3rd Life Science Start-Up Summit Takes Off In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The 3^rd Life Sciences Start-up Summit was inaugurated by Prof Rajesh S Gokhale, Director General, Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) and Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology at Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

In his keynote address, Prof Gokhale spoke on the recent Bio-E3 policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Employment and Environment) and the Bio-RIDER (Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development) scheme approved by the Union Cabinet.

These policies and schemes will give a big boost to biomanufacturing in India, and biotechnology is expected to contribute to 4-6 per cent of the Indian economy by 2030, he said. BRIC-ILS is expected to contribute to 5 out of 6 thematic areas under the new Bio-E3 policy. These include high-value bio-based chemicals, biopolymers & enzymes;  smart proteins & functional foods; precision biotherapeutics; climate resilient agriculture and marine and space research.

BRIC-ILS has started a deep ocean mission project with generous funding support from the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Prof Gokhale expressed happiness that BRIC-ILS is collaborating with various ministries to achieve the goals of new policy. He expressed his support for the establishment of a Biomanufacturing and Bio-AI hub in collaboration with Odisha government. He also held a meeting with chief secretary Manoj Ahuja in this regard.

Dr Debasis Dash, Director, ILS said BRIC-ILS bioincubator has all advanced equipment and infrastructure facilities for carrying out cutting-edge biotechnology research and focuses on cost-effective and affordable product development.

Puja Mishra, joint secretary, Department of Science and Technology spoke about the opportunities in the state for promoting an innovation ecosystem for startups and entrepreneurship in the area of biotechnology. She outlined the programmes initiated by the state government to promote entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.

The speakers appealed to the young researchers and faculties to take advantage of the enormous opportunity for their turning research ideas to business opportunities. They spoke about several successful entrepreneurship initiatives in the biotechnology space and hoped that Odisha will emerge as a major player in this area in the coming days.

Plant-based protein powders developed by Shresthaa Patel and Amit Kumar Sahu, co-founders of Scylene Wellness Private Limited under WishFit Wellness products were launched at the event.

Dr Nivedita Jena, Chief Operating Officer of BRIC-ILS Bioincubator and Dr Mamoni Dash, Senior Scientist, BRIC-ILS coordinated the event.