With a mission to lead life science through intelligent innovation and to develop and promote advanced life science tools for future healthcare in Africa, MGI, a company committed to being a world-leading life science innovator, has been supporting the advancement of genomics across the continent.
To recognise and promote outstanding genomics in Africa, MGI hosted the Africa Sequencing Challenge, giving African scientists the chance to win a MGI DNBSEQ™ sequencer* or funding support for their genomics projects.
All scientists, researchers, genomic innovators, startups, and anyone passionate about genomics in Africa were invited to participate. The goal of the programme was to support African researchers, advance genomic sequencing projects, and encourage the adoption of cutting-edge DNBSEQ™ technology. The challenge ran from 24 January 2022 to 10 March 2022.
The first-place winner, receiving a DNBSEQ™ sequencer including installation and training, was Nkosikhona Hlatshwayo at TOKABIO. “Thanks to MGI for this amazing initiative. Without this foresight and support, valuable projects meant to boost African research and innovation would remain stunted. We look forward to a long and fruitful collaboration!” Nkosikhona Hlatshwayo and TOKABIO are establishing a dedicated HIV programme in partnership with multiple governmental and private institutions to improve health outcomes in Africa. “I would like to officially thank you and your team for the sequencing system competition and for trusting TOKABIO to use your technology, advice, and cooperation to set up this amazing HIV programme,” said Dr Phiyani Lebea (PhD), Managing Director at TOKABIO.
Second place was awarded to Allo Aman Dido, part of the Agricultural Biotechnology, Crop Genetic Improvement Team at the Ethiopian Biotechnology Institute, who received $10,000 towards a sequencing project via a third-party service provider. Third place went to Tapfumanei Mashe, AMR Coordinator and HIV/COVID-19 Medical Laboratory Scientist at the Research Circle (TRC) and the World Health Organization, who won $5,000 towards a sequencing project via a third-party service provider. “I am humbled by MGI. This support will go a long way in advancing our NGS dreams,” said Tapfumanei Mashe.
MGI congratulates all winners and thanks everyone who participated in the challenge. Follow MGI on Twitter and LinkedIn for future opportunities.
