Meet the Team

  • CEO & Founder

    Kefentse Arnold Tumedi, a dedicated and passionate co-founder / CEO of BotsGen, hails from the village of Shoshong in central Botswana and was raised in Gaborone. As a driving force behind the genomics startup in Botswana, Kefentse holds a BSc in Biological Sciences and is actively pursuing his PhD in the same discipline. Kefentse’s interest in life sciences was ignited by his mother, who shared her knowledge ofindigenous medicinal plants with him. This inspiration led to a successful career in medical research and clinical trials.

    His work experience includes positions at the US Center for Disease Protection, Botswana University of Pennsylvania Partnership, and Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation. Kefentse was the first person in Botswana to sequence SARS-CoV-2, and he has trained various institutions on sequencing the virus using Oxford Nanopore’s MinION sequencer.

    The idea of founding BotsGen came from Kefentse’s realization that many talented young scientists in Botswana struggled to find employment and opportunities in their field. Partnering with Eric Benjamins, they incorporated BotsGen in May 2021 to provide opportunities for local scientists and contribute to the development of genomics in the region. Through BotsGen, Kefentse has gained invaluable experience in running a company, navigating resource-limited settings, and fostering a creative and resilient team.

    Kefentse’s notable professional accomplishments include sequencing and detecting the introduction of the Beta variant into Botswana and empowering institutions to conduct SARS- CoV-2 sequencing, one of which discovered the Omicron variant. He has also trained four female scientists in genomics and whole-genome sequencing as part of a British High Commission grant, with two of them furthering their studies abroad.

    Currently, Kefentse is focused on growing BotsGen, supervising colleagues, pursuing his PhD, and working towards performing the first human whole-genome sequencing in Botswana.

    Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, playing chess, and dreams of watching Manchester United play live at Old Trafford. Kefentse envisions his work contributing to the greater good by sparking a genomics and biotech revolution in Botswana and Africa, leading to the development of industries and job opportunities. His ultimate goal is to help his country move into the era of individualized medicine and disease diagnosis, utilizing genomics as a driving force. Kefentse’s favorite aspect of genomics is its ability to bring clarity to situations, impacting countless lives and the world at large.

  • Intern & Sponsored Graduate Student

    Kgomotso Salani, originally from Masukwane, a small village in North-Eastern Botswana, holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in biology and chemistry from the University of Botswana. Inspired by laboratory scientists on television from an early age, Kgomotso’s passion for science grew over time.

    Kgomotso’s career took a significant turn upon meeting Kefentse Arnold Tumedi, the co-founder of BotsGen, during her third-year industrial training. Despite initially perceiving herself as a budding chemist, Kefentse’s guidance and mentorship rekindled Kgomotso’s interest in biology, ultimately leading her to embrace molecular biotechnology.

    As BotsGen began, Kgomotso eagerly joined as the company’s first intern and employee. The startup has since become her employer and sponsor as she pursues a Master of Philosophy in Biological Sciences degree. Previously, Kgomotso worked as a research intern at the Botswana Institute of Technology and Research Innovation (BITRI), where she honed her skills in molecular biotechnology techniques such as recombinant DNA making, recombinant protein production and extraction, cloning, and whole genome sequencing. Kgomotso was also part of a SARS-CoV-2 sequencing training project, sponsored by the British High Commission to Botswana and supported by the TIBA partnership at Edinburgh University.

    Currently, as a research associate intern at BotsGen and a Master of Philosophy in Biological Sciences student at the University of Botswana, Kgomotso’s research focuses on water surveillance using metagenomics. Her work aims to prevent waterborne outbreaks and trace sources of pathogen outbreaks in communities that rely on the water bodies she samples and analyzes. Kgomotso’s favorite aspect of genomics is the ability to uncover a comprehensive story by analyzing just a few bases, showcasing the remarkable power of this cutting-edge field. Outside of her passion for science, Kgomotso enjoys reading, listening to music, and cooking, embracing a well-rounded and fulfilling lifestyle.

  • Administrative Intern

    Maduo Motsamai, originally from Tlokweng village, is a driven and talented member of the BotsGen team. She earned her degree in Project Management from the Institute of Development Management, a field she was drawn to because of its potential to develop strong communication and leadership skills.

    Her path to BotsGen began when she learned about the company from Kefentse, one of the co-founders. Intrigued by the company's vision and eager to contribute her expertise in administration, Maduo joined the team, quickly becoming an invaluable asset. Her background in project management has allowed her to make a significant impact on the organization's efficiency and effectiveness, ultimately supporting the company's goals in the genomics sector.

    In her role at BotsGen, Maduo has had the opportunity to collaborate with various departments and team members, gaining insights into the fascinating world of genomics. Her favorite aspect of genomics is the ability to sequence information on human DNA, which has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, diagnostics, and our understanding of the human body.

    Outside of her professional life, Maduo is an avid reader who enjoys diving into captivating novels. This love for storytelling and learning extends to her work, where she is committed to helping BotsGen expand its influence and make a meaningful impact in the field of genomics. As the company continues to grow and evolve, Maduo's dedication to excellence in project management and administration will play a crucial role in its ongoing success.