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Dr Maryam Amra Jordaan

SA Rebuilders

2016

Prototype

Durban

SA Rebuilders
Who does this innovation help?

1) Children and adolescents living with HIV. 2) All South Africans looking to learn more about and implement the use of 3D printers in work and everyday life; and access sustainable 3D filament.

About the Innovator

Maryam is originally from the small diamond mining town of Kimberley, and although she was the Dux student at her high school she had no idea that one day she would have the opportunity to attend university. As a volunteer at various children homes in Kimberley, she saw first-hand how severely children were affected by the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) pandemic this concerned her so much that she felt she had to do something to assist. People infected with HIV face social stigma and judgement and the little children born with this disease have no choice. Maryam secured a bursary from De Beers in 2001 and started her journey to specialise in Chemistry. The fact that she stemmed from a previously disadvantaged background did not deter her from entering an academic environment which was rife with both gender and race inequalities at the time. Women are still to a large extent underrepresented in this field of study and she experienced discrimination and had to overcome many hurdles personally and professionally due to this disproportion. Maryam persevered nonetheless and received her PhD in Chemistry in 2013. Her career spans a decade in academics and research with her current career progression in Research Management and Administration. Maryam and her husband, Yasar Amra founded a company called SA Rebuilders in 2016 with the sole intention of serving humanity by using Science and Technology to solve societal problems. They have received numerous national and international awards which include the Leader in Innovation fellow (LIF) pitch win held in London in 2020, the TIA-GCIP best women-led team in the medical device category, the TIA Female Investees winner for social impact and we were one of the 5 winners in the Scale out for impact (SOFI) programme alongside our UK partner TechforTrade.

How the Innovation Works

1) Although oral ARVs are the main treatment for HIV a 40% mortality rate observed in children due to issues related to toxicity and patient adherence. The WHO attributes this to the lag in the development of simplified drugs for children. To solve this issue we are developing an ARV medi-patch with novel nanosized co-crystals for use in HIV infected children. This product reduces toxicity associated with the oral ARV therapy generally used. In addition, the ease of application results in patient adherence subsequently reducing the potential of drug resistance. 2) Plastic and bio-waste pollution are pervasive environmental issues with Africa having limited upcycling capability. As one of the 5 winners in the Scale out for impact (SOFI) programme facilitated by TIA, our company has formed a partnership with UK NGO TechforTrade to establish operations in Durban with the view to provide recycled plastic (rPET) filament to the 3D printing sector. By providing cheaper, robust 3D filament and products from recycled PET and bagasse we can provide socio-economic and environmental benefit to South Africa. 3D printing training opportunities and filament production would mean skills development for South African youth.

Innovation picture

An interview with the Innovator

Q1

What problem/s are you trying to address with your innovation?

We are a multidisciplinary R&D company focusing on solving societal problems using Science and Technology. We have two projects underway namely:1) Although oral ARVs are the main treatment for HIV a 40% mortality rate observed in children due to issues related to toxicity and patient adherence. The WHO attributes this to the lag in the development of simplified drugs for children. To solve this issue we are developing an ARV medi-patch with novel nanosized co-crystals for use in HIV infected children. This product reduces toxicity associated with the oral ARV therapy generally used. In addition, the ease of application results in patient adherence subsequently reducing the potential of drug resistance 2) Plastic and bio-waste pollution are pervasive environmental issues with Africa having limited upcycling capability. As one of the 5 winners in the Scale out for impact (SOFI) programme facilitated by TIA, our company has formed a partnership with UK NGO TechforTrade to establish operations in Durban with the view to provide recycled plastic (rPET) filament to the 3D printing sector. By providing cheaper, robust 3D filament and products from recycled PET and bagasse we can provide socio-economic and environmental benefit to South Africa. 3D printing training opportunities and filament production would mean skills development for South African youth.

Q2

What has been the toughest challenge/s to overcome in your innovation journey?

The Financial restraints have been the biggest issue as well as developing the appropriate partnerships rin regards to the preclinical and clinical data needed for the ARV. The GCIP-SA business accelerator program and Leader in Innovation fellowships facilitated by TIA had definitely assisted us in improving our business plan and the presentation of our business ideas to potential investors.

Q3

Where do you see yourself and your innovation in 5 years’ time?

That perseverance is the key to success.

Q4

What has been the biggest lesson so far?

I see myself managing a manufacturing facility and creating employment opportunities with our products on the market contributing to the economic growth of South Africa.

Advice from the Innovator

To remain persistent even during adversity. It's also very important to own your identity and never fear what others think of you as this allows one to be authentic and honest and sets you a part from the rest.

About the Supporting Organisations Involved and Approach to Galvanising Support

We are supported by the Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII) and Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). As a start-up, many entrepreneurs think that financial support is the main facet required for success. However, in order to galvanise support one has to build credibility through opportunities that provide mentorship, and connections to investors and business partners. This will in turn attract investment. Honesty is key.

Financial Support

The GCIP-SA business accelerator program and Leader in Innovation fellowships provided mentorship and entrepreneurial skills. The SOFI programme provided funding and connections to business partners.

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