ReSurfify Selected for MIT Kuo Sharper Center Deep Tech Program for Africa

ReSurfify is proud to announce our selection as one of 19 innovative startups from across Africa chosen to participate in the inaugural Deep Tech Innovation Program for Africa. This prestigious program is co-designed by the MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship and Material Impact, a Boston-based venture capital firm with over $750 million under management, in collaboration with the Government of Botswana.

About the Deep Tech Program for Africa

The Deep Tech Innovation Program for Africa represents a transformative initiative designed to empower African scientists and engineers to transform their breakthrough research into scalable ventures. The program focuses on addressing Africa's most pressing challenges in health, renewable energy, agriculture, and mining through deep tech solutions—products and solutions rooted in science and engineering.

The program brings together top scientific minds from across the continent, including Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Egypt, Botswana, South Africa, and beyond. Participants gain access to MIT faculty, leading global deep-tech founders, and customized mentorship from Material Impact, which has a strong record in deep-tech commercialization.

ReSurfify's Participation

As one of the 19 selected startups, ReSurfify's founder, Dr. André Valkenburg, participated in an intensive in-person workshop held in Gaborone, Botswana from November 10-16, 2025. The immersive week-long program, hosted in collaboration with the Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub, provided hands-on support in building a deep tech business from the ground up.

The program offered comprehensive mentorship, workshops, and venture-building sessions covering critical aspects of deep tech entrepreneurship:

• Investor-Ready Narratives: Learning to craft compelling stories that communicate the value and potential of scientific innovations
• Operating Plans: Developing robust business models and operational strategies for scaling deep tech ventures
• Fundraising Strategies: Understanding how to navigate the unique challenges of raising capital for science-based startups
• Value Proposition Refinement: Sharpening the market positioning and competitive advantages of deep tech solutions

The Workshop Experience

The intensive workshop in Gaborone provided an unparalleled opportunity for deep learning and networking. Participants engaged directly with MIT faculty members, experienced deep tech entrepreneurs, and the Material Impact team, gaining insights into the journey from research to commercialization.

Participating in the MIT Deep Tech Program for Africa was a transformative experience. The program provided invaluable hands-on support in understanding how to build a successful deep tech business. The mentorship from MIT faculty and Material Impact's team helped us refine our approach to commercialization and gave us the tools to navigate the unique challenges of bringing scientific innovations to market.

— Dr. André Valkenburg, Founder of ReSurfify

The program culminated in a showcase event where all 19 startups presented their science-driven solutions, highlighting Africa's potential as a hub for deep tech innovation.

Impact on ReSurfify's Journey

This selection represents a significant milestone in ReSurfify's mission to revolutionize the surfactant industry through sustainable biosurfactant production. The program's focus on deep tech commercialization aligns perfectly with ReSurfify's approach of transforming waste oils into high-value biosurfactants using advanced biotechnology.

The knowledge and networks gained through this program will be instrumental in accelerating ReSurfify's path to market. The mentorship and strategic guidance received will help us navigate the complexities of scaling a deep tech venture while maintaining our commitment to sustainability and environmental impact.

Africa's Deep Tech Future

The Deep Tech Program for Africa underscores the continent's growing recognition as a source of innovative solutions to global challenges. By supporting African scientists and engineers in commercializing their research, the program is helping to build a new generation of companies that can drive prosperity across the continent and beyond.

ReSurfify is honored to be part of this pioneering cohort and remains committed to leveraging deep tech innovation to create sustainable solutions that address both environmental challenges and economic opportunities.