It’s time again for our Innovator of the Month!
This month, we’re celebrating Dr. Alejandro Rojas-Fernandez, Co-Founder of Berking Biotechnology, as our Innovator of the Month! 🎉
Alejandro is a visionary biologist whose groundbreaking work in biotechnology is recognized across continents. As the co-founder of Berking Biotechnology, Alejandro is revolutionizing medicine with an unlikely ally: alpacas. These gentle South American animals, known for their prized wool, are also a source of nanobodies – specialized antibodies with immense potential in diagnosing and treating diseases like cancer and COVID-19.
A Pioneer in Neutralizing COVID-19
Alejandro was one of the first scientists in the world to develop neutralizing nanobodies against the coronavirus. His work garnered widespread media attention and support, including recognition from the German embassy in Chile.
A Lucky Discovery Leading to Innovation
Nanobodies were first discovered serendipitously in 1989 during an experiment with dromedary blood. These antibodies are smaller and structurally simpler than traditional ones, making them easier to reproduce and use in medicine. Alejandro and Co-founder Anne Berking, PhD, recognized the potential of nanobodies and established Berking Biotechnology in Valdivia, in the South of Chile. Situated near the Andes, this region is home to alpacas that play a pivotal role in the company’s research.
From Chile to Hamburg: Expanding Horizons
Recognizing the need to scale operations, Alejandro and Anne relocated part of their business to Hamburg — our city is rapidly emerging as a hub for science and innovation. At the tecHHub Hamburg, Berking Biotechnology benefits from state-of-the-art facilities and support from us, Hamburg Invest and ProChile.
Reflecting on Hamburg’s transformation, Alejandro notes, “The tecHHub Hamburg and future innovation factories mark the beginning of Hamburg becoming an international reference for scientific and technological development. We’re proud to contribute to this transformation.”
Congratulations on being our Innovator of the Month!