Wednesday, 10 December 2025
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an entity of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation in South Africa has signed a memorandum of understanding and a licencing agreement with PromptBio, a California-based data and life sciences platform.
This partnership will support integrated multiome data analysis and AI-powered insights as part of the Clinical Multiome Atlas Platform (Clin-MAP), which is housed at the CSIR.
PromptBio’s data and life sciences platform integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and multiome (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) data analytics to catalyse biological discovery.
This collaboration enables the CSIR’s Clin-MAP to leverage PromptBio’s advanced AI platform, combined with the CSIR’s multiome profiling capabilities, to accelerate biomarker and therapeutic target discovery tailored for African populations across diverse clinical disease cohorts in southern Africa.
Dr Jerolen Naidoo, co-principal investigator of Clin-MAP, noted: “Access to the PromptBio platform and AI-guided insights represent a game-changing advantage as we seek to transition multiome datasets into African-relevant translational technologies. Importantly, this partnership will also support the development of nationally gazetted critical skills in data science and empower young African researchers across the Clin-MAP partner network.”
CSIR Future Production: Chemicals Cluster Executive Manager, Dr Setobane Mangena, also expressed the organisation’s excitement about the collaboration, saying: “We are excited about the prospects of this collaboration and look forward to the value created through the synergy between PromptBio’s advanced AI and the fundamental scientific expertise within the CSIR. This partnership will add tremendous value and support our drive towards achieving medical sovereignty on the African continent.”
Speaking on the partnership, Dr Yang said, “This collaboration with the CSIR represents a significant milestone in our mission to democratise access to advanced multiomics technologies across diverse populations. By combining PromptBio's AI-driven analytics platform with the CSIR's exceptional research infrastructure, we’re unlocking the potential to develop treatments and diagnostics specifically tailored for African populations, addressing a critical gap in global healthcare research.
“We’re particularly excited about the Clin-MAP initiative, which will generate invaluable insights into disease mechanisms unique to African communities and potentially lead to breakthrough discoveries with worldwide impact,” Dr Yang adds.
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Media enquiries
CSIR: Kulani Chauke, Manager: Corporate Communication and Media Relations, @email or 071 266 0019
About PromptBio Inc.
PromptBio, Inc., based in Pleasanton, California, leverages generative AI to simplify and accelerate research and development (R&D). The company lowers barriers for life science professionals by offering solutions that eliminate the need for specialised expertise in data science, AI and bioinformatics. These capabilities are integrated into the PromptBio Software Platform, with a key application in multiomics biomarker discovery. The platform provides solutions for life science professionals, pharmaceutical companies and healthcare institutions, integrating diverse multi-omics data such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and epigenomics.
About Clin-MAP
The African Clinical Multiome Atlas Platform (Clin-MAP) seeks to create a pan-African integrated clinical multiome (genome, transcriptome, proteome and microbiome) data repository to democratise local precision medicine efforts, foster sustainable R&D efforts, and catalyse African health innovation. For more information, visit https://www.csir.co.za/what-we-do/health/genomics/multiomics.
About CSIR
The CSIR, an entity of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, is one of Africa’s leading organisations in scientific and technology research, development and implementation. The CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development, to improve the quality of life of all South Africans.
This year, the CSIR celebrates 80 years of touching lives through innovation. For more information, visit www.csir.co.za.
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