Entries have opened for the 4th Gauteng Biotech Fundi Awards competition. The awards brings together various biotechnology role players and stakeholders, with the sole objective of recognising achievements and excellence in the sector.

The competition is presented by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in partnership with The Innovation Hub in the City of Tshwane. The awards have been set up by the provincial government to support, promote and develop individuals and companies who make a significant impact on the biotechnology sector in Gauteng.

The competition has created a number of opportunities for companies and individuals in Biotechnology research and development, private sector, academia, capacity building. The categories for 2014 include will the following:

• Biotech Fundi Students Award 2014

• Biotech Fundi Enterprise Builder / Entrepreneur Award 2014

• Biotech Fundi Research Award 2014

• Biotech Fundi Young Researcher Awards 2014

• Biotech Fundi Capacity Builder Award 2014

• Biotech Fundi Communicator Award 2014

• Biotech Fundi Public Leadership Award 2014

• Biotech Fundi Lifetime Contribution Award 2014

The closing date for this year’s entries is Sunday, 07 August 2014 at 23:30 pm. A stringent adjudication process will then take place by an independent committee. The process will then finally culminate in the official awards ceremony to be held at The Innovation Hub on 21 August 2014.

For more information, kindly visit bit.ly/biotechawards or contact the Awards Secretariat at The Innovation Hub: Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, general manager, Research and Innovation. Tel: 012-844-0025 or e-mail bsemete@theinnovationhub.com.