Ashley Uys is the managing director of three fast growing African based establishments; Real World Diagnostics, Medical Diagnostech and OculusID.
A biotechnologist, Ashley has found his niche at the point where science and business converge. He founded his first company, Real World Diagnostics in 2006 as a distributor of rapid medical diagnostic tests. His main aim was to develop essential products and distribute them at very affordable prices.
The young entrepreneur always knew he had an amazing entrepreneurial knack, and so, he made efforts to hone it at every opportunity.
Earlier in his career, he worked as an intern at Acorn Technologies, an incubator in Cape Town South Africa supporting research, development and commercialization in life sciences and biotechnology. There, he was exposed to the core business models and trained in the basics of business management and environment. The training broadened his mind and opened his eyes to the enormous possibilities in commercialization of science products.
And so, he set out to import essential medical products and within a short time, he generated enough income and then began to grow organically. To reduce looming business risks, he acquired market share and then invested in his own manufacturing facility.
In 2010, the young entrepreneur founded Medical Diagnostech, with the revenue generated from Real World Diagnostic sales, as a manufacturer of rapid medical diagnostic tests, with the aim of reducing the numerous diseases and epidemics that plague Africa.
Like most entrepreneurs, Ashley faced several challenges but he didn’t let them get the best of him, instead, he focused more and also sought mentors with whose support he was able to pull through.
Next, he formed OculusID in 2013, a Cape Town, South African based company that specializes in the development of biometric solutions with impairment detection through the application of non-invasive, hygienic and cost-effective innovations by promoting a safe environment.
Ashley’s level of success in business has saved him a spot among top influential African entrepreneurs. He has been named by Forbes as one of the under 30 Africa’s best young entrepreneurs and also won the SAB Innovation Award.
The entrepreneurial guru has huge plans for his businesses; he hopes that in the nearest future, they would be reckoned main players in the international market.
To the young entrepreneurs, he leaves a timeless counsel; Never give up, understand your market very well and strategize to make your company unique to competitor”
