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DBT gets proposals from 10 States to set up biotechnology parks

Joseph Alexander, New DelhiMonday, February 17, 2014, 08:00 Hrs  [IST]

At least ten more States have submitted proposals to set up biotechnology parks with the support of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and five proposals have already been examined for further action.

Several State Governments/Central Institutes have submitted proposals for setting up parks in states like Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, Gujarat and Chattisgarh, according to official sources.

Proposals for parks in the States of Madhya Pradesh (Chhindwara), Jammu and Kashmir (Jammu and Srinagar), Gujarat (Gandhinagar), West Bengal (Kolkota) and Chattisgarh were already examined by the Centre and coordinators were appointed.

Four biotech parks (Lucknow, Hyderabad, Chennai and Siruseri of Kancheepurm in Tamil Nadu) are currently functioning and another four are under construction. Lucknow Biotech Park has generated employment for about 200 persons. To date seven to eight companies have graduated from the incubator and another nine companies are in incubation. IT has an an extraction unit, a bioinformatics unit and a bio-fuel unit. The park is also hosting HRD programmes for research scholars and a biotech finishing school.

World class facilities have been created for use by entrepreneurs on use and pay basis in Hyderabad biotech park. There are 12 labs of 350 sq. ft each which is given out to incubate companies. Business centre approach is used in this Park and nine companies, 74 scientists are working there, sources said.

The Centre has allotted 17 acres of land to Guwahati Biotech Park which is under consturction. Facilities include eight modular laboratories, specialized and support facilities. Interim facilities have been created at IIT Guwahati in a building rented out to the State Govt for the Park/Incubator. The Bangalore Biotech Park is under construction with 25 Incubation suites. KINFRA Biotech Park in Kerala is also under construction and set up labs at the 20 acres of land. Bio Pharma-IT Park, Andharua (Bhubaneswar) is being developed at around 65 acres of land, but the construction of structures is yet to begin.

 
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