Welcome to the Choose Paris Region Talent Stories series, where we highlight the journeys of international talents who have chosen to build their careers in the Paris Region.

Today, we are pleased to introduce Wahid Awad, Ph.D., CEO and Founder of Rosetta Omics. Originally from Egypt, Wahid arrived in Paris at the end of his PhD in the United States — a move he had never planned, but one that changed everything. From research scientist to biotech entrepreneur, he shares how Paris Region became his home and why he chose to launch his precision medicine venture here, at the heart of Europe’s innovation ecosystem.

Tell us about your arrival in Paris Region

It all happened during the final months of my PhD in Colorado, USA. At the time, I was planning to stay there for an academic position, and then return to Egypt for a tenure-track professor position at Cairo University where I worked before my master in the Netherlands. However, everything changed when a French research director in Paris reached out and invited me to join his team as a research scientist. I had never imagined that I would end up moving here. What was meant to be a three-year contract has now turned into more than ten years, so you could say Paris chose me first — and then I chose Paris as my HOME 😊.

Where did you choose to live and why?

I chose the 16ᵉ arrondissement because it’s peaceful, close to the Seine and many green spaces, and has beautiful architecture and small parks — and is very well connected to the centre of Paris with excellent public transport options, which makes everyday life easy. It also reminds me of Maadi in Cairo, with its many trees and calm, residential feel near the Nile River, giving it a familiar sense of greenery and relaxed rhythm of life.

Tell us about your current job & what do you enjoy the most about working in Paris Region?

After a career shift from academia to the pharma industry, I founded my own precision medicine company, Rosetta Omics, where I serve as CEO. I started it during my MBA at ESCP Business school and we are specialized in cancer precision medicine using multiomics data and AI. I see this as my life mission, to save lives and change the paradigm of cancer care. The company name, inspired by the Rosetta Stone, also connects my two homes: Egypt and France (Read the story of the name and the reason behind Rosetta here). We were recently awarded the prestigious “France 2030 – Pionniers de l’IA” grant, which will greatly help us bring our innovative solutions to cancer patients. We are also supported by Bpifrance and incubated at Agoranov and Station F.

According to you, what are the perks of living in Paris Region?

Paris Region offers amazing walkability, you can go to many places on foot, use bikes easily, and enjoy lovely walks by the Seine. It’s also extremely well connected to the rest of Europe and the world, and has incredible architecture, culture, food, and history.

Your favourite spot?

Interestingly, I still love the 16ᵉ and its surroundings, like Jardin du Ranelagh and Île aux Cygnes with the Statue of Liberty and the walk toward the Eiffel Tower. When I first arrived, I also spent more time around Saint-Michel and Châtelet.
Outside Paris, I love Versailles, where I worked and lived for a year when I first arrived in France. I especially enjoyed reconnecting with nature — I started running there for the first time, through the park of the Château de Versailles and the vast Domaine de Versailles. The peaceful, laid-back atmosphere was refreshing. One of my favorite moments was visiting the farm of Marie-Antoinette, where I could pick fresh fruits and vegetables myself — a simple yet unforgettable pleasure.

What advice you would give to a newcomer to make the most of Paris Region?

Learn as much French as you can before you arrive and after. There is always more to discover. Paris has endless hidden gems, so make a plan from day one and enjoy everything this amazing region has to offer.

What was a “good surprise” when you got here?

That it is truly a multicultural region where you can meet people from all nationalities and walks of life. That it is easy to walk around and give up the idea of needing a car everywhere, especially thanks to excellent public transport. This was not the case in the USA, Egypt, nor the Netherlands, where I lived before.

Now that you have been living in Paris Region, what stereotype do you believe to be wrong about the French?

That they do not speak English. I lived here for years without speaking French initially, and I found that many French do speak good English in professional and international settings.



Inspired by Wahid’s journey in the Paris Region? Thinking about advancing your career or starting a new chapter in one of Europe’s most dynamic economic hubs?

The Paris Region offers a unique blend of professional opportunities, cultural richness, innovation, and exceptional quality of life. Whether you're planning to relocate, explore job prospects, or learn more about living and working in the Paris Region, our team is here to support you.

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