Hong Kong Industrialist Aug Oct 2021

NOVEL BIO-TESTING TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE RAW MATERIAL QUALITY 創新生物檢測 改善製造業原材料質素 Before biotechnology became popular in Hong Kong, Jimmy has founded Vitargent (International) Biotechnology Limited (“Vitargent”) with partners and research teams in 2010 to develop bio-testing technologies and effectively unleashed the commercial potentials of local universities' research findings, becoming the pioneer in biotechnology venture in Hong Kong. Over the past decade, Jimmy has witnessed the growing maturity of the industry, and has also proven to the world the capability and achievements of Hong Kong biotechnology industry. 生物科技在香港蔚然成風之前，Jimmy早在2010年與夥伴及科研團隊成立水中銀，精研生物檢測技術，開創將大學科研成果商品化及 本地生物科技創業的先河。十多年來，Jimmy見證著行業發展越來越成熟，亦向世界力證香港生物科技工業的能力和成就。 Vitargent was established in 2010 along with its scientific research base set up in Hong Kong Science Park in 2011. After years of research, Vitargent introduces the world’s first consumer product safety information platform, Test-it™, based on its proprietary “Transgenic Medaka” and “Zebrafish Fish” Embryo Toxicity (FET) testing technology (Testing 2.0). By applying the new technology together with the traditional chemical analysis, Jimmy hopes that Test-it™ can replace the existing expensive animal testing in a bid to provide consumers with the same or even more accurate information on chronic toxicants. This also helps manufacturers and brands to choose safer raw materials for foods, cosmetic as well as industrial products, thereby bringing a win-win outcome attainable for the consumers, enterprises and build a sustainable future for the environment. Jimmy pointed out, “The current product safety standards are only minimum requirements. Manufacturers need more advanced testing and certification to meet consumers’ expectations and make their brands stand out. We have already examined different food items and daily necessities and posted the result on Test-it™. This will give consumers greater confidence in making purchases.” 水中銀於2010年成立，於2011年在香港科 學園成立科研基地。經過多年科研，2017年 宣布應用全球獨家的「轉基因鯖 鱂 魚」及「斑 馬魚」胚胎毒性測試技術，發布全球首個以 生物測試技術作產品檢測的消費品安全資訊 平台—「小魚親測」。水中銀的獨家技術與 傳統的化學檢測相輔相成，Jimmy期望「小 魚親測」能取代昂貴的傳統動物測試，為消 費者提供一樣甚至更準確的生物毒性檢測資 訊，同時助生產商及品牌選擇更安全的食 品、化妝品以至工業原材料，為消費者、 生產商以及大自然帶來三贏局面。Jimmy 指，「現時，一般的產品安全指標只是最基 FOCUS STORY | 專題 Jimmy Tao , Chief Executive Officer, Vitargent (International) Biotechnology Limited 水中銀（國際）生物科技有限公司首席執行官 杜偉樑 20 | 8-10/2021