Biomaking is the development of technologies for the measurement and manipulation of biological systems. Designing, building and engineering tools and hardware for biology is important to solve real world challenges and by interfacing emerging technologies with biotechnology we can help students and graduates in the biosciences and medicine translate their knowledge into scientific discovery and innovation. Open Bioeconomy Lab is part of the Biomaker Africa initiative at the University of Cambridge, funded by the UK’s Global Challenges Research Fund.

The Biomaker Africa Ghana node is run by our partners Kumasi Hive and focuses on engineering tools for scientific discovery and for the diagnosis and treatment of disease, monitoring of environmental parameters for agricultural purposes, water monitoring and remediation etc. Since February 2019, 14 students and graduates from different educational backgrounds have undergone a bespoke Biomaker training programme and are looking forward to an upcoming Hackathon in May 2019, where they will use the skills and knowledge acquired, to prototype and build hardware solutions for real world challenges. 

The purpose of this course is to train graduates and university students to gain skills relevant in biology for building tools in biology and environmental sensors using technologies like 3D printing, electronics and more.