Bangalore Bio 2003, the international biotechnology conference and exhibition scheduled to commence in Bangalore from April 15-17, 2003, is likely to have industry delegates and exhibitors from 19 countries including India.

The third edition of the Bangalore Bio 2003 is expected to have a representation from countries like USA, UK, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland, Canada, Israel, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and China. Two countries Denmark and France have confirmed their participation, informed Vivek Kulkarni, secretary, Department of IT&BT (information technology and biotechnology), Government of Karnataka, while speaking at the curtain raiser function organised in the city.

This three-day international exposition is currently viewed as Asia's premier biotech event. There will be over 150 industry exhibitors and about 200 delegates participating in the event besides several world leaders and international speakers.

Some of the key topics that will be addressed during the event will cover clinical research/trails, venture capital entrepreneurship, Bioinformatics, market trends in biotechnology, animal health and dairy technology stem cell research to name a few.

According to DB Inamdar, minister for IT, BT and Tourism, the Bangalore Bio 2003 would provide a platform of pharma, biotech and instrumentation companies to showcase the latest in technology, research to a global audience. The exhibition space would be spread over 5,000 sq. metres. Road shows will be held in different cities and in select countries to promote the event.

The B2B forum would be a networking opportunity fir buyers-sellers from various countries. There will be structured opportunities for corporates who wish to finalise a collaboration where contract research organisations wanting to provide back end services to multinational companies, manpower sharing etc. It will also enable seek investments, present a preview of the latest technology in research and production.

Some of the major participants from Bangalore are Biocon India Group, Novozymes, Strand Genomics, Sartorius and Avestha Gengraine.