Ripudaman Singh, India

Transforming prenatal diagnostics

“I work in ARCEDI Biotech ApS as the Chief Technology Officer. ARCEDI has developed a proprietary technology to isolate fetal cells circulating in maternal blood and use these rare cells for risk-free non-invasive prenatal testing. I have been associated with this technology since its inception in 2007. However, this project was part of another company called FCMB ApS, where I worked as a research scientist. In 2014, the technology was taken over by ARCEDI Biotech, and I was offered a role of a COO. Later with more focus on technology development I took over the role of a CTO.”

Explore: What career opportunities are you looking for?

“In ARCEDI, we are nineteen full-time employees. It’s like one big family with smaller overlapping teams and a lean organization with easy and efficient communication. There are multiple projects and tasks running parallel, which are steered by individual people. However, everyone in the organization is part of all the projects albeit in different capacities.”

“I am involved in research and technology development activities, currently with a specific focus on automation and commercial viability. I also pursue business development activities by overseeing collaborations with companies in search of technologies that fit our application and with universities in search of the relevance of our technology in other applications such as preterm birth and cancer diagnosis. Recently, we launched a new product for non-invasive prenatal testing in the Danish market. This product is the first of its kind in the world to offer fetal-cell-based non-invasive prenatal testing to pregnant women.”

Danish universities are breeding grounds for new ideas

“I came to Denmark to pursue my PhD in Medicine at Aarhus University 20 years ago. Life in Denmark and India has a lot of contrasts. In Denmark, life is relatively serene and secure with an excellent work-life balance. Living in a smaller city like Aarhus provides an additional tint of that. However, what one leaves behind where one comes from cannot be replenished here. Leaving behind my family and friends was difficult, and every expat has his or her list of what they miss.”

“It is amazing, though, to see how much focus there is on original thinking and innovation in the academic institutes in Denmark. This makes Danish universities breeding grounds for new ideas. On top of that, there are ample funding opportunities for startups and SMEs, providing a conducive environment where ideas not only flourish but also lead to economic growth.”

“Danes are cooperative, straightforward and hardworking. They are reserved, but at the same time, they do not shy away from putting forth their opinions. This can be a bit of a surprise for a newcomer. But with time one realizes that this only translates into efficiency and progress.“

“The lean structure of the organization, easy communication, flexibility and efficiency are just some of the things Danish companies can provide. On top of that is the opportunity for personal growth, independence and of course the work-life balance.”

The work-life balance leaves ample time for hobbies and families

“When I am not working, I love to cook. I also have a passion for photography. In 2014, I created a photo exhibition called “Time Travel Aarhus” that showcased the metamorphosis of Aarhus city by blending old and new pictures of the city’s 44 famous landmarks. I also love music, and I am currently learning Gurmat Sangeet, a five centuries-old unique musical tradition that has its roots in Indian classical music. When I am not doing any of that, I get busy reliving my childhood with my three kids.”

“If you are considering moving to Denmark and get the opportunity, look nowhere else. You are in the right place!”

Explore: HealthTech in Denmark.