Recently, this month a great gathering of Biotech Startups at “Global Bio India” was seen in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi which let us feel the tides that are building up in Indian biotech sector. Now not only scientists but students can also apply for grants and avail the Government facilities to bring their idea or innovation to industry, unlike before when funds were disbursed to govt scientists and affiliates.
BioE3, one of the two major initiatives were approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2024—the other one is Vigyan Dhara scheme. BioE3 which stands Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment has been launched by Indian Govt. to transform the country’s S&T and biomanufacturing landscapes and to systematically foster the culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and startups in all major Higher Education Institutions in India.
Along with, notable scientists and leaders of Science, the attraction of this event was around 650+ startups that exhibited their products and technology to attendees. This was probably the first time, these many bio-startups had gathered at one place.
This trend is phenomenal because Govt. is now providing plenty of opportunities to anybody who can use his biological science knowledge to transform idea into a commercial product. we are discussing here the recent updates that can bring an opportunity at door of any biotech/biology student and professional.
It is difficult to mention each and every scheme of government here, but if one can understand “who is offering what” then it will be easy to find diverse opportunities. So, here information has been given about roots and stems of science tree i.e Government ministries and departments, furthermore much idea about its branches can be found in respective ministry either online or through other means of communication (like RTI).
So where one can find funds and research and commercialization facility with ease, is the next important step to turn your idea into a reality. If you have an idea it is best to have mentor who can groom your idea. BIRAC (and others) have set up 65 BioIncubators in many institutions around the country. Here, few scientists have become mentor and instructed to look upon the ideation and commercialization aspects of any application. The Incubators also provide facilities for research, and guidance toward grant process and commercialization process with assistance to IPR protection.
Now, let us see the organizations where resources can be searched. First of all, for Science and Technology the foremost organization is Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T) which control the S&T related policies and R&D activities in India. It is headed by Minister of science and technology (Dr Jitender Singh, 2024) and other leaders and bureaucrats. It handles Indian science through three Autonomous organizations namely DST (estb. 1971 ), CSIR (estb. 1942) and DBT (estb. 1986), of which only DBT has obligation and opportunity to exclusively see all Bioscience related activities in India.
The other very well concerned organizations are – Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare (MoAFW) regulate agribiotech policies, education and research; Ministry of Health and family welfare (MoHFW) regulate policies, education and research ; DRDO, defence R&D, and then autonomous institutes and Institutes of national importance, Universities, colleges etc. affiliated to Ministry of Education formerly (MHRD) and many others.
by Kamal Pratap Singh, Managing Editor. E-mail – Kamal9871@gmail.com
Subscribe to Read Full Article.
