In this, the fifth edition of Pioneers, we again celebrate innovation, thought leadership and the trailblazers in the health tech industry, both in Cape Town and the Western Cape, as well as globally.

Amongst others, we profile the incredible work being done by Afrigen and Biovac in setting up the mRNA vaccine technology transfer hub in Cape Town, highlight the groundbreaking, world-first discovery made by Stellenbosch University’s Prof Resia Pretorius and her team regarding “long COVID”, and feature an in-depth interview with the president of the South African Medical Research Council, Prof Glenda Gray, who provides key insights into local responses to the pandemic and how it weighed up globally.

From world-class digital health companies to businesses delivering cutting-edge medical devices, we also put the spotlight on some of the very best in the sector, with the likes of Biocode and BioCertica, Strove, NOOSi Health and LIQID Medical just some of the companies ensuring the local health tech industry continues to compete globally.