Geno-Talk Speakers
Day 1:
Dr. Aseni Navoda Ediriweera
Dr. Aseni Ediriweera established B-Hood Myco-Tropic Innovations in 2023, making it the only institution in Sri Lanka dedicated solely to the identification, domestication, and cultivation of wild mushrooms, guided by the concept of "from woods to business”. As the founder, Dr. Aseni's ambitions extend beyond science to include developments in the field that bridge Mycology and entrepreneurship. Looking back; Dr. Aseni received her Bachelor's special degree in Aquatic Resources Technology from the Faculty of Export Agriculture at Uva Wellassa University in Sri Lanka, and her Ph.D. from Mae Fah Luang University in Thailand, in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, focused on taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, ecology, and domestication of tropical Basidiomycetes. With her research experience in mycology, she began working as a research consultant and advisor for mycology research and programs conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture Sri Lanka, the Industrial Development Board, the Export Development Board, government and private universities, businesses, and entrepreneurial venture establishments based on mushrooms. Thus, with the goals of introducing novel edible and medicinal mushroom varieties under accurate and standard procedures, as well as improving mushroom seed production in Sri Lanka, Dr. Ediriweera and her team have been introducing several novel mushroom varieties and commercial cultivation techniques from Sri Lanka to the rest of the world, establishing a benchmark in the field of Sri Lankan Mycology. With great pleasure and honor, Dr. Aseni has been collaborating with MAWARID, Oman, to investigate the hidden fungal treasures of beautiful Oman since 2024, with the goal of exposing new culinary and medical wonders from Oman's fungal variety to the world.
Mr. Christian Ramakers
Christian Ramakers is a Program Manager and startup coach specializing in life science innovation. With a Master's degree in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences and Science Based Business from Leiden University, Christian brings scientific expertise and business acumen to the startup ecosystem. Currently serving as Program Manager for both Unlock (PLNT Leiden) and Venture Academy, Christian leads incubation programs supporting life science and health startups. He develops educational programs that prepare companies for investment and partnerships while providing personalized coaching and organizing networking events connecting startups with industry experts and investors. Christian's industry expertise stems from extensive biotechnology sales experience. As Technical Sales Specialist at Core Life Analytics (2020-2022), he drove consultative selling of SAAS products for drug discovery. At MIMETAS (2017-2019), Christian designed market entry strategies for organ-on-a-chip technology and managed global client relationships. Since 2020, Christian has served as Co-Founder of RecklessMedia, a video production company specializing in corporate communications. Christian actively collaborates with universities to integrate entrepreneurship curricula into life science programs, ensuring future scientists develop business skills to translate research into market-ready innovations.
Mr. Sven van der Vlies
With a Bachelor's in Medical Research and a Master's in Science and Business Management, I have a strong foundation in both science and business. Since starting my journey at PLNT, I have further developed my passion for innovation. I firmly believe in the power of ideas and technology to improve society, and I support this by inspiring and helping beginning entrepreneurs. In my current role, I assist (academic) innovators in the early stages of starting their businesses. My goal is to help them realize their vision and bring valuable innovations to the world. Let’s work together towards the future!
Mr. Emmanuel Edwin Jelsch
Emmanuel Jelsch holds a Master’s degree in bio-chemistry and a diploma in organic chemistry and plant physiology from the University of Strasbourg. With an engineering degree in pharmacology from the EPHE (Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, University of Paris) he worked as a research engineer in the Glaxo Laboratories (GSK) in Les Ulis, France. Having graduated from CEIPI in 1996, he acquired an extensive professional experience in pharmaceutical and healthcare companies as a patent agent in charge of the patent departments with the Debio Group, Lausanne, and Bracco SA, Geneva/Princeton. After having worked within the industry, Emmanuel went to the private practice in 2002, becoming associate and partner with a middle size IP law firm in Geneva having particular focus in Eastern Europe, Eurasia and Asia. European Patent Attorney since 2003, he graduated in 2007 from CEIPI/EPI in European Patent litigation. Member of AIPPI and LES as well as regular observer at APAA (Asian Patent Attorney association), Emmanuel Jelsch specializes in chemistry and biotech inventions and has a good knowledge of the field of diagnostics. Since 2005, appointed as a WIPO and EU expert for the Patent Agent Training course in developing countries as well as tutor at the WIPO Academy for the WIPO distance learning Patent Drafting course. From 2011-2017 Emmanuel was part time Technical Judge at the Swiss Federal Patent Court, and continues to be IP coach for CTI Start-up now Innosuisse, honorary Professor at the University of Sfax (Tunisia) and former Professor at the EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) for the master in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. In May 2025, Emmanuel established his own IP practice in Switzerland, IP2Go-Pro, based in Lausanne. Of French mother tongue, he is also fluent in English and German.
