Biotechnology in Karnataka is poised for a boom. The sector has unwrapped score of opportunities and the growth has been robust, stated Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairperson, Vision Group on Biotechnology in Karnataka and chairman-managing director, Biocon Limited.
It was Shaw who was responsible in creating such an exposition for the first time in 2001 under Chief Minister SM Krishna's regime. Since then the expo has grown in terms dimension and fame. Over the years, the event has brought to light that biotechnology is no longer a nascent industry grappling for investments. There are sufficient business-revenue driven models in the state going by the efforts of companies in the in pharma biotech, bioinstrumentation, bio-engineering, clinical studies, enzymes, human health, vaccines, diagnostics, contract research, veterinary, bio fertilisers, bio pesticides, bioremediation, agri-biotech space. Biotech it is silently growing with momentum which many of us are all not aware of, stated Shaw in an e-mail interview with Nandita Vijay. Excerpts:
There is scepticism about this year's Bangalore Bio on account of the state government's reluctance to provide any support to the biotech sector? Please comment.
There should be no scepticism about the annual biotechnology exposition. The Government of Karnataka has just appointed Dr Anup Pujary, an exceptionally capable principal secretary for the department of Information Technology and Biotechnology. The state government has also continued to support the event like before.
The sixth edition of the event has no novel additions, how did you manage to attract participation?
Bangalore Bio is a very strong international brand and the growing image of Indian biotechnology is a strong factor in attracting participation. Additionally, the Association of Biotechnology Led Entrepreneurs (ABLE) has also played a role in getting its members to participate and the organizers MM Activ have influenced the participation of states and countries.
The 12- member Vision Group on biotechnology in Karnataka has been on a low profile mode what is the reason for this and are there any initiatives by the group to devise an action plan to promote the sector?
The political uncertainties of the past have been responsible for the low-key profile of the Vision Group. Hopefully, the new government will reactivate the biotech initiatives.
Absence of trained manpower is seen as a major shortfall for growth. What are the steps being undertaken to address this issue?
Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB) has emerged as a centre of excellence in bioinformatics and will soon introduce courses in clinical development and data management. Biozeen, a Bangalore-based biotech company is designed to offer comprehensive programmes in bio-processing and business management specific to biotechnology. All these efforts coupled with focused initiatives to have industry-academia linkages will augment specialization in human resources skills.
How would you portray the biotech scene in Karnataka?
The scene is extremely exciting and highly productive. Bangalore's bio-cluster is growing in an encouraging and positive way. What we need is the Biotech Park to take off.
What are the emerging trends in the sector in Karnataka?
The linkages between National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), IBAB and the Industry is vital. Diagnostics development especially at ReaMetrix India is beginning to get global visibility. Biocon's biologics capability is reaching global scale. In the Agri-biotech space companies in the state are also getting to gain momentum. The two examples are Metahelix and Monsanto which are both playing a key role.
What are the key challenges you foresee in the sector?
The future challenges will involve the ability to gear up attracting greater investment in the sector both at a state and central level. There is also a need to further streamline regulatory procedures to ensure hassle free approvals in terms of improved efficiency and managing compliance.