Nelson Ndahiro: Rwandan Leading in US Biotech and AI

Nelson Ndahiro, a Rwandan-born scientist, is gaining international recognition for his work in biotechnology and artificial intelligence. At only 29 years old, he is the Chief Technology Officer at Drūl Inc., a US-based biotech startup, where he develops AI tools that improve medicine production and healthcare technology.

Ndahiro grew up in Rwanda, where he learned values of community and service. He pursued higher education in the United States, earning a degree in chemical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he excelled academically. His early research focused on cancer drug development and advanced drug delivery systems, but he quickly turned to improving pharmaceutical manufacturing using machine learning. His patented models now help companies reduce errors and produce medicines more efficiently.

During the COVID‑19 pandemic, Ndahiro contributed to vaccine research at Johns Hopkins University, helping to purify virus components used in testing. This work strengthened his belief that innovation should be both fast and impactful. Later, he co-founded Drūl Inc., which created a saliva-based test to detect gum disease in just 30 minutes; a process that traditionally takes half a day. The startup has received over $800,000 in funding and won international competitions for its innovation.

Ndahiro also serves as Rwanda’s ambassador to Synbio Africa, a network of more than 400 scientists working on synthetic biology solutions for the continent. In 2025, he delivered a keynote in Kigali, emphasizing how biotechnology can strengthen Africa’s economy and scientific ecosystem. He mentors young African STEM students and supports the creation of laboratory infrastructure, including a new lab in Kampala, Uganda.

Ndahiro’s journey demonstrates how Rwandan talent can lead in global innovation while supporting development at home. His work combines science, technology, and social impact, showing that Rwanda can contribute significantly to global biotech and AI advancements.