Dr. Richard Splivallo
Richard Splivallo is the co‑founder and CEO of Nectariss Sàrl, a Swiss start‑up pioneering fermentation‑based truffle flavor innovations using microbial science. A published expert in chemical ecology and truffle aroma biology, he has authored numerous peer‑reviewed articles and patents in fungal metabolomics and symbiotic interactions. With a PhD in fungal biotechnology and past academic appointments at Goethe University Frankfurt and EPFL, he bridges life science research with food‑tech entrepreneurship
Prof. Ahmed Sulaiman Al-Harrasi
Ahmed Al-Harrasi Prof. Ahmed Al-Harrasi completed his BSc in Chemistry at Sultan Qaboos University (Oman) in 1997. He then pursued his MSc and PhD in Organic Chemistry at the Free University of Berlin, earning both degrees in 2002 and 2005, respectively, as a DAAD fellow under the supervision of Professor Hans-Ulrich Reissig. His doctoral research focused on novel transformations of enantiopure 1,2-oxazines, and he was awarded his PhD summa cum laude, the highest academic distinction. Notably, he is part of the academic lineage of the renowned chemist Rolf Huisgen (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2020, 59, 12228–12232). In 2008, Prof. Al-Harrasi was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for postdoctoral research in chemical biology, which he conducted in Professor Tadhg Begley’s group at Cornell University (USA). There, he worked on the synthesis of isotopically labeled thiamin pyrophosphate. He founded the Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center (NMSRC), a pioneering institution that now houses over 80 full-time researchers across 30 research laboratories and has become a national reference point in research. He currently serves as Professor of Organic Chemistry and Vice Chancellor for Graduate Studies, Research, and External Relations at the University of Nizwa. He was a member of UNESCO’s International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. He has chaired and been invited to speak at numerous international conferences and serves as a referee for over 20 international chemistry journals. Prof. Al-Harrasi has led more than 40 externally and internally funded research projects and has published over 1170 scientific papers, 50 book chapters, 15 books, and 57 patents. His work has garnered over 24371 citations, and he holds an h-index of 70.
Prof. Luay Rashan
Prof. Luay Jamil Rashan is an accomplished biologist and researcher, currently serving as the Director of the Research Center at Dhofar University in Salalah, Oman. He holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biology and Histochemistry from the University of Mosul, Iraq, and a Ph.D. in Histology from Trinity College, University of Dublin, Ireland. His extensive postdoctoral training includes stints at prestigious institutions such as the Scientific Research Council in Baghdad, Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, UK, Free University in Berlin, Germany, and the Institute of Plant Biochemistry in Halle, Germany.
Prof. Khalid Al-Rasadi
Professor Khalid Al-Rasadi, born in Oman, is a distinguished medical professional with a wealth of experience and expertise in medical biochemistry and lipidology. He obtained his Medical Degree in 1998 and pursued his postgraduate training in Medical Biochemistry at McGill University in Canada from 2002 to 2006.
Day 2:
Mr. Ahmed Yahya Al Eisri
With over 15 years of experience in international brand development, I have been deeply involved in shaping OMANLUXURY’s global footprint. My work has focused on expanding the brand into new markets, strengthening its international presence, and leading the development of globally resonant product lines. Driven by a passion for strategic growth and cross-cultural branding, I combine creative vision with operational insight to refine brand identity, elevate customer experiences, and ensure long-term relevance in the competitive world of luxury fragrance.
Dr. Khalid Abdul Aziz Al Farsi
Dr. Khalid Al Farsi is the Head of Horticulture at Oman Botanic Garden, where he leads the management of the living plant collections. His role involves overseeing plant propagation and production, safeguarding plant health, mentoring horticultural staff, and advancing research in plant sciences. In 2008, Khalid joined Oman Botanic Garden at its early stages of development. Since then, he has played a key role in building its living collections and establishing horticultural standards tailored to Oman’s native flora. In 2018, he completed a PhD in Landscape Ecology at the University of Sheffield, where his research explored how climate factors—particularly temperature and water availability—affect the recruitment and regeneration of Juniperus woodlands in the mountainous regions of northern Oman. His professional interests span a wide range of fields, including horticulture, fruit and vegetable production, landscape management, plant ecology, habitat restoration, and plant physiology. Khalid is committed to promoting sustainable practices in horticulture and contributing to the conservation of Oman’s unique plant heritage through science, education, and collaboration.
