Shanghai, China - 
For biotechnology graduate Kelebogile Modikwe, science should not remain confined to textbooks and laboratories; it should improve lives.
Her belief inspired the creation of OrganoBoost, a soil enhancer made partly from pondweed removed from South Africa's waterways. The innovation turns what was once considered waste into a product that helps support sustainable farming.
Modikwe is a laboratory and project administration assistant at UVU Bio, which was invited by the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions to participate in the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai. OrganoBoost, supported through UVU Bio's innovation ecosystem, was showcased to an international audience of scientists, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and policymakers.
"South African aquatic systems have a lot of pondweed that is regarded as waste. Instead of throwing it away, we harvest it and use it to make a product. We mix it with different ratios of biochar and sawdust, and then test those ratios in our laboratories to see which one works best in fertilising the soil," Modikwe explained.
Biochar, a charcoal-like substance made from organic waste, is used to improve soil health and support sustainable farming.
"The process reduces waste by giving unwanted plant material a second life as a useful product for farming. This helps with sustainable farming because, instead of simply throwing away the waste, we take it and turn it into a product," she said.
Her role in the project has been that of a researcher, helping to test and refine the product as it moved from concept to market.
Modikwe holds a diploma in biotechnology from the Vaal University of Technology and credits the UVU Bio mentorship programmes with helping her convert academic knowledge into practical experience.
"It shows what mentorship and upskilling programmes can do for young scientists like me. At varsity, most of the time we get theory. We don't always get the opportunity to practise or see that science can be implemented and used to make our lives better. That is what I have learnt through these programmes," she said.
For Modikwe, the project has demonstrated that research can deliver real-world results when young scientists receive mentorship, practical exposure and opportunities to participate in commercial innovation.
From the lab to the global stage
Showcasing OrganoBoost in Shanghai further strengthened her ambitions. Meeting potential collaborators and innovators from around the world was a life-changing experience for the young South African scientist.
"It showed me that it is possible to create your own innovation, commercialise it and use science to make a real impact. I want to transfer the skills I have gained to other young South African scientists so that they can also realise that this is possible," Modikwe said.
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