The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
(BIRAC); a Public Sector Undertaking of Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is
completing 5 years and will be celebrating its 5th Foundation
Day on 20th – 21st March, 2017.
The
Theme of the Foundation Day is “BIRAC@5: Impacting the Biotech Ecosystem”.
The
Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences - Dr. Harsh
Vardhan will be the Chief Guest and the Minister of State for Science &
Technology and Earth Sciences - Shri Y S Chowdary will be the Guest of Honour.
During
these 5 years, BIRAC’s efforts have been focused on enhancing the innovation
research capacities within the biotech industries, and encouraging young
entrepreneurs to take their innovation ideas towards scale-up and
commercialization, so as to meet the country’s challenge for Affordable Product
Development for masses without undermining the quality. With over 500 Biotech
Industries, Startups and Entrepreneurs supported, today there are more than 50
products and technologies commercialized or in an advanced stage for
commercialization. Further through BIRAC’s support 120 IPs have been generated
till now.
The
Event would have participation of more than 300 Scientists, Entrepreneurs,
Industry Experts, and Policy Makers including a large number of stakeholders
both national and international. The discussion will focus on the impact the
Biotech Ecosystem is making on the Indian economy and the opportunities which
exist for the Indian Biotech Sector as a global player.
The Foundation Day will be followed by
the Grand Challenges India Meeting 2017 being organized by the
BIRAC – PMU of DBT – BMGF and Wellcome Trust.
BIRAC
was incorporated on 20th March, 2012 as a non-profit Public Sector
Enterprise under the aegis of Department of Biotechnology (DBT). BIRAC
completed 5 years of establishment in March, 2017.
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KSP