Meet our Innovators

Introduction:

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background before joining the CSC team at Ajinomoto CELLiST Korea?
 

My name is Parshad Hirapara, and I am the Head of the CELLiST Solution Center in India for Ajinomoto CELLiST Korea. I am a passionate and forward-thinking professional with over a decade of experience in multinational corporations. I specialize in leveraging techno-marketing skills and cross-cultural competence to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

Currently, I lead a dedicated team focused on customer-centric solutions for upstream development, media customization, and process optimization. Together, we aim to provide innovative solutions to global customers, driving revenue growth for the organization. My role allows me to integrate creativity with technical expertise to enhance efficiency and foster innovation, meeting the dynamic demands of our industry.

Joining Ajinomoto CELLiST Korea has been an exciting chapter, and I am committed to driving forward-thinking solutions and fostering a culture of excellence within our team.

Cultural Integration:

How do you balance your cultural background with the corporate culture at Ajinomoto CELLiST Korea?
 

Balancing my cultural background with the corporate culture at Ajinomoto CELLiST Korea has been an enriching experience. I believe that diversity is a strength, and I embrace my cultural heritage while being open to learning and adapting to the corporate values and practices here.

I leverage my cross-cultural competence to build strong relationships and foster effective communication within the team. By respecting and understanding different cultural perspectives, I can contribute to a more inclusive and collaborative work environment.

At Ajinomoto CELLiST Korea, the emphasis on innovation and teamwork aligns well with my personal values. I integrate the unique insights and approaches from my cultural background into our projects, which helps us address challenges creatively and deliver solutions that meet the diverse needs of our global customers. This synergy enhances our team's performance and drives our collective success.

Personal Interests:

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy a few activities that keep me engaged and balanced. I play cricket, which not only helps me stay active but also fosters teamwork and strategic thinking. I’m also a big fan of watching movies; it’s a great way for me to relax and stay inspired by diverse storytelling and creative perspectives. Additionally, I have a passion for motor biking. It offers me a sense of freedom and adventure, allowing me to explore new places and unwind from the daily routine.



Role and Responsibilities:

What are your key responsibilities at the CSC Solution Center in India, and what does a typical day look like for you?
 

In my role at the CELLiST Solution Center India, my primary responsibility is to support our customers, which involves either working from our office or visiting customer sites across India. My day typically begins with a cup of black tea and a review of emails, as I need to catch up on communications from our global teams in Korea.

Once our customers are in their offices, I start engaging with them on various fronts—ranging from discussing sample arrangements to providing comprehensive global support for their process development. I also participate in internal meetings and learning sessions with our global teams. When I’m on-site at a customer’s location, the day often flies by, and it’s not uncommon for us to skip lunch in order to fit in as many meetings and discussions as possible.

Projects and Achievements:

Can you share any significant projects or achievements you’ve been a part of since joining the CSC in India?
 

Since joining the CELLiST Solution Center (CSC) in India, I’ve had the privilege of leading several significant projects that have greatly contributed to our global presence and success.

One of my most notable achievements has been the establishment of CSC-India, which is one of only three such centers globally. Taking ownership of this project allowed me to function as an entrepreneur, driving the center’s development and operational strategies from the ground up. This has been a pivotal move in expanding our global footprint and enhancing our capabilities in serving the biopharma industry. I cannot think of establishing CSC-India without the invaluable support and guidance of mentors like Dr. Yaron, Mr. Nakai-San, Lee-san, and the ACK team.

In a remarkably short span, we’ve managed to increase CELLiST’s brand awareness among biopharma scientists from zero to over 90%. This achievement underscores our successful outreach and the growing recognition of our brand within the scientific community.

Additionally, we have effectively seeded CELLiST products to all major biopharma companies in India. Collecting their feedback has been instrumental in refining our offerings and ensuring they meet the high standards and specific needs of our clients. This process has not only strengthened our market position but also fostered valuable relationships with key industry players.

Future Vision:

How do you envision the future of the CSC in India, and what are your goals for its growth and development?
 

Looking ahead, I envision the CSC in India evolving into a central hub of innovation and excellence within the global CELLiST network. Our goal is to continue strengthening our position as a leader in the biopharma sector by expanding our services, enhancing our technological capabilities, and deepening our engagement with the scientific community.

One of our key objectives is to further increase our market penetration by establishing stronger collaborations with both existing and new clients. This involves not only continuing to provide exceptional support but also tailoring our solutions to meet the evolving needs of the biopharma industry. We aim to be a trusted partner in their journey towards groundbreaking discoveries and developments.

Another goal is to invest in cutting-edge technologies and research initiatives that will allow us to offer even more advanced and effective solutions. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, we will ensure that our offerings remain relevant and highly valuable to our clients.

We are also focused on fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation within our team. By encouraging professional development and knowledge sharing, we will ensure that our staff remains highly skilled and motivated, driving the center’s success.

Ultimately, my vision is for CSC-India to not only meet but exceed the expectations of our clients and stakeholders, setting new standards for excellence and innovation within the global CELLiST network.