Helen Yuanyuan Cao

Helen Yuanyuan Cao is a Lecturer at the Lucerne School of Business (HSLU), specializing in Innovation Management, Organizational Transformation, and Change Management. She co-leads the Master of Advanced Studies programs in Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen and Industrial Management since January 2024. Her academic career includes Visiting Professor roles at Tecnologico de Monterrey and advisory positions at institutions like the Digital Business School (Hochschule Nürtingen-Geislingen).

Education includes a Master of Biology & Biomedical Research (Neurobiology focus) from Washington University in St. Louis, a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University, and a Diplom in Business Administration from European Business School.

Research focuses on leadership in innovation ecosystems and healthcare communication. She actively advises startups via accelerators like Startupbootcamp and Indiebio. Her honors include the 'Top 40 under 40' award (2017) and a German National Academic Foundation fellowship.

Professional experience spans 15+ years in Life Sciences leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies (Becton Dickinson, Qiagen) and executive positions at INDICAL Bioscience and McKesson. She serves on boards for Cellecho Biotech and Future.coop, and previously chaired Make-A-Wish Foundation Deutschland.