globally
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Makerere UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMakBRC is a company wholly owned and guaranteed by Makerere University. The center is established within Makerere University College of Health Sciences and operates as a Centre of Excellence.
• Global Health UgandacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit organization formed by Ugandan and American health scientists from Makerere University, University of Minnesota, and Michigan State University. GHU provides collaborative platform for individuals and groups conducting scientific research in Uganda through provision of research infrastructure.
• Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration since 2018 on joint Summer Research Programme and annual Summer School in Kampala. Researchers from CRUK CI deliver 5 days of lectures and practical workshops demonstrating state-of-the-art technologies and concepts aligned with ongoing research at UCI.
• Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating with CRUK CI since 2018 to share knowledge and resources. UCI partners with MakBRC on joint Summer Research Programme and Summer School, with Dr. Nixon Niyonzima as Head of Research and Training at UCI.
• Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat at Office of the President (STI-OP)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOn October 6, 2024, MakBRC hosted scientists from STI-OP and Cuba. STI-OP leads delegation to identify facilities and capital investments that can foster synergies and collaborative R&D between Uganda and Cuban institutions.
• Empresas de Servicios Ingenieros Especializados (ESINES), CubamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCuban scientists visited MakBRC Biomarker Discovery lab to identify collaborative R&D opportunities. Team led by Dr. Figueroa Fernandez (Business and Development Director), Dr. Portuondo Vazquez (Deputy Director), and Dr. Sardina Fagundo (Chief Architect & Project Manager).
• Biocubafarma Group of CompanymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Leyva Hernandez (Commercial & Business Director) from Biocubafarma participated in visit to identify collaborative R&D facilities and capital investments for synergies between Uganda and Cuban institutions.
• University of Florence, ItalymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial launch of ALL-IN-ONE AMR Project on January 29, 2025 at MakBRC to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with implementation focus on Karamoja region, Uganda. Multidisciplinary effort leveraging local and international research expertise.
• Eastern Africa GEOHealth HubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHub focuses on environmental and occupational health in eastern Africa. MakBRC participates in research initiatives alongside Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia) and University of Nairobi (Kenya). Supported by NIH Fogarty International Center.
• Botnar Research Centre for Child Health (BRCCH)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Africa Suitcaselab project for development and deployment of rapid SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antigen detection assays with multi-country blinded phase 2 study.
• University of EdinburghmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration through Dr. Seth Amanfo (Regional Director for Africa and Middle East, Edinburgh Global) and Dr. Adrian Muwonge (BBRC Future Leader Fellow). Hosts joint research opportunities events and fosters academic partnerships across borders.
• European, Middle Eastern & African Society for Biopreservation and Biobanking (ESBB)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerESBB hosted webinar 'Biobanks in Africa: Unlocking Biotech Potential – A Ugandan Edition' with speakers Bonginkosi Duma and Sharley Melissa Aloyo sharing knowledge on biobanking significance in African context.
• Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics (BI)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Fogarty African Bioethics Post-Doctoral Fellowship (FAB-PDF) program with 18-month training including 4.5 months at Johns Hopkins, 1 month at MakCHS, 1 month at Ethox (Oxford), and 11.5 months at home institution.
• University of Oxford Ethox CentremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Fogarty African Bioethics Post-Doctoral Fellowship (FAB-PDF) program. NIH Fogarty International Center Grant #D43TW010512 supports advanced bioethics postdoctoral training for scholars from sub-Saharan Africa.
• Supranational Reference LaboratorycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to develop PCR Covid-19 Proficiency Panel distributed to select Covid-19 testing centers in Africa for free, enabling validation of results for all partner institutions.
• Uganda Embassy in HavanaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Komakech Paul (Administrative Assistant and Medical Intern at Medical University of Havana) represented Ugandan embassy in Havana during Cuban scientists' visit.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI): Uganda's flagship virology and public-health laboratory and MakBRC's direct counterpart — the only other nationally approved COVID-19 testing facility in Uganda. Operates overlapping diagnostic, surveillance, and research functions under the same Ministry of Health ecosystem.
• Ifakara Health Institute: Tanzania-based independent health research institute delivering laboratory diagnostics, training, and applied biomedical research. Comparable operating model with grant funding, regional partnerships, and African-population disease focus.
• Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI): Kenya's national medical research institute combining biomedical laboratory services, biobanking, training, and grant-funded research. Closest East African analog in scale, mandate, and funding mix to MakBRC.
• Institut Pasteur de Dakar: Senegal-based biomedical research institute with diagnostic manufacturing (including yellow-fever vaccine), biobanking, and training. Closely comparable not-for-profit African research center with in-house diagnostic product development.
• South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC): South Africa's statutory medical research council funding and conducting laboratory, clinical, and public-health research. Comparable African-academic research-council model with broader geographic reach and grant-making function.
• National Institute for Medical Research Tanzania (NIMR): Tanzania's national medical research institute with laboratory services, biobanking, and training mandate. Comparable parastatal academic research model serving East African populations.

Others

• EDCTP (European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership): Major European funder of clinical research in sub-Saharan Africa and a key funding partner for MakBRC (e.g., Africa Suitcaselab). Functions as a donor/ecosystem participant rather than a peer in laboratory services.
• H3Africa Consortium: NIH-funded consortium of African genomic research projects and biorepositories. MakBRC participates as the IBRH3AU biorepository node; consortium functions as both funder and ecosystem enabler rather than a commercial peer.

Broad incumbents

• FIND (Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics): Global non-profit driving development and deployment of diagnostic tests for poverty-related diseases. Comparable mission around African diagnostic access; broader portfolio and global funding reach make it an incumbent counterpart rather than a direct competitor.

Emerging players

• Mologic: UK-based developer of low-cost rapid diagnostic tests for infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries. Comparable in mission (affordable diagnostics for Africa) and product category to MakBRC's MakGen and STDSAgX lines.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/makerere-university-biomedical-research-center

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Makerere University Biomedical Research Center