Cobus Zwiegelaar

COO @ AzarGen Biotechnologies

About

Experienced Founder, with a demonstrated history of success. I have played a crucial role in the growth and development of a biotech company, utilizing my skills in various areas such as Recombinant DNA and Protein Purification. I have been instrumental in shaping the company's vision and strategy, working closely with other founders to set strategic goals and develop effective plans for growth. My expertise in the various scientific areas has been pivotal in guiding the scientific direction of the company. In addition to my scientific responsibilities, I have also taken on business-related roles, including business development, fundraising, and project management. We have successfully raised funds to support the company's growth and have established strategic partnerships to expand our market reach. With my project management skills, I have effectively coordinated cross-functional teams, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. I have been actively involved in research and development, as well as clinical trials. My proficiency in protein biochemistry purification, and new method development has contributed significantly to the development and optimization of our products. This hands-on experience has provided me with valuable insights into the challenges involved in bringing a pharmaceutical product from inception to the clinic. Furthermore, I actively participate in board meetings, where I contribute insights and expertise to strategic discussions and decision-making processes. I have a strong understanding of corporate governance, compliance requirements, and regulatory landscapes, ensuring that our company operates ethically and in accordance with industry standards. Through my journey as a Founder, I have built a wide network of connections within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. These connections have been vital in forging partnerships, gaining market insights, and staying updated on the latest advancements in the field. Leveraging my network and relationships with key stakeholders has been a significant driver of our company's growth and success. My experience as a Founder in the biotechnology industry has equipped me with a comprehensive skill set that combines scientific expertise and business acumen. I am passionate about leveraging my knowledge and experience to drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, and make a positive impact on the healthcare landscape.

Country

South Africa

City

City of Cape Town

Industry

Biotechnology

Skill

Project Management, New Business Development, Clinical Trials, Product Development, Fundraising, pitch deck development, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Lifesciences, Biochemistry, Proteomics, PCR, Microbiology, Protein Purification, Genetics, Bioinformatics, recombinant DNA technology, Genomics, Technology Transfer, Cell Culture

Experience

COO

AzarGen Biotechnologies

2011-11 - Present · 14 yrs 11 mos

Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

I am responsible for all internal business operations within AzarGen and are heading new product development and strategic planning of our technology platform and providing guidance and support to our CEO for busuness and fund-raising activities.

Founder & Director

AzarGen Biotechnologies

2003-1 - Present · 23 yrs 9 mos

Stellenbosch

We started Azargen as a concept in middle 2002 to fulfill a lifelong dream to be heading a world-class technology company that would impact and change the world around us. Starting the company in 2003, it took several years of hard work and partnering with the right individuals that bought into our vision to make this dream a reality. Today we are still going at it and living the dream. As start-up Entrepreneur my role was constantly changing and I had to sit on several different chairs from scientist to secretary to business manager to lawyer. We did what had to be done to allow the company to succeed. We are defining ourselves as a biotechnology company utilising advanced genetic engineering and synthetic biology techniques to express biopharmaceutical compounds of high value. Our focus is to use plants as bioreactors to develop a pipeline of novel and patentable compounds with special emphasis on complex therapeutic proteins that are difficult or impossible to manufacture using standard techniques that are currently available.

IT administrator

Institute for Plant Biotechnology, University of Stellenbosch

2003-1 - 2009-11 · 6 yrs 11 mos

I managed the day to day IT needs of the staff and students at the IPB, I was responsible for tracking and managing new computer and software purchases, administered the computer network, developed and maintained the institute's website and was involved in the strategic IT planning for the future of the institute.