Founder & CEO

Dr. Burhan Fakhurji

Saudi biotechnology pioneer, academic, and serial entrepreneur with 20+ years in virology, molecular biology, genomics, and medical innovation — and the architect behind Gene Matrix's push to localise high-value molecular diagnostics manufacturing in the Kingdom.

Founder & CEO

A rare combination of scientist, builder, and leader

Dr. Burhan Fakhurji is a Saudi biotechnology pioneer, academic, and serial entrepreneur with more than twenty years of frontline experience in virology, molecular biology, genomics, and medical innovation. He is the architect behind Gene Matrix and the driving force behind the Kingdom's push to localise high-value molecular diagnostics manufacturing.

What distinguishes Dr. Fakhurji is the fusion of deep academic rigour with proven operational execution. He moves fluidly between the laboratory bench, the regulatory filing, the manufacturing floor, and the strategy room — translating molecular science into commercially viable, nationally impactful solutions under the Gene Matrix banner.

Across two decades he has led the establishment of advanced laboratories to BSL-2 and BSL-3 biosafety standards, designed national PCR response capacity during epidemic events, and trained more than 1,000 physicians, laboratory scientists and biotech researchers across the Kingdom and the wider region.

He was internationally recognised at the Middle East's inaugural Precision Medicine Exhibition & Summit in Dubai (2022), held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan — a milestone in the public recognition of Saudi-led molecular diagnostics innovation.

"Gene Matrix exists to make one simple statement true: that a Saudi patient, in a Saudi hospital, can be diagnosed with a Saudi-made molecular test — at a world-class standard of accuracy, at a fraction of the imported cost, and without waiting on a foreign supply chain."

Areas of Expertise

Six domains of work

Dr. Fakhurji's practice spans the full path from epidemiological need to manufactured diagnostic — combining clinical insight, laboratory design and regulated production.

Industrial Localisation

Design, licensing, and operation of GMP-certified medical diagnostic manufacturing facilities — from concept to commissioned production line.

Laboratory Infrastructure

Establishment of fixed and mobile laboratories to BSL-2 and BSL-3 biosafety standards, including quality management systems and international accreditation pathways.

Pandemic & Crisis Response

Field-tested protocols for rapid laboratory mobilisation, diagnostic coordination, and outbreak response — demonstrated across multiple regional health events.

Applied R&D

Translation of academic research into commercial-grade diagnostic products, assays, and molecular platforms.

Workforce Development

Design and delivery of advanced training curricula for physicians, laboratory scientists, and biotech researchers — building national cadres across the region.

Technology Transfer

Strategic negotiation and execution of international technology-transfer agreements bringing validated diagnostic IP into Saudi Arabia.

Leadership Track Record

From research concept to operational reality

Dr. Fakhurji's career has been defined by a single thread: taking Saudi molecular diagnostics from research concept to operational reality. Over two decades he has led the establishment of advanced laboratories, the training of more than 1,000 physicians and laboratory professionals across the Kingdom and the wider region, and the translation of peer-reviewed research into deployable clinical assays. Gene Matrix is the culmination of that track record — a fully integrated GMP manufacturing platform built on proven scientific, regulatory, and operational foundations.

Qualifications

Academic background

  • PhD — Liver Fibrosis & Histology

    King Abdulaziz University

  • MSc — Molecular & Cancer Cell Biology

    University of Leicester, UK

  • MSc — Anatomy & Technical Histology

    King Abdulaziz University

  • Executive Diploma — Leadership & Management

    University of Oxford, UK

  • Professional Diploma — Applied Epidemiology

    University of Liverpool, UK

Recognition

Awards & honours

  • International Recognition

    Precision Medicine Exhibition & Summit · Dubai 2022 — under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan

  • First Place

    Global Health Exhibition 2024 · Riyadh

  • GInI Outstanding Organization

    Global Innovation Institute · 2024

  • Deloitte Fast 50

    Middle East fastest-growing technology companies

20+
Years in molecular science
1,000+
Professionals trained
700 m²
GMP facility commissioned
4
Flagship kits in pipeline