Moringa stenopetala is an African Moringa species with a long history of traditional use in Ethiopia. For generations, communities in southern Ethiopia have valued the plant as part of their food traditions and everyday life.
BioTEI's journey began with a desire to better understand this distinctive yet underexplored species and explore its potential through modern science and innovation.
BioTEI draws inspiration from Indigenous knowledge while applying modern scientific research to explore the potential of Moringa stenopetala.
Working with research collaborators, we investigate the plant's composition, proteins, seed oil and bioactive components, building scientific knowledge that can help transform this underexplored botanical resource into innovative, high-value applications.
BioTEI was founded by Dr. Mulualem T. Kassa, a Canadian scientist and entrepreneur originally from Ethiopia, with a vision to combine African botanicals and Indigenous knowledge with modern science to unlock the potential of underexplored African plants.
Following his PhD, Dr. Kassa conducted crop genomics research at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the National Research Council Canada, contributing to advanced wheat genomics research, including the landmark wheat genomics study published in Nature.
Together with food biotechnologist Dr. Anteneh Tefera, he established BioTEI's research-first innovation platform focused on African Moringa stenopetala. Dr. Tefera contributes expertise in Moringa protein, bioactive peptides, microbiological analysis and value-added applications.
This work brings together scientists and research institutions in Canada, Africa and Europe, including renowned seed protein scientist Prof. Rotimi Aluko of the University of Manitoba, chemical engineer and food technologist Mr. Alphonsus Utioh, Dr. Diriba Muleta, a food scientist from Addis Ababa University and reaserchers at Arba Minch University, and other international collaborators working on Moringa. Together, the team is advancing scientific understanding of this underutilized species and exploring its potential for innovative food, nutraceutical and skincare applications.
BioTEI's research-first approach has generated peer-reviewed scientific findings that are expanding our understanding of Moringa stenopetala and its potential applications. Our studies have characterized its seed proteins, seed oil, functional properties and bioactive peptides, revealing valuable components and properties that open new possibilities for this underutilized African botanical resource across food, nutraceutical, skincare and other innovative applications.
Our research on Moringa stenopetala provides a scientific knowledge base that informs how we approach this distinctive African botanical in product development.
BioTEI brings this research-driven strategy to skincare, combining Moringa stenopetala seed oil with carefully selected botanical ingredients to create formulations designed to nourish, condition and support softer, smoother and more radiant-looking skin.
Science and evidence guide our research, innovation and product development.
We combine African Moringa with carefully selected botanical ingredients to develop science-guided skincare formulations.
We focus on functional formulations designed to support effective skincare.
BioTEI Inc. is a Canadian research-driven company exploring the potential of underutilized botanical resources through science, innovation and product development.
BioTEI products reflect this research-first philosophy—combining African botanicals with modern science to create high-quality skincare and other innovative plant-based products, while supporting sustainable opportunities for African farming communities.
Beginning with African Moringa, our vision is to unlock the potential of underexplored African botanicals through scientific research and transform that knowledge into innovative, high-value products.
