In a small lab, nestled in the heart of Johannesburg, a young scientist named Dr. Marushka Soobben was stirring a quiet revolution. With a microscope as her lens and a passion for problem-solving, she began to unravel the secrets of proteins – the building blocks of life. Her curiosity sparked a fire that would eventually ignite Trichome Technologies, a pioneering biotech startup that’s pushing the boundaries of innovation in Africa.
But Dr. Soobben’s journey isn’t just about science; it’s about bridging the gap between the lab and the real world, where the needs of people and the planet converge.
And that’s where her story truly begins.
Dr. Marushka Soobben’s entrepreneurial journey began unexpectedly in 2022. What she thought was just another research trip to Lesotho for her PhD turned out to be the starting point of something much bigger. As she explored ideas with her lab mates Erin Flavell and Chanél Willemse, she discovered a deep passion for bridging the gap between science and the real world. “For me, it wasn’t just about research—it was about making science accessible to everyone, whether through innovative products or better communication,” she explains.
This realization sparked an entrepreneurial fire within her. “That trip turned into the foundation of my entrepreneurial spark,” she recalls. With the support of mentors and a mix of excitement and naivety, she took her first steps into the world of startups. The journey has been an adventure, marked by significant milestones, including acceptance into accelerator programs and finalist positions in several competitions.
The Birth of Trichome Technologies
As Dr. Soobben delved deeper into the world of biotechnology, she began to build a company that would bring her vision to life. “Biotech was an obvious choice for me—I’ve always been fascinated by the science that has the power to reshape the world,” she explains. With a PhD in biochemistry and a specialization in biotechnology, she saw immense potential to solve real-world problems, from healthcare to sustainability.
Dr. Soobben’s entrepreneurial journey was driven by a desire to bridge the gap between science and practice. “What drove me was identifying a critical gap: the challenge of translating science from theory to practice,” she says. “So much incredible research gets stuck in academic journals, never making its way to the people or industries that could benefit from it.” This realization led her to co-found Trichome Technologies, a biotech startup dedicated to making science accessible, actionable, and impactful.
Trichome Technologies is still in its early stages, but it’s already making waves in the biotech industry. “Our mission is to unlock the potential of biotechnology in ways that matter,” Dr. Soobben explains. With a team of just three, the company is partnering with researchers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to drive innovation and growth. Headquartered in Centurion, Johannesburg, Trichome Technologies is at the heart of a thriving ecosystem that fuels its vision.
As the biotech landscape continues to evolve, Dr. Soobben emphasizes the importance of adaptability and networking. “To stay ahead, I rely on two core strategies: networking and adaptability,” she says. By cultivating meaningful relationships with industry leaders and staying curious about emerging trends and technologies, Trichome Technologies is poised to make a lasting impact in the biotech world.
“At Trichome Technologies, we pride ourselves on the strong connections we’ve built within the industry,” she says. “Networking isn’t just about meeting people—it’s about cultivating meaningful relationships with researchers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who share our vision. These collaborations have been invaluable, opening doors to insights, partnerships, and opportunities that help us thrive in a competitive market.”
One of the most exciting trends in biotechnology is the push for greener solutions. Proteins, once confined to labs, are now key to addressing global challenges like environmental sustainability and food security. Trichome Technologies is contributing to this shift through projects like the CannaConverter and AquiPure, which have garnered significant recognition.
AquiPure provides portable, clean water purification, while the CannaConverter offers an eco-friendly method for crafting personalized cannabinoid blends. These initiatives showcase how biotech can be a force for positive change.
Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Successes
As an entrepreneur, Dr. Soobben has faced numerous challenges, including determining who to trust. “In the early stages of entrepreneurship, you meet countless people who seem eager to help, but not all of them have your best interests at heart,” she notes. Over time, she’s learned to trust her instincts, which has become an invaluable skill in building authentic and meaningful partnerships.
Funding has been another significant hurdle. “As a startup, the constant push to secure resources, pitch your vision, and apply for grants is an ongoing challenge,” Dr. Soobben explains. However, her experience in academia prepared her for the uncertainty and perseverance required in entrepreneurship. “Academia and entrepreneurship share many parallels—like conducting novel research, seeking funding, and applying for grants. Both demand resilience, resourcefulness, and the ability to keep pushing even when the outcome is uncertain.”
Despite the challenges, Dr. Soobben has achieved significant success with Trichome Technologies. One of her most notable projects is the CannaConverter, a groundbreaking innovation aimed at creating sustainable solutions within the biotech space. “It was our first step into entrepreneurship, and it opened many doors for us,” she says. The CannaConverter received significant recognition, including being named finalists in the Gauteng Accelerator Programme (GAP) in 2022.
Dr. Soobben’s success extends beyond her projects. She won the Science Communication Competition at BioAfrica 2023, which earned her a funded fellowship to be mentored by Dr. Chris Smith, widely known as The Naked Scientist, at Cambridge University. “This was a particularly rewarding moment because it highlighted my passion for making science accessible to all,” she reflects. These experiences reflect her commitment to leveraging biotechnology and communication to address real-world challenges.
A Passion for Community Building
Apart from her groundbreaking work in biotechnology, Dr. Soobben is passionate about fostering connections and creating a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs in STEM. “I’m deeply passionate about building a community where STEM entrepreneurs can share their journeys, connect, and support one another,” she explains. To achieve this, she has developed social media pages, including the High on Knowledge Podcast on LinkedIn, where entrepreneurs can share their stories, insights, and experiences.
Dr. Soobben’s initiative is centered around communication and collaboration. “Ultimately, this initiative is about communication. It’s about breaking down the silos that so often exist in STEM fields and creating a space where entrepreneurs can exchange ideas, find support, and work together to overcome shared challenges,” she notes. By building a strong, collaborative ecosystem, Dr. Soobben believes that entrepreneurs can drive innovation and progress, ultimately benefiting not just individuals, but the entire STEM community.
Looking Ahead
As Dr. Soobben looks to the future, she is excited about the emerging trends in biotechnology, particularly the push to make everything greener. “Proteins are at the forefront of this transformation, helping industries create more sustainable solutions,” she explains. At Trichome Technologies, she’s proud to contribute to this movement, with plans to launch a dedicated protein research division and collaborate with partners like UVU Bio.
Reflecting on her journey as an entrepreneur, Dr. Soobben shares the most significant lesson she’s learned: “Be open to learning.” She emphasizes that growth comes from leaning into the process, embracing uncertainty, and understanding that every step brings valuable knowledge. “You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting,” she advises. “The most important thing is to start, try, and learn.”
Through her journey, Dr. Soobben has come to appreciate the beauty of entrepreneurship. “You grow, adapt, and find new ways to turn your passion into something impactful,” she says. This mindset has enabled her to navigate the ups and downs of startup life, staying focused on her vision of making science accessible to everyone.