Industry Outlook through the Eyes of Inno-venturers 科創冒險家 暢談行業發展 In the context of Hong Kong’s burgeoning biotech industry, the metaphorical wild horses of innovation roam freely within the minds of I&T talents. These “inno-venturers” can’t resist engaging in spirited discourse, venturing from discussions on the city’s real estate market and gambling roulette to the challenges posed by an ageing population. Unanimously, they concur that in order for Hong Kong’s biotech industry to thrive, the triumvirate of timing, location, and human capital must coalesce harmoniously. Nevertheless, this industry faces an array of obstacles that necessitate conquering in order to assume the mantle as a prime driver of the local economy in the future. Hard Work Pays Off in Due Time For I&T enterprises that excel in basic research and production have a long road ahead to ascertain if their years of transformative discoveries can effectively pivot into tangible market success. Crucially, they must navigate two formidable hurdles: stringent regulatory frameworks and keenly tapping into market demand. In this realm, PHASE Scientific is undoubtedly a fortunate player. 用功有時 收獲有時 科企做基礎研究和生產，只是基本功，多年的 研究成果能否成功轉移，產品或服務繼而在市 場大賣，過程中必須闖過兩個最重要的關卡：其 一是通過政府的相關監管條例，其二是切中市 場需求。從這兩點來看，相達生物科技國際有 限公司（相達生物科技）無疑是幸運兒。 Specialising in cutting-edge testing technologies, PHASE Scientific International Ltd (PHASE Scientific) has made waves during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their expeditiously developed Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) garnered the prestigious seal of emergency use authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), marking a significant milestone as the first Greater China enterprise to attain such recognition. Recalling the launch of the company’s flagship product, the Chairman and CEO of PHASE Scientific, Dr Ricky Chiu, waved his hand remarking, “Demand is right there, and the launch and application of our products couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. While we certainly put in years of effort and possess multiple technologies and patents, without the right timing, it becomes challenging, not to mention costly, to navigate through these two formidable and financially demanding stages.” Nonetheless, not every enterprise mirrors the success story of PHASE Scientific. Many startups, in fact, depend on government funding to guarantee their financial viability and operational continuity, shielding them from premature resource depletion. 相達生物科技從事檢測技術，在新冠疫情期間， 其開發的快速抗原測試（RAT），獲美國食品藥 物管理局（FDA）緊急使用授權，成大中華地區 首例。 相達生物科技董事長及首席執行官招彥燾 博士（Ricky）憶述產品面世時，擺擺手說： 「Demand is right there，公司產品的推出和應 用，在當時佔盡天時。我們固然努力多年，擁有 多項技術和專利，但若缺乏天時，也就不能一下 子就通過這兩個最困難，也是最燒錢的環節。」 不過，並非每間企業也有像相達生物科技的際 遇。事實上，不少初創需依靠政府資助，才能確 保資金不耗竭而營運下去。 Established in 2015, PHASE Scientific International Ltd focuses on developing innovative technologies for cancer and infectious diseases. The revolutionary patented urine concentration technology it developed has opened up infinite potential in urine testing. Its HPV urine test, the first of its kind, provides a pioneering, painless and non-invasive method to detect HPV for cervical cancer prevention. 相達生物科技國際有限公司於2015年成立，專注研發癌症和傳染病檢測技術和工具。 其革命性尿液濃縮專利技術開拓了尿液檢測的無限潛力，全球首個以尿液濃縮技術加 持的HPV檢測產品提供了一項創新方法—無痛無創檢測HPV預防子宮頸癌。 都說搞創科的人，思維像脫韁野馬。要這班「科 創冒險家」評論香港的生物科技產業，他們七 嘴八舌，由賭輪盤，說到香港地價，再說到人口 老化，結論是香港的生物科技產業要有所成，須 兼具「天時、地利、人和」，但產業要克服的挑 戰也不少，才能在未來成為拉動本地經濟的新 火車頭。 2-4/2024 | 25
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