Professor Yihuai Gao
Professor Yihuai Gao is an internationally recognised scientist, entrepreneur, and thought leader whose pioneering research in fungi and biotechnology has transformed the fields of natural medicine and functional nutrition. With more than four decades of work spanning China, New Zealand, and beyond, Professor Gao has built a reputation as one of the world’s foremost experts in bioactive compounds and their applications in health innovation.
Professor Yihuai Gao’s Early Life and Education
Born and educated in China, Professor Gao began his academic journey at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, where he developed a strong foundation in agriculture, herbal sciences, and the cultivation of medicinal fungi. His research interests quickly grew beyond traditional agriculture into the world of fungal bioactives and natural medicine.
In 1992, Professor Gao moved to New Zealand, joining Landcare Research as a Fungi Scientist. At Landcare, his work focused on the cultivation of fungi, the identification of novel bioactive compounds, and the development of new extraction methods that retained the potency and stability of these compounds. This early phase of his career set the stage for a lifetime of discovery and innovation.
Professor Yihuai Gao’s Research Achievements
Over the past four decades, Professor Gao has made extraordinary contributions to science and innovation, bridging academic research with practical applications in healthcare. Among his key achievements:
- 58 patents registered across New Zealand, Australia, and China.
- The creation of more than 50 natural medicinal products, distributed globally and trusted by consumers.
- International regulatory approvals from organisations such as Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA), and the Hong Kong Department of Health.
Professor Gao has also published more than 60 papers in peer-reviewed journals and presented his findings at major international scientific conferences. His work continues to influence both academic research and the commercialisation of natural health products worldwide.
Academic and Leadership Roles
Beyond his personal research, Professor Yihuai Gao has established and led a number of influential organisations and research institutes, reflecting his ability to bridge science, education, and cross-cultural collaboration. His current positions include:
- President, New Zealand Institute of Natural Medicine Research
- Dean, Tongji University Alpha Natural Medicine Research Institute
- Co-Director, Alpha–Massey Natural Nutraceuticals Research Centre
President, New Zealand–China Association for the Promotion of Economy and Science
These roles underline his commitment to advancing not just scientific discovery, but also global cooperation between academic, commercial, and cultural institutions.
Awards and Recognition for Professor Yihuai Gao
Professor Gao’s work has been recognised with numerous domestic and international honours. His awards include:
- Finalist, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2019), acknowledging his leadership in biotech innovation.
- Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Contribution to the New Zealand–China Business Relationship at the HSBC NZCTA Awards (2017).
These achievements highlight not only his contributions to science but also his role in strengthening global economic and research ties.
Professor Yihuai Gao and Massey University Collaboration
One of Professor Gao’s most celebrated achievements is his 20-year collaboration with Massey University’s Riddet Institute. Since its inception, this partnership has focused on pioneering research into fungal bioactives and their potential to improve human health.
In July 2025, Massey University celebrated two decades of partnership with Professor Yihuai Gao , recognising his sustained commitment to advancing fungi research and natural bioactives. The event marked a milestone in the development of new knowledge about fungi’s role in immune support and cardiovascular health.
The significance of this collaboration has been widely reported, including by Impact PR, which profiled Professor Gao’s research journey and by Scoop News, which covered the celebrations in Auckland . Together, these stories highlight both the scientific importance and the broader societal value of Professor Gao’s contributions.
Professor Yihuai Gao’s Role at Alpha Group
As the founder of Alpha Group, one of New Zealand’s largest biotech exporters, Professor Gao has translated decades of research into commercially viable health products. Under his leadership, Alpha Group has:
- Expanded internationally with a NZ$776 million investment in a 60,000m² biotech manufacturing facility in China.
- Brought patented fungi- and plant-based fermentation compounds to the global market.
- Delivered on its mission of merging cutting-edge biotechnology with accessible consumer health solutions.
Through Alpha Group, Professor Gao continues to push the boundaries of what fungi research can achieve for both science and society.
Timeline of Key Milestones
- 1992 – Moved to New Zealand; joined Landcare Research as a Fungi Scientist.
- 1990s–2000s – Began developing patented extraction methods and securing regulatory approvals in Australasia.
- 2005 – Established research collaborations with Massey University.
- 2017 – Received Special Recognition Award at the HSBC NZCTA Awards.
- 2019 – Named a finalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
- 2025 – Celebrated 20 years of collaboration with Massey University.
How to Stay Updated
Professor Yihuai Gao continues to lead cutting-edge biotech innovation through Alpha Group. His research and commercial work inspire scientists, entrepreneurs, and students globally.
To learn more about his ongoing projects and Alpha Group’s latest developments, visit the Alpha Group News section or connect with Professor Gao on LinkedIn.