Adriana Botes

Adriana Botes is a Professor in Practice in the Department of Biosciences. She holds executive roles in multiple biotechnology firms, including Director and co-founder of Videra Services Ltd, CSO of VideraBio (a division focused on high-value bioactive compounds), and R&D Director of Azotic Technologies Ltd, which develops nitrogen-fixing microbial inoculants. Her career spans 25 years in organic chemistry, microbiology, and biochemistry, with a focus on biocatalyst-driven solutions for industrial and environmental challenges. She has led multidisciplinary teams to develop processes for producing bulk chemicals, chiral intermediates, and biopharmaceuticals.

Her academic contributions include 18 peer-reviewed publications and over 47 granted US patents for innovations in biotechnology. Her work emphasizes sustainable crop production, reducing synthetic fertilizer dependence, and producing climate-resilient crops through microbial technologies.

• Key Areas: Biocatalysts, Sustainable Agriculture, Bioactive Compounds
• Patents: 47 granted in the US
• Companies: Videra Services, Azotic Technologies