Paving the way to the world’s largest single market – Interview with Aqsens Health’s Senior Project Manager Zhao Zhao

Zhao Zhao learning how Aqsens’ biosensors are developed as Application Scientist Milja goes through the process.

Almost a year ago Zhao Zhao started working at Aqsens Health as a part-time Project Coordinator. Now as Aqsens’ projects in China are expanding, she has taken on a full-time role as a Senior Project Manager. Zhao took the time to answer a few questions about her role at Aqsens, what she looks forward to when managing impactful projects in China, and what she thinks are the most important success factors when collaborating with Chinese partners. 

What is your educational background like? 

My educational background is relatively international, and my expertise spans various fields. I have studied in China, Finland, the Netherlands, and Japan. I hold a Ph.D. in Economics and a Master's degree in Data Science.

How did you end up living in the Turku region?

Seven years ago, due to family reasons, my family and I relocated from the UK to Finland and began a new life in the Turku region. While moving is often considered one of the least desirable things to do, moving to Turku was an exception. Over the past seven years, both my family and I have enjoyed our life in Turku.

What do you do at Aqsens?

About a year ago, I joined Aqsens as a part-time project coordinator, responsible for coordinating and preparing the launch of our collaboration project. At that time, my primary role was as a Data Scientist at the University of Helsinki working for the Horizon2020 project VesselAI. During 2023, I have been gradually shifting my focus from VesselAI’s tasks to managing Aqsens' China projects.

The shift in my professional domain over the past year has been substantial, moving from the marine sector to the biomedical industry—a transition that initially seemed entirely unrelated. However, despite the seemingly disparate fields, my personal skills and expertise have proven to be remarkably versatile and applicable across various domains. As a data scientist, I possess strong capabilities in modeling and analysis, complemented by proficiency in project design, management, and execution. These skills remain a valuable asset, facilitating my seamless integration into the biomedical industry and enhancing my ability to contribute effectively in this new domain.

What are the things that you are passionate about in your work?

I actually have a very 'academic' personality. I have a strong interest in scientific-oriented work and data science work. At Aqsens, our projects are centered around scientific research, allowing me to well combine my job responsibilities with my personal and research interests. 

What have you done here at Aqsens so far? 

Aqsens has a very unique technological and market positioning. Starting in 2022, we took our first initiatives towards Chinese society and the Chinese market. Our international cooperation projects: BIOURICA and BIOSALIVA have recently received government support at the national level from both Finland and China.

BIOURICA is a project funded by Business Finland and the Science and Technology Department of Jiangsu Province. In collaboration with our partner, OG pharmaceutical, we will conduct high quality preclinical trials of non-invasive early screening technology for urological system cancer based on bacteriophage biosensors in the Nanjing area. 

BIOSALIVA is another high-level technological innovation cooperation project. Back to January 2023, in collaboration with three professors and scholars from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, we submitted our application for the international cooperation project, BIOSALIVA, under the support of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and Business Finland. Together with top Chinese scholars in lung diseases, we will apply our E-TRF technology and phage-based biosensor technology to screen and develop biomarkers for lung cancer and tuberculosis from saliva. We are pleased to know that BIOSALIVA passed the review process from scientific experts in July and passed the review process by professional institutions in August, and will officially launch in October 2023.

What are you currently  looking forward to doing with Aqsens?

In order to officially kick-off the two projects, my colleagues and I will soon visit China. We will hold meetings with our partners from both Nanjing and Shanghai, to refine implementation details of the two projects. Academic discussion sessions are also planned between frontline clinicians from both Finland and China. We anticipate fruitful results from our upcoming visits and in the years to come.

What do you think are the key success factors for Aqsens in China?

Success in China requires a deep understanding of the Chinese market, strong partnerships, full respect for cultural sensitivities, and most importantly, high-quality technology and products, and long-term commitment. 

The undeniable significance of the Chinese market has spurred us to take proactive measures in establishing a firm foundation in China, including solidifying established partnerships and continuing to seek high-level collaborations. Through these partnerships, we will deepen our understanding of the market.

Additionally, our company culture is highly diverse and collaborative. We have engaged in numerous international collaborations, including both developed and developing countries. This ensures our utmost respect for cultural differences.

Finally, we are at the forefront of phage-based biosensor detection technology, and our biosensor and E-TRF technology and products will eventually receive market validation. Last but not least, we are ready to offer our long-term commitment to our partnership and to the Chinese market.

Thank you for answering the questions Zhao, we’re so happy to have you on the team. 

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