On June 29, 2019, MIT Technology Review released their list of the "50 Smartest Companies in China 2019" (referred to as MIT TR50). As an innovative start-up in the field of life science and technology, Qihan Bio was named on the TR50 list.

Qihan named in 2019 MIT TR50 listThis MIT TR50 Summit is hosted by the oldest and most influential emerging technology media, the MIT Technology Review, It highlights the most popular technologically innovative companies from around the world.

The "Smartest companies” selection over the years have included Google, Apple, IBM, Microsoft, SpaceX, and other technology giants, as well as Oxford Nanopore, Gamalon, Rigetti Computing, and other start-up companies. Following the two golden rules of selection, "innovation" and "success", MIT Technology Review lists their best prediction of 50 candidates who will be the dominant technology companies of the future. The selection includes both successful companies and those that are not yet globally known but are paving the path in their respective fields.

In "high-tech innovation", Qihan Biotech has excelled in scientific research and development with technology innovation. Using large animals as bioreactors and a world-leading gene-editing platform, Qihan Biotech is commited to producing safe and effective transplantable cells, tissues, and organs for humans. The company has already successfully bred pigs with PERV-inactivation that prevents animal-based viruses from being trasmitted to humans. It currently holds the world record for the most number of gene edits to date in a large animal. Moving forward, Qihan’s focus is on addressing immune compatibility for cross-species transplanation, while actively exploring new applications of gene-editing technology in agriculture and immunotherapy and other innovative business models.

MIT TR50 declares "Smart Companies" will change the world from China

MIT Technology Review names the TR50 list in China for the first time. As the organizer states, China holds a critical position in Asia and the world because of its population, market size, and volume of businesses. The MIT Technology Review Editorial Office predicted the 50 smartest companies that can change the future. The companies on this year’s list include leaders from different fields, such as Huawei, Tencent, Microsoft, Tesla, ByteDance, Ant Financial, DJI, MEGVII, TSMC, Intel, WuXi AppTec, BeiGene, and FOSUN Kite.

Companies on the 2019 TR50 have demonstrated themselves to be innovative, revolutionary, and empowered. Judges have recognized Qihan Biotech in these three areas:

(1) Innovation: Qihan is a pioneer in gene editing, and its world-class technology has led to multiple breakthroughs in the field.

(2) Revolutionary: Qihan’s revolutionary technology has allowed it to transform, discover, and apply emerging technology into a whole new pattern or track.

(3) Empowerment: Qihan’s innovative discoveries has driven and empowered the formation of a brand new sector/industry.

"Thanks to the MIT Technology Review for its attention to life science, its support to startups, and its recognition to Qihan Biotech." Dr. Luhan Yang, CEO of Qihan Biotech said. "Qihan Biotech is on a mission to create a world where patients in need of an organ transplant no longer have to wait for transplantable organs. We are committed to producing safe and effective cells, tissues, and organs transplantable to humans with our world-class gene-editing technology. In the future, we will continue to maintain innovation and overcome hurdles to solve the transplantable organ shortage globally.

As Bill Gates said, ‘We always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten. Don't let yourself be lulled into inaction.’ We are very excited to make it on the list in our second year of establishment, but predictably Qihanbio will bring even more surprises to the world in the next decade.”