Meet The Team

With over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience across multiple industries, he has co-founded and held leadership roles in startups spanning payments, media, AI, and healthcare. His expertise includes strategy, operations, and new business development. He has led international expansion efforts and managed strategic relationships with global brands. Shavit is also a startup mentor at NUS Medicine Digital Advanced Technology Accelerator, where he helps guide new ventures in the healthcare technology space.

Dr. Patthara Kongsuphol is a seasoned biomedical engineer with over 15 years of experience. She is also a biotech entrepreneur, having co-founded Thrixen in 2021. She specializes in innovating biosensors for DNA and protein detection, utilizing a variety of sensing materials including paper, polymers, silicon, and other conductive substrates. Her strong publication record in biosensors and her wide array of knowledge in fields such as protein engineering, electrophysiology, and 3D-cell culture have established her as a leading expert in the field.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Patthara's leadership was critical in developing a rapid diagnostic test that detects SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody. This achievement showcased her ability to navigate complex R&D, manufacturing, and clinical trial processes.

As a co-founder of Thrixen, Patthara is dedicated to revolutionizing point-of-care medical diagnostics. She currently oversees all innovation aspects of the company, driving the development of cutting-edge technologies to improve patient care.

Dr. Huan Jia (Emma) earned her PhD in Structural biology at NTU In Singapore and is an experienced protein engineer with expertise in protein engineering for diagnostic test development. 

Emma is dedicated to developing innovative diagnostic solutions that improve public health. With experience in research institutions and biotech startups, she has contributed to scientific advancements, team development, and mentorship. Emma is committed to translating science into impactful technologies that address real-world health challenges.

Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT biomolecular engineering, applications of redox chemistry, clinical diagnostics, molecular biotechnology

Chair of the School of Biological Sciences and professor of molecular genetics and cell biology at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Specialises in the study of the malaria parasite and is head of the team that has discovered a route to a possible vaccine for the disease.

Scientific Director of Antimicrobial Resistance IRG at Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research & Technology Centre Former biotech startup director

Experienced scientist specializing in protein engineering and infectious disease diagnostic development. Skilled in verification and validation processes to ensure high-quality outputs in biomedical applications.

Irvine leads the in-vitro diagnostic assay & reader development at Thrixen, integrating his cross-disciplinary expertise in microfluidics, biosensors and paper manufacturing, acquired through international research experiences across industry and academia in Europe and Singapore. He enjoys tackling complex problems with innovative solutions, while employing data-driven methods to validate the ultimate outcomes.

Protein enthusiast with expertise in structural biology and protein sciences. Working on protein engineering and characterization for diagnostics applications. 

Specialisation in plant biotechnology and microbiology. Currently focused on protein engineering and diagnostic assay optimisation

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Passionate about innovative bioengineering and advancing medical devices and point-of-care diagnostics. Part of the Binder Engineering team, with work focused on display library screening processes.

As a Laboratory Technologist Akhil collaborates closely with the lead scientists to develop and optimise assays and reader configuration. Leveraging a strong background in Biotechnology and experience in scientific research, Akhil specialises in image analysis and reader assay integration.

Previously Vice Chair for Anesthesia Research at the University of Nebraska School of Medicine holding the rank of full professor and staff anesthesiologist at the Omaha VA Medical Center. He served as a military research physician, where he retired after 30 years of service with the rank of Colonel.