Nanosene Wins USE Chairman’s Award for Innovation and Excellence
In April 2025, Nanosene, led by CEO Dr. Gestél Kuyler, received the prestigious Chairman’s Award at the Annual CEO Function hosted by University of Stellenbosch Enterprises (USE).
This award is a powerful recognition of Nanosene’s achievements as a university spin-out and of the team’s dedication to scientific innovation and impact over the past year.
“This award celebrates a team whose contributions have had a remarkable impact on the organisation. It recognises a company that has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of performance and whose work has advanced the company’s objectives over the past year.”
Innovation with Purpose: The Story Behind the Award
Nanosene was spun out of Stellenbosch University with the mission to enable membrane protein research through advanced polymer design. At its core lies the proprietary BzAM Terpolymer Series, a technology that is now empowering scientists worldwide in structural biology, drug discovery, and biotechnology applications.
Over the past year, the Nanosene team has:
Expanded international research collaborations
Published peer-reviewed articles in Biomacromolecules and Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
Grew its global network and reach through participation in various international startup competitions and events
Continued to build its reputation as a scientific innovator from Africa
This award celebrates those milestones and the team behind them.
From the CEO
“Wow, what an honour to be part of a community that recognises and supports bold, innovative ideas. This recognition fuels our drive to keep pushing boundaries in polymer science and biotechnology. Thank you to USE, Stellenbosch University, and our partners for walking this journey with us.”
— Gestél Kuyler, CEO of Nanosene
Empowered by the Stellenbosch Innovation Ecosystem
The Chairman’s Award also reflects the strength of the broader Stellenbosch innovation ecosystem, including:
Innovus, the university’s Technology Transfer Office
LaunchLab, a startup incubator that helps turn university research into real-world ventures
The Faculty of Science and Research Division at Stellenbosch University, where academic excellence meets enterprise
This community of researchers, mentors, and enablers plays a vital role in nurturing high-potential spinouts like Nanosene.
From LaunchLab’s celebration post:
“Spinout success requires more than a great idea—it takes drive, resilience, collaboration, and a village of support. The USE CEO event gave us a chance to pause and celebrate just that.”
