Ellson Chen (
The arrival of Celera Genomics -- known in commercial circles as the Intel of biotechnology -- pays testimony to the hard work government agencies here have put into tapping the wealth of ethnic Chinese-scientists overseas.
The new firm aims to market Celera's store of genetic research information and build a database of genetic information specific to Asians. Once collected, the information can be used to develop medicines and gene therapy techniques for illnesses common to East Asia.
"It [the opening of Celera Asia] should increase activity substantially [in biotechnology]," said Chen, and was a key reason behind the organization chosing Taiwan as its launching pad to Asia.
Chen said the database and research work of the center here would exponentially increase Taiwan's research and commercial collaborations worldwide, and could make the nation a key drug testing area for the world's largest pharmaceutical companies.
"Drugs tested here could be used in China as well," he said, "and maybe also Japan and Korea." According to Chen Celera Asia will have facilities in Taipei and in the Tainan Science-Based Industrial Park (
"I wanted to come back because I think maybe I can make a bigger contribution here," said Chen. "[Biotechnology in] the US is already taking off, it doesn't need me."
Taiwan has been pushing hard to build its biotechnology and pharmaceuticals capability through government incentive programs and by bringing scientific talent back from overseas.
The government used a similar method in building its electronics industry in the 1980s, netting Morris Chang (
Hoping to create a similar success story in the field of biotechnology, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (
Although family may have played a part in bringing him back -- one of Celera Asia's investment partners and the chairman of Ho Tung Chemical is Ellson Chen's brother, Preston Chen -- government incentives probably played a major role as well.
The Executive Yuan's Taiwan Development Fund added "at least NT$500 million," to the Celera Asia project according to one official who requested anonymity. By setting up in the Tainan science park, the new venture is also eligible for NT$10 million in research grants and low cost land rental fees.
At least one company already operating in the park expects to profit from having a genetic powerhouse like Celera Asia close by. ScinoPharm (
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