The Smart Biotech Story

Follow the stroke or be the stroke that everyone follows

Dr Sibongile Gumbi, our founder, was inspired early on by a quote that captured the spirit of innovation. With purpose, technology, and a strong team, the predecessor to Smart Biotech set out to lead with intention and impact.

For ten years before Smart Biotech was founded, the team closely followed the development of plant-based expression systems as a disruptive approach to producing biologics. By 2015, the concept had proven viable in South Africa, particularly in the animal health sector. This marked the beginning of Smart Biotech and the foundation of SmartBiologics, our ongoing work in plant-expressed products that improve animal health and support smallholder farmers. Our investment in biologics is a long-term one, driven by a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of animal and human disease through zoonosis. We believe that managing disease at the animal stage — through early diagnosis and prevention — is critical to protecting human health. You can learn more about this work on the SmartBiologics page.

Recognising the broader potential of plants in supporting human health, we expanded our focus in 2022 with the launch of SmartHerbals. This portfolio of scientifically tested herbal products is designed to address real social and health needs, such as digestive disorders, chronic inflammation, and immune support. Our flagship product, Healthy Gut, is aloe-based and clinically tested, offering safe and effective relief for diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, and other gut-related issues. SmartHerbals combines indigenous knowledge with modern science to promote access to trustworthy phytomedicines that are affordable, sustainable, and rooted in nature. To explore the SmartHerbals range and its impact, visit the SmartHerbals page.