Matribhumi Samachar English
The fourth edition of Global Bio-India 2024 successfully concludes after showcasing India’s Biotech Prowess. The global event organized by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, along with its Public Sector Undertaking, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) from 12th – 14th September, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions inaugurated the annual conference, it being a three-day event was the largest representation of entire biotechnology stakeholders in the country to national and international biotech community.
Global Bio-India 2024 theme highlighted the potential and opportunities in ‘Biotech Innovation’ and ‘Bio-manufacturing’ and its impact on the Bioeconomy.
At the valedictory session, Announcement of Letters of Intent with BIRAC were exchanged by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and IPE Global for co-funding partnerships.
One of the highlights was that the Indian biotech startups took center stage with the unveiling of 11 products that showcase the country’s emerging talent in biosciences.
Exceptional contributions to the biotech industry were recognized with awards namely:
-
- BIRAC Innovators Awards
- Best Startup Exhibitor Awards
- Best Incubator Exhibitor Awards
- BioE3 Competition Awards
The ceremony also marked the Launch of Calls for Proposals under the prestigious i4 (Innovation for Industry) and PACE (Promoting Academic Collaboration and Entrepreneurship) programs, furthering the Government’s commitment to fostering innovation.
Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani and Former Director of IIT-Delhi, was the Guest of Honor. He emphasized the need for India to develop organizational models similar to BIRAC for other emerging technologies like nanotechnology and quantum technology. He also stressed the importance of fostering deep tech startups led by PhDs and academic faculty, urging institutions to encourage entrepreneurship.
Prof. Rao also paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Dr. M.K. Bhan, the visionary behind BIRAC, for his instrumental role in shaping India’s biotech sector.
Dr. Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary, DBT, DG, iBRIC, Chairman, BIRAC; Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Adviser, Scientist ‘H’, DBT; Dr. G.S. Krishnan, President, ABLE; Dr. Jitendra Kumar, MD, BIRAC and Ms. Shilpy Kochhar, Head-Business Development & Communications, BIRAC joined for the valedictory session thanked all the participants, speakers, panelists, partners, organizers.
Global Bio India demonstrated India’s potential in the biotech sector with evidence, both within the country and to the world, paving out a roadmap to leapfrog the Biotech innovation and Bio-manufacturing in the country.
