Biochemist Avak Kahvejian was born in Lebanon, but his family moved to Canada when he was barely one year old. Kahvejian was into science and technology from a very young age and dreamed of going to space. When it was time to choose occupation, he was deciding between computer science and biotechnologies, and in the end he chose the latter as the more perspective, modern option.

“That is how I decided to become a biochemist. I earned by Bachelor’s and postgraduate degree at McGill University in Montreal,” said Kahvejian, who lives now in Boston, U.S.

At the invitation of the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST) Avak Kahvejian conducted a lecture on commercialization of scientific solutions for Armenian scientists, introducing them to the main milestones of the process, from research to innovation.

In the interview to Mediamax, Avak Kahvejian talks about his ties with the scientific community of Armenia, the ways to advance science, and the importance of innovations.

When and how did you start thinking of supporting science in Armenia?

I didn’t think of Armenia in the beginning of my career, I just had futuristic ideas. I wanted to work on projects that no one had done before. That is why I started working with startups and topics which large companies and universities did not consider. I started thinking that I had to find an opportunity to include Armenia in these projects, but I could not identify any such chance until I heard about FAST. Now I am making the first steps towards that goal.

You are an entrepreneur as well and you have introduced the ways of commercializing solutions to the scientific community of Armenia. How will you help Armenian scientists sell their solutions?

The objective of Flagship Pioneering, where I work with Noubar Afeyan who contributed to foundation and establishment of over 20 successful scientific and technological institutions with focus on natural sciences, is to make science an industry of significant value and influence. The most important thing is that we should think long-term, figure out how to implement the most innovative solutions and use them.

Avak Kahvejian

Photo: Mediamax

At the initiative of FAST’s multifunctional platform for origination and development of science-intensive ventures, the Advanced Solutions Center (ASCENT), young Armenian experts will join 12-week fellowship program at Flagship Pioneering offices in June-August 2019. They will develop new ideas and venture hypotheses and take part in foundation of science-intensive enterprises.

We are trying to teach the fellows to think forward and find future solutions for today’s problems. We have a certain system for “training” them, helping them generate ideas and passing on to them our skills, which they can use to create companies that will offer perspective solutions. I believe this is the best way to commercialize technology and science, because the solutions are usually valuable on their own.

We have to make these efforts continuous, as development and commercialization of science is not a matter of a day or a few weeks.

Science doesn’t recognize borders and a scientific solution can be used anywhere in the world. What do Armenian scientists need, in your opinion, to be able to enter into global markets?

For starters, they need to establish connections and relations, first and foremost with Armenian scientists in the Diaspora. You can find diasporan scientists in many parts of the world and some of them hold good positions in various universities and companies. Such connections can be very helpful.

Avak Kahvejian

Photo: Mediamax

Subsequently, Armenian scientists should start collaborative projects and consider not only national, but also global issues, because Armenian market is small. Certainly, local issues require solutions, but if Armenian scientists want to be competitive at the global level, they need to think of offering solutions for global problems.

You have interacted with local scientists during your visit to Armenia, so you probably had the opportunity to assess their potential. What perspectives do you see for science in Armenia? 

I agree that the shortest way to success is innovation. I believe there is enough talent and I am impressed by young Armenian scientists. They work on very interesting projects and they are well-informed about global scientific developments and issues.

Avak Kahvejian

Photo: Mediamax

The problem is that Armenia doesn’t offer big financial, material and technical opportunities, and that needs to change. There is enthusiasm and talent, nevertheless, which is encouraging.

Armenian scientists often complain that the state doesn’t provide sufficient funding, while officials retort that the government allocates as much funds to scientific sector as possible. Do you believe it is possible to secure development of science through the state-private sector-foundations cooperation network?

It is possible, and in that regard the cooperation between public and private sectors is important as well. There has to be an ecosystem. Science cannot be developed through small initiatives. All sectors need to join forces and create an ecosystem that will solve issues on its own in the future. The government, local and diasporan scientists, entrepreneurs – all have to contribute. They must unite and act in unison, like an orchestra.

Education is the first link in the chain of institutions required for a well-developed science sector, all of which are important. What are the priorities in education system?

Education is very important indeed. Investment in education requires long-term thinking. On the other hand, we should encourage well-educated young people to go into science.

Avak Kahvejian

Photo: Mediamax

We should teach them that the purpose of good education is not only knowledge itself and that knowledge can have huge impact on people’s lives. This is where we have a new issue: we need to facilitate applied science so that it offers useful solutions and people enjoy the fruit of science in daily life. Higher education institutions have to develop fundamental and applied science equally.

It is also very important that the society has correct understanding of the role and importance of science since school days.

Marie Taryan talked to Avak Kahvejian

Photos: Emin Aristakesyan