Meet Dr. Rupert C. Yan | Chief Technology Officer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Rupert C. Yan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Rupert C., do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Life is all about encountering waves after waves of making choices. From the second we open our eyes in the morning to the second we close our eyes at night, every single moment that we are awake is a series of choices that we must make: which outfits to wear, which foods to partake, which parameters to set in the laboratory, which business propositions to make, etc. Making choices essentially means that we are deciding what options to take versus what options to give up, which action to prioritize versus which action to postpone, or which element to consolidate and which element to diversify.
By recognizing and being consciously aware of the dilemma is the first step in accepting the challenge to making a choice. Staying true to your core beliefs while weighing the pros and cons is critical in making the right choice. It is important not only to reflect on the decisions you’ve made and reevaluate the effectiveness of each decision, but also embrace all the surprises that may come by and gladly accept the outcome of such decisions.
I believe in putting my best foot forward and making the best decision at every single juncture. That’s the reason why I am able to face everyday with gratitude, bravery, and without regret. Regardless of which paths I choose, I can always find inner peace and move forward with intrepidity to welcome any future challenges that lie ahead.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
With a background in chemical engineering, I’ve always been passionate about turning scientific concepts into real-world solutions that solve practical problems. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as the Chief Technology Officer at YvanaHahn®, I developed Newgyne®, an FDA-registered product based on chlorine dioxide.
Chlorine dioxide is a powerful antimicrobial agent, but it comes with some challenges. At room temperature, it is a yellow-green gas that is highly soluble in water, making it great for disinfecting. However, chlorine dioxide is extremely sensitive to light and heat, which makes it unstable and difficult to store or transport. Despite these hurdles, chlorine dioxide is selective—it targets harmful molecules and proteins without reacting with everything around it. When in solution, it remains mildly acidic with a pH of around 5.5, which ensures both its effectiveness and safety.
In order to overcome these restrictions, chemical reactions must be meticulously calibrated and high-purity, food- and pharmaceutical-grade materials must be stringently selected to ensure the final solution was effective and safe for human use as I developed the product. But the real challenge was figuring out how to store the hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing) powders in a portable, easy-to-use format without compromising the stability of the product. This was an important consideration because when Newgyne® powders are exposed to moisture or air, thereby generating chlorine dioxide gas and non-toxic salts, which would make the powders prematurely release gas, rendering the product ineffective.
A breakthrough moment came during a trip, when I noticed a capsule coffee machine in my hotel room. Just like coffee, the chemicals I was working with were highly sensitive to moisture, so I thought—why not use the same approach? That led me to develop single-use capsules. One single capsule can dissolve in 1 liter of water, generating chlorine dioxide along with harmless salts, making them ideal for spray bottles or our custom-designed atomizer. The atomizer has 965-micron pores, which create a fine mist that effectively removes airborne viruses, bacteria, and odors.
This innovation resulted in Newgyne®, an award-winning, stable, convenient, and user-friendly solution designed to help people safely and effectively navigate the challenges of the pandemic and beyond.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
From the iconic Taipei 101, once the world’s tallest building, to the cultural treasures of the National Palace Museum, Taipei is a city of fascinating contrasts. It seamlessly blends the old and the new, with vibrant energy and warm hospitality, creating a perfect mix of modernity and tradition. It is a place that promises to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Around every corner, you will find cultural diversity—from traditional temples with intricately carved dragons to sleek modern streets. And of course, Taiwan’s famous night markets are a must-visit! Dive into street food like oyster omelets, stinky tofu, boba tea and local favorites like braised pork rice, scallion pancakes, and sweet potato balls. It is more than just food—it is a window into local life.

Taipei’s charm also lies in its perfect balance between urban life and nature. A short drive from the city takes you to serene forests or relaxing hot springs. With scenic trails and parks scattered throughout the city, it is easy to find a peaceful escape. Whether you are here for a short stay or a longer visit, Taipei’s diversity will captivate you and leave you wanting more.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Roy Han, the founder of YvanaHahn®, is someone I deeply admire. His vast knowledge, kindness, and generosity stand out, but what truly impresses me is how he fosters a collaborative environment. Throughout our partnership in developing Newgyne®, Roy has consistently provided invaluable feedback and insight, always open to discussions and new ideas. His commitment to supporting the people he works with and his willingness to mentor and share his wisdom have been essential to our success. It’s not just about one person—it’s the collective effort and shared vision that have made our collaboration so rewarding.

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Image Credits
Images by Yvana Hahn®