The fourth edition of Global Bio-India 2024 successfully wrapped up after three exciting days of showcasing India’s biotechnology talent. This major global event was organized by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), which is part of the Ministry of Science & Technology in the Government of India, along with its Public Sector Undertaking, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). The event took place from 12th to 14th September at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
A Big Start to the Event
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and several other departments. Dr. Singh highlighted the importance of biotechnology for India’s growth. Global Bio-India 2024 brought together a large group of biotech experts, startups, researchers, and companies from around the world.
The theme of the event focused on the huge possibilities in ‘Biotech Innovation’ and ‘Bio-manufacturing’ and how these can shape India’s future bioeconomy.
India’s Biotech Startups Shine
One of the most exciting parts of the event was the spotlight on Indian biotech startups. Eleven new products were showcased, demonstrating the brilliant ideas and innovations coming from young talent in the country. These startups showed the world that India is becoming a leader in biosciences.
Important Partnerships and Awards
During the closing session, new partnerships were announced. The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and IPE Global partnered with BIRAC for future projects. These partnerships will help in co-funding programs that push innovation forward in India.
Several awards were also given to recognize outstanding contributions to the biotech industry:
- BIRAC Innovators Awards
- Best Startup Exhibitor Awards
- Best Incubator Exhibitor Awards
- BioE3 Competition Awards
These awards honored those who have made big contributions to biotech and encouraged more people to join the field.
Launch of New Programs
At the ceremony, two important programs were launched to support innovation: the i4 (Innovation for Industry) and PACE (Promoting Academic Collaboration and Entrepreneurship) programs. These programs are designed to promote teamwork between academics and industry experts, driving forward new ideas and products in biotechnology.
Special Guest and Tribute
Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, the Group Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani and the former Director of IIT-Delhi, was a special guest at the event. Prof. Rao spoke about the need for India to create more organizations like BIRAC to support other new technologies such as nanotechnology and quantum technology. He also stressed the importance of encouraging deep tech startups, which are led by highly educated experts like PhD students and university faculty members.
Prof. Rao also paid a touching tribute to Dr. M.K. Bhan, who was one of the key figures in shaping India’s biotech sector and helped establish BIRAC. He called Dr. Bhan a visionary whose work has greatly helped India’s rise in biotechnology.
Key Leaders at the Event
Many important people from the biotech industry attended and spoke at the event, including:
- Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of DBT, DG of iBRIC, and Chairman of BIRAC
- Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Adviser at DBT
- Dr. G.S. Krishnan, President of ABLE (Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises)
- Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of BIRAC
- Ms. Shilpy Kochhar, Head of Business Development & Communications at BIRAC
These leaders thanked all the participants, speakers, panelists, and organizers for their hard work in making the event a success.
A Bright Future for India’s Biotech Industry
Global Bio-India 2024 showed the world that India is ready to take a big leap forward in the biotech field. The event demonstrated India’s growing potential in biotech innovation and bio-manufacturing, laying out a plan for future growth. With continued focus and support, India is on the path to becoming a global leader in biotechnology.
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