Not all meaningful connections at a ecosystem gathering happen in panel rooms or pitch sessions. Sometimes, they happen over a burger, a cold beer – and a fiercely competitive game of table tennis.

That’s the thinking behind Ping-Pong Competition and Connection, a SWEAT side event hosted by OneBio, which brings its much-loved Biotech & Beers format to the Bertha Retreat on 14 February.

Designed as a relaxed, high-energy networking session, the event invites biotech and DeepTech founders, researchers, investors, and ecosystem builders to connect in a setting that strips away hierarchy and formalities. No stages, no slides – just conversation, competition, and community.

“Some of the best conversations happen when people aren’t trying to impress each other,” says Nick Walker, co-organiser of the event. “Ping-pong levels the playing field. It’s fun, it’s informal, and it creates space for genuine connections.”

A Cape Town favourite – now at SWEAT

OneBio Biotech & Beers has become a staple of Cape Town’s life-science and DeepTech scene, bringing together people across academia, startups, corporates, and investment throughout the year. By combining casual social elements with a strong professional mix, the format has helped spark collaborations, partnerships, and long-term relationships across the ecosystem.

For SWEAT Africa, OneBio is scaling the experience into a dedicated side event – complete with two professional table-tennis tables set up in the main Community Building area at Bertha Retreat. With space for up to 50 participants, attendees will have ample time to play, talk, and connect.

“This is about creating moments where people feel comfortable starting conversations,” says Hana Faulds, co-organiser. “Whether you’re a first-time founder, a researcher exploring commercialisation, or an investor looking for new ideas, this is a space where those worlds can mix naturally.”

Where biotech meets community

The session reflects OneBio’s broader mission: strengthening South Africa’s biotech ecosystem by fostering collaboration, visibility, and access across disciplines and career stages. At SWEAT, that means bringing together one of Africa’s strongest biotech communities with founders and innovators from across the continent.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their ping-pong skills – or just their competitive spirit – and stay for the conversations that follow. From early-stage science to scale-up strategies, funding realities to founder war stories, the discussions are expected to be as dynamic as the matches.

“You don’t need a polished pitch for this event,” Walker adds. “Just show up, be curious, and be ready to engage.”

EVENT DETAILS

Location: Bertha Retreat, SWEAT Africa venue

Date: Saturday, 14 February 2026

Time: 9:00am – 11:00am

Capacity: Open session, up to 50 participants