Karnataka is recognised as a much-sought after research and development destination for the country going by the momentum of activities going on in the state.

The backbone of research in the state are the leading institutes: Indian Institute of Science [IISc], Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research [JNCASR], National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences [NIMHANS], National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) to undertake a wide spectrum of projects from the industry both in India and abroad.

Among the leading companies which have a focussed research programme include AstraZeneca, Biocon, Bal Pharma, Strides Arcolab, Medreich Sterilab, Micro Labs, RL Fine Chemicals, Natural Remedies, Global Calcium, GangaGen Biotechnologies, XCyton, Vittal Mallya Research Foundation, Sami Labs, The Himalaya Drug Company and Aurigene.

The Canadian generic pharmaceuticals and drug research company, Apotex Research Pvt. Ltd. is planning to set-up a pharmaceutical research and development unit at an investment cost of Rs, 24.20 crore. The facility is coming up on 8.20 acres at the 4th Phase of the Bommasandra Industrial Area and will employ 240 personnel. Primarily research will be focused on tablets and capsules.

According to Prof. G Padmanabahan, former director, IISc and scientist emeritus, the main attractions for Bangalore to have ample research activities is the availability of technical scientific pool, salubrious climate, and its existing research institutes which provide an ideal environment. Hence there is sufficient scope for both the industry and the institute to take research projects into the limelight.

Through its concerted efforts in R&D, the pharma-biotech companies in the state are trying to create a global presence in the lucrative niche. The state has an increased awareness on the value of innovative research for growth and survival in future, stated Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, managing director, Biocon India Limited and head of the Vision Group on Biotechnology in Karnataka.

Early this year, in a major boost to the science education in the country, the Union government announced a Rs. 100 crore assistance to develop the Indian Institute of Science into a world-class university on the lines of Harvard and Oxford. In this connection, IISc, which is the focal point for research programmes in cancer, malaria and tuberculosis received Rs. 82 crore for non-planned expenditure for the period 2004-2005. The ministry of human resources development granted Rs. 27 crore for planned expenditure and Rs. 42 crore as project funds.

"The synergy between the IISc faculty and pharma/biotech researchers is aimed at catching up with the global competition," informed Prof. Padmanabhan Balaram, director Indian Institute of Science.

Going by the success of research and development at the institutes and the industry, and by the willingness to invest in talent and facilities, Karnataka is expected to witness exponential growth in the near future, adds Shaw.