Meet Our Team
Since SifoTEK is innovative and a pioneer in this field, the technology team plays an important role in this stage where we need to mature the technology as well as scale up processes to their best potential solutions. SifoTEK currently has 6 PhDs with expertise in biotechnology, microbiology, chemical engineering, bioprocess, and protein technology. This diverse expertise fosters synergies and enables the generation of the best possible innovative ideas for developing and maturing technology.
Kim Phan, PhD
kim.phan@sifotek.com
Kim Phan is an accomplished manager with extensive experience in research, entrepreneurship, and leadership. As the founder and CEO of previous successful ventures, she brings a wealth of knowledge to our organization. Kim comes from Vietnam, holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from NTNU, Norway, and has garnered several years of expertise as a specialist, technology strategist, and leader at various firms. She has also earned an excellent Leadership 4.0 certificate, solidifying her foundation and entrepreneurial acumen.
Kim aims to lead a team with a clear vision and a passion for pursuit, while also fostering enjoyment and fulfilment at every stage of development. She emphasizes, “Regardless of who you are or where you come from, with effort, dedication and persistence, you can achieve your dreams. You will receive recognition and opportunities to contribute. Be courageous in reaching for your aspirations.”
Khanh Nguyen, PhD
khanh.Ng@sifotek.com
Dr. Khanh Nguyen is a distinguished interdisciplinary scientist and accomplished R&D manager, excelling in diverse areas including project and personnel management, intricate problem-solving, mentorship, and staff training. With a prolific career spanning biotechnology and food sectors, he has steered research and product development, amassing a remarkable portfolio of over 30 publications and multiple patents.
Recognized as a standout young scientist in the United States, Dr. Nguyen clinched the esteemed "Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Young Investigator Award" for his exceptional contributions to the field. His multifaceted expertise underscores his dedication to advancing scientific innovation and making a profound impact in his domain.
Tor Øyvind Oftedal
tor.oftedal@sifotek.com
With over four decades of experience in business development and management, Tor Øyvind Oftedal brings a wealth of expertise to SifoTEK. His career has encompassed diverse supervisory and managerial roles in both startup ventures and large international corporations.
Throughout his professional journey, Tor Øyvind has been a proponent of fostering collaborative organizational cultures to facilitate the adoption of innovative technologies and practices. He has also cultivated enduring trust-based relationships with governmental and non-governmental entities, partners, and customers.
Tor Øyvind's unwavering belief in SifoTEK's technology and his fearless approach to challenges make him an invaluable addition to the team. He is eager to join SifoTEK on its inspiring mission to combat climate change and address global food security issues, contributing to a sustainable future for our growing population.
Yedu Prasad, PhD
yedu.prasad@sifotek.com
Dr. Yedu Prasad, an accomplished protein biologist, boasts extensive proficiency encompassing protein biochemistry, yeast genetics, enzyme kinetics, protein engineering, and ultra-resolution fluorescence microscopy. His adeptness extends to precise plasmid construct design for protein production in ongoing SifoTEK projects. With a passion for scientific discourse, he actively explores novel biochemical approaches for sustainable food precursor production.
Prior to his tenure at SifoTEK, Dr. Prasad served as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Warwick, UK, where he delved into protein pathways regulating yeast cell division. This experience enriched his understanding of yeast biology and genetics. Committed to advancing sustainability, he strives to make a more affordable and practical lifestyle accessible to a larger global population.
Anh Nguyen, PhD
anhng@sifotek.com
Anh Nguyen has joined the SifoTEK team as a Bioprocess Specialist, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the field of Bioprocess and Biotechnology.
Anh achieved his PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in 2016, showcasing his strong academic foundation. Prior to his current role, he held prominent positions as a scientist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at renowned institutions, including the University of Alberta in Canada and UC Irvine University in California, US.
His extensive background in these academic settings has undoubtedly honed his expertise, making him a valuable asset to SifoTEK in the realm of bioprocessing and biotechnology.
Olufemi Bankefa Emmanuel , PhD
Olufemi@sifotek.com
Olufemi Emmanuel Bankefa is a seasoned scientist with over ten (10) years of research experience, spanning through microbiology, molecular biology and process development. Having bagged his PhD in yeast development for food security and environmental sustainability in 2018 at the University of Chinese Academy of Science, his advocacy for sustainability research urged him to advance in a postdoctoral position at the Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands, where he harnessed system engineering for sustainable bioproduction.
Prior to joining SifoTEK as a research scientist, he advocated for bioproduction in a sustainable manner, which aligns to SifoTEK core aim for food security. In addition, his research background in protein production, bioengineering and fermentation technology, from industrial and academic settings made him a valuable asset towards achieving the company’s goal.
Prianka Rani Saha Roy, MSc
prianka.roy@sifotek.com
Prianka Rani Saha Roy has started her journey with Sifotek AS as a Laboratory Assistant. She is from Bangladesh and hold a Masters degree in Animal Nutrition. She did her second Masters degree in Bioscience from Nord University, Bodø. Expertise in different biotechnology techniques like SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, Plasmid DNA extraction, yeast culture experimentation, and so on.
She has gained experience as a Student Assistant/Lab Assistant under the Faculty of Bioscience and Aquaculture of Nord University, Bodø, Norway where her main responsibilities were to assist the researchers in different lab related works prior to join the Sifotek team. It is an urgency to produce sustainable foods with zero CO2 emission to make the earth more liveable. It is a great opportunity to her to be a part of making the earth more sustainable.
