High Tech for the scientists of tomorrow The Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences features a nearly complete set of Analytik Jena equipment, with something for everyone.

The Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences features a nearly complete set of Analytik Jena equipment, with something for everyone.

"The academy makes use of nearly our entire range of technology," said Tai Zhao, Managing Director of Analytik Jena in China, referring to the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Hangzhou, where over 30 Analytik Jena systems are currently in place. The business relationship has been going strong since 2004. As Tai Zhao put it: "We’re connected in a partnership that is in fact more like a friendship."

A staff of over 1,000 are active at the academy in all aspects of agricultural research. The Zhejiang Province state institution is dedicated to basic research in fields such as genetic engineering as well as research on seeds, soil, crop protection, and fertilizers. Public education offerings are also provided to students and school groups to introduce them to these topics.

Analytik Jena does all that it can to provide support to the academy, working together with the scientists there towards the best solutions for each application, offering service and replacement parts at discounts, and running its own thematic seminars. As the CEO for China explained: "Through our support, we can give back to society and serve its general wellbeing."

The institute has also become quite a showcase for Analytik Jena with three atomic spectroscopes, six analyzers for organic carbon and nitrogen, over 20 PCR/qPCR systems for DNA sequencing, a gene theater, the pipetting robot CyBIO FeliX, and an ICP-MS device that can analyze the entire periodic system. This has also done much to raise the profile of Analytik Jena equipment within the industry – and among the researchers of tomorrow.

Working in China ...

… is not just about selling equipment but also a matter of providing education. Analytik Jena’s schedule features over 20 seminar events in China each year, always with an excellent turnout of 100 to 200 participants. The attendees include both long-term and new customers, half of whom work in the state sector, including for health agencies and petrochemical companies.

Once the deal is done …

… it’s celebrated with a toast – with Maotai liquor from Guizhou Province, distilled from sorghum and wheat. They even use Analytik Jena’s atomic absorption spectroscopy for quality control. The beverage is also enjoyed at the annual gathering of the entire Analytik Jena staff in China – although the 2020 meeting was carried out virtually due to the pandemic.

After work …

… food is of utmost importance, even in the business world. A hard day’s work can be rewarded with a shared meal with colleagues, which is also tied in with an affirmation of mutual respect. And that also means that arriving on time is of the essence!

In terms of business …

… Carl Zeiss continues to open new doors in China. The name of the Jena-based optics pioneer, whose current heirs include Analytik Jena, still stands for top quality "made in Germany".