TASK FOUNDATION NPC

Their core work

TASK Foundation is a South African non-profit clinical research organization based in Cape Town, specializing in tuberculosis (TB) drug development and clinical trials. They conduct clinical proof-of-concept studies for TB drug candidates, operate trial sites, and contribute pharmacological and microbiological expertise to international TB research consortia. Their work spans the full clinical trial pipeline — from pharmacogenetic testing and dried blood spot analysis to AI-driven innovative trial design for new chemical entities targeting TB.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

TASK Foundation's early H2020 involvement (2017) centered on traditional TB drug candidate progression through clinical proof of concept via the anTBiotic project. By 2019-2021, their focus expanded significantly into diagnostic innovation (e-nose, pharmacogenetics, dried blood spots) and technology-driven trial design using artificial intelligence. The trajectory shows a clear shift from conventional clinical trial participation toward digitally enhanced, platform-based approaches to TB drug development.

TASK is moving toward AI-powered clinical trial platforms and advanced diagnostic methods, making them an increasingly valuable partner for projects combining digital health with infectious disease research.

How they like to work

TASK Foundation operates exclusively as a participant or third-party partner — they have never coordinated an H2020 project. This reflects their role as a specialized clinical trial site and research contributor rather than a consortium leader. With 42 unique partners across 15 countries, they maintain a broad international network, suggesting they are a trusted and sought-after partner for TB-focused consortia that need Southern Hemisphere clinical trial capacity.

TASK has collaborated with 42 unique partners across 15 countries, reflecting deep integration into the global TB research community. As a South African organization participating in European-led consortia, they serve as a critical bridge to high-burden TB regions in Africa and the Global South.

What sets them apart

TASK Foundation offers something rare in H2020 consortia: direct access to high-burden TB clinical populations in South Africa, combined with established clinical trial infrastructure meeting international standards. Their Cape Town base places them in one of the world's most important regions for TB research, where drug-resistant strains are prevalent and patient recruitment for trials is feasible at scale. For any consortium needing a credible, experienced African clinical trial partner for infectious disease work, TASK is a proven choice.

Highlights from their portfolio

• anTBiotic
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 3M) — focused on progressing TB drug candidates all the way to clinical proof of concept.
• UNITE4TB
  Long-duration project (2021-2028) building an AI-powered innovative clinical trial platform, signaling TASK's move into digital health infrastructure.
• EUSAT-RCS
  Cross-continental collaboration network (Europe-Latin America) exploring unconventional TB diagnostics like electronic nose smell prints and pharmacogenetics.