Gates Foundation visit affirms IITA’s readiness for BioCap training

16 January 2026

Gates Foundation visit affirms IITA’s readiness for BioCap training
Dr Lawrence Kent interacts with IITA and CIP researchers during the laboratory tour.

As part of efforts to gain first-hand insight into the facilities that will underpin practical training under the upcoming BioCap project, Dr Lawrence Kent of the Gates Foundation visited the IITA Biotechnology Laboratories recently. The visit took place ahead of the official launch of BioCap in Rwanda. It focused on familiarizing the donor with the environment where shuttle training and hands-on genome editing work for Rwandan scientists will be conducted.

Dr Kent was taken through the laboratories by Dr Leena Tripathi and the IITA Biotechnology team, who showcased the banana gene-editing pipeline, including laboratory infrastructure, research workflows, biosafety systems, and stewardship frameworks that guide compliant research. He also engaged with

Dr Jaindra showing Dr. Kent ongoing genome editing experiments in the IITA Laboratories.
Dr Jaindra showing Dr. Kent ongoing genome editing experiments in the IITA Laboratories.

the training environment designed to support hands-on capacity building in genome editing, from early-stage laboratory work through to downstream applications.

Reflecting on the visit, Dr Kent said, “I am impressed by the IITA team’s expertise and the quality of the work IITA researchers are doing on plant genome editing. This platform will equip Rwandan scientists with the skills and environment necessary to make a tangible impact by applying plant genome editing technology in the development of disease-

resistant crops.

Dr Leena Tripathi demonstrates to Dr Kent and Dr Paul Demo (CIP) the glasshouse trials
Dr Leena Tripathi demonstrates to Dr Kent and Dr Paul Demo (CIP) the glasshouse trials of edited banana plants to Dr Kent and Dr Paul Demo (CIP).

 

Dr Tripathi added, “It was a pleasure to take Dr Kent through our labs and show how we integrate genome

editing research, biosafety, and training to build a critical mass of researchers. We are excited to

support BioCap and empower Rwandan scientists with practical genome editing expertise.”

The engagement assured that IITA’s Gene Editing Platform is well-positioned to host and support the practical components of the BioCap program. By anchoring training within a controlled and well-established research environment, the platform will enable Rwandan scientists to acquire the skills needed to advance the development of gene-edited, disease-resistant bananas, contributing to long-term regional capacity in agricultural biotechnology.

 

 

 

 

Contributed by Rose Harriet Okech