Dr. Abdullah Kirumira

A Formula for Success

High-achieving Dr. Abdullah Kirumira shares his story of innovation and mentorship

By Wanda Taylor | Photography by Adams Photography

While we continue to make inroads toward the dismantling of historically inequitable systems that have kept prosperity and success out of reach for many Black entrepreneurs, it is important to pause and take another look at those who have broken through those systems and continue to thrive. It is a welcomed reminder that while progress at times may feel too slow, Black businesses continue to flourish and grow. Dr. Abdullah Kirumira was first interviewed by BBI back in 2002. At that time, the scientist was the founder and CEO of BioMedica Diagnostics in Windsor, Nova Scotia; an innovative company leading the way in researching, developing, and manufacturing rapid diagnostic systems and equipment. If it sounds like a big deal, that’s because it is. While heading BioMedica, Dr. Kirumira invented the first rapid-acting HIV diagnostic test in 1993. That achievement garnered him The Economist’s Innovation Award in the U.K. in 2007, under the bioscience category. “It’s a very prestigious honour to be admitted into the London Museum of Science as an innovator.” Others who have received the award include Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. The scientist is humbled to be in such company. But when one glances upon all the incredible accomplishments of Dr. Kirumira, there would be no doubt that his name certainly belongs there among that high calibre of great minds. A deeper dive into the backstory of this innovator reveals that it was during a visit on a docked boat in Baltimore promoting Nova Scotia that his interest in the province was piqued. At first, Dr. Kirumira thought Nova Scotia may have been located somewhere in the U.K. Then his son found it on the map, jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. Dr. Kirumira was shocked to discover that the province was only a few hours away from where he lived in the U.S. By 1990, Dr. Kirumira had packed up his family and moved to Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where he accepted a position at Acadia University. More than thirty years later, the province that stole his heart is still the place he calls home. While Dr. Kirumira has made incredible contributions to the province in the field of biotechnology, he is also quick to point out the many ways in which Nova Scotia and organizations like BBI and others have provided tremendous support to him along his entrepreneurial journey. “The Black Business Initiative here, I have been working with them for over 25 years now, and they have been very helpful with networking. They even connected me to clients in the Caribbean,” he says. Although technically retired, Dr. Kirumira has never slowed down. Over the course of a few decades, Dr. Kirumira has founded and run four successful businesses, including his current endeavor, TheraPBios Pharma. His company is presently developing products to aid in the treatment of disease in areas that include brain health and repair, bone, joint, vision and immune support, and skin and anti-aging products. The research is innovative, and the products are in the testing phase. The emerging results are promising and are what motivate and excite this driven scientist. Dr. Kirumira agrees there is a lack of Black people in his profession, and in the medical field as a whole. In his experience, he has largely been the only one in the room at conferences. He suggests that mentorship is an important way to get Black youth interested in the sciences and bring more into the fold. Having come from a Ugandan family of medical minds, Dr. Kirumira also believes in employing Black workers that he can take under his wing. As a serial entrepreneur, Dr. Kirumira shares valuable advice for emerging Black entrepreneurs that he says helped him to achieve in business. “Don’t give up. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes to you. And ignore the haters that will try to stand in your way.” That’s a fitting formula for success.

Dr. Abdullah Kirumira was first interviewed by BBI back in 2002.