Wessel Myburgh and Dominique Rocher, CEO and COO of Urobo Biotech, respectively, are the two young minds heading up this Stellenbosch University spinout that is addressing the global challenges associated with end-of-life bioplastics through innovative and scientifically verified solutions.
These two Stellenbosch University (SU) researchers might have the answer for waste management companies around the globe who battle with problems caused by the rise in bioplastic waste – which currently mostly ends up in landfills or being incinerated. As part of Wessel’s PhD, he is developing a technology that uses microbial enzymes to break down certain types of plastics – especially bioplastics – and potentially recycle them to valuable fuels and chemicals. In developing this solution, Wessel and Dominique, are working with Innovus Technology Transfer Office and SU LaunchLab to commercialise this new technology and establish or spinout Urobo Biotech as a company.
Myburgh recently completed his co-tutelage PhD at Stellenbosch University and the University of Padova, Italy. Concurrent with his academic achievements, Myburgh has conducted validation of Urobo Biotech’s technologies through publication in various peer-reviewed academic journals and has presented the technological concepts at multiple conferences. Like many other young people around the world, he is painfully aware of the plastic pollution crisis our generation faces. As an enthusiastic researcher, microbiologist and entrepreneur, Myburgh aims to leverage his expertise in biotechnology to help tackle this crisis and develop technologies that can shift the perception surrounding plastics from a low-value, highly problematic waste to a high-value feedstock that can help build a circular bio-economy. Presently, he spearheads numerous bioplastic waste management projects and serves as Urobo Biotech’s representative at prominent international platforms, including COP28 and the Swiss AIT program.
Rocher is a proactive, committed, and well-rounded graduate, always seeking opportunities to broaden her intellectual imagination and entrepreneurial skills. She did her BSc, Hons and MSc in Microbiology at Stellenbosch University and added another MSc in Environmental Sciences from the University of Tsukuba in Japan. With her background in environmental science, biotechnology, and entrepreneurship, she is now pursuing a co-tutelage PhD in Microbiology and Crop Science at SU and the University of Padova in Italy. Dominique’s journey is driven by the necessity of tackling the plastic pollution crisis on a global scale. She is motivated to make a difference by following her passion of achieving sustainability in the packaging sector through rigorous scientific investigation.
Rocher and Myburgh co-founded Urobo Biotech with Innovus under the research guidance of Prof Emile van Zyl, Prof Marinda Viljoen-Bloom and the assistance of MSc student Hannah Foster. Myburgh who is currently completing his co-tutelage doctorate in microbiology through SU and the University of Padova in Italy is also benefitting from the expertise of the latter university’s Prof Lorenzo Favaro, also a co-founder of Urobo Biotech and a leading researcher in second-generation bioethanol production from lignocellulosic sources, as well as bioplastics production from organic waste streams. The company continues to receive research advice from the growing research groups at the University of Padova and SU where they are currently developing enzyme-based waste management processes for end-of-life bioplastics with the intention to commercialise it shortly.