Mr. Christopher Dalzell
1990 joined the staff at the Durban Botanic Gardens as Horticulturist in charge of Special Collections. * Specialized in orchids, bromeliads, cycads and tropical plants which form the main collections in the Durban Botanic Gardens. * 1990/1991 completed National Higher Diploma in Horticulture * 1994 Founded the Friends of the Durban Botanic Gardens which raised over R40 million for development in the Durban Botanic Gardens * In 1996 appointed Curator of the Durban Botanic Gardens. * Over the past 45 years has traveled to 86 countries plant collecting and lecturing. * In 2002 was responsible for the initiation of the African Botanic Gardens Network with the secretariat based at the Durban Botanic Gardens. This Network has linked all Botanic Gardens in Africa under one umbrella organization. * 2002 hosted the first African Botanic Gardens Congress in the Durban Botanic Gardens. * Has visited over 300 Botanic Gardens around the world where contacts have been made with the different institutions at each of these gardens. * Was a member of the IUCN cycad specialist group and worked extensively with cycads in Africa. * Exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show in the United Kingdom. Won 2 silver Gilts and 1 Gold Medal. * Exhibited an African Medicinal display in the US Botanic Gardens in Washington DC in 2008. * Chairman of the 7th International Congress on Education in Botanic Gardens, held at the Durban Botanic Gardens from 1 - 5 November 2009 * Initiated all fund-raising projects at the Durban Botanic Gardens and managed 45 staff members and volunteers at the Durban Botanic Gardens. *Appointed Assistant Director: Gardens Development at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore from September 2010 to October 2012. Plant collected worldwide and designed the 2 Conservatories with a $1 Billion budget. *2013-2023 ran his own landscaping business in South Africa which includes landscaping, consulting, botanical tours, lecturing, writing and plant collecting. *2023 - 2025 was appointed Director of Conservatory operations at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. Responsible for managing 30 staff and the operations of the 2 large Conservatories.
Honorable Dr. Rauhiya Rashid Al Khaifi
Dr. Rauhiya Al-Khaifi is an Omani public leader with a career spanning more than 25 years across parliamentary work, entrepreneurship, community service, and medicine. She is a Member of the State Council of Oman since 2023 and is the Founder & CEO of Latafa, a leading brand established in 2008 specializing in organic and natural cosmetics and skincare. Alongside 15 years of service as a physician in the Armed Forces Medical Services, she has been an active volunteer in community institutions and non-profit organizations since 2006. Her leadership and impact have been recognized with several awards, most notably: - She was honored by the Ministry of Social Development on Omani Women’s Day in 2022 among 30 distinguished women. - Received the “Woman of the Year” Award in 2021 in the category of Entrepreneurship by Apex Publishing Corporation.
Mr. Salim Ahmed Al Hilali
A senior supervisor of science laboratories at the Dhofar Ministry of Education. He has extensive experience in biodiversity and wildlife in the Dhofar region and is an active member of the Nature Conservation Society. His work focuses on promoting scientific education and environmental conservation.
Mr. Ahmed Abdullah Salam Alsaqri
The owner of Distillation plant for rose water and oil and aromatic herbs from Omani environment, based in oman , Aljabal Alakhdar.
Ms. Astrid Beltrami
Ms. Astrid Beltrami International Sales Director, Dr. Vranjes Firenze , one of Italy’s most prestigious luxury fragrance houses, offers a vision for how the botanical richness and perfumery artistry of both Oman and Italy can be integrated to produce world-class and sustainable fragrances. She explores partnership opportunities between the two countries in innovation, craftsmanship, and market development.
Dr. Shahina Ghazanfar
Shahina Ghazanfar is a leading plant taxonomist specializing in the flora, vegetation, and conservation of the Middle East. With over 40 years of teaching and research experience across Pakistan, Nigeria, Oman, and Fiji, she has contributed significantly to the floras of these regions. For the past 20 years, she served as Lead Botanist at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK, and is now an Honorary Research Associate.