UCT spin-off PeeCycling shortlisted for prestigious Africa Prize
A University of Cape Town (UCT) spin-off company, PeeCycling, has been shortlisted for the renowned Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, recognising its pioneering work in sustainable sanitation and resource recovery.
Dr Andrew Bailey, Director of UCT’s Research Contracts and Innovation, commended PeeCycling on being shortlisted for the Africa Prize, noting that this recognition reflects the strength of innovation emerging from the university. He emphasised the critical role of the University Technology Fund (UTF) in supporting start-ups: “PeeCycling received early-stage funding through UTF I, which helped bridge a key development gap and accelerate its path to commercialisation. Building on the strong foundation established by UTF I, UTF II was launched in 2025, with an expanded mandate that now includes support for alumni.”
The technology was developed by UCT Professor of Water Quality Engineering Dyllon Randall and co-founder, Dr Caitlin Courtney, Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University’s Civil Engineering. Their innovation centers on a modular, three-stage process, harvesting, stabilisation and concentration, that converts human urine into valuable products.
Urine is collected at source using specially designed waterless urinals or no-mix toilets, which separate it from other waste streams. A stabilisation step prevents enzymatic reactions that would otherwise lead to ammonia release and nitrogen loss. The treated urine then undergoes pretreatment before entering a membrane-based reverse osmosis system, which concentrates the solution efficiently.
Unlike other water removal techniques like distillation or evaporation methods, this approach removes water without converting it into a vapour, significantly reducing energy consumption. The process produces a concentrated liquid fertiliser, along with water as a reusable by-product.
A full-scale pilot plant, occupying approximately 12 to 15 square metres, is capable of processing up to 3,200 litres of urine per day. In 2025, the team confirmed that laboratory performance translated successfully to full-scale operation.
PeeCycling offers a sustainable fertiliser solution that helps cities conserve water while reducing reliance on imported fertilisers.
As part of the Africa Prize programme, shortlisted innovators will participate in an intensive eight-month training initiative focused on business development and commercialisation. They will also benefit from mentorship and access to a broad network of engineering and industry experts across Africa and the United Kingdom.
The winners will be announced at a live final event scheduled to take place in Johannesburg in October.
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