Bangalore Bio has turned out to be a hi-profile international event and has earned a national brand status, according to Dr Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, CMD Biocon India Ltd and Chairperson of Karnataka Vision group of Biotechnology.
The event, which is in its sixth edition, will be inaugurated by the State Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy. Union Minister for Science and Technology and Ocean Development Kapil Sibal will be the chief guest.
The strength of the biotech expo is evident from the increasing number of delegates. This year, foreign delegates from US, UK, Netherlands, France and Germany are coming in a big way. A unique B2B conference, which has attracted both national and international delegates, will be held as part of the event, informed Dr Shaw.
The State government is keen to play a supportive role for the biotech sector, which is poised for the significant growth in the future. To maintain its leadership position in cutting edge research, the Government has taken two important steps with the setting up of venture capital fund for IT & BT projects and setting up of Biotech Park - which will go a long way in supporting the biotech sector, informed Dr Anup K Pujari, Principal Secretary, Department of Information Technology, Biotechnology, Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka.
More than 60 international and national speakers and over 500 delegates will attend the event, which has a focal theme on "Discover, Nurture and Accelerate".
"The Indian biotech sector grew by over 30 to 40 percent and is on the verge of touching $1.5 billion in revenue for year 2005-2006 as against $1 billion last year," said Dr Kiran Mazumdar.
On the "Posters Session for Leader Prospective," a new initiative at Bangalore Bio this year, Dr Pujari said, "It would provide an opportunity for young researchers and professors to exhibit their papers and open doors for collaborations and investments." The three day event will comprise a Trade show - The Market Place with significant participation from over 150 organizations, an International Conference with pulsating deliberations on important issues, special networking events like the CEO Conclave - Confluence of Bio Titans, BYB Forum - Buzz of Biz, Awards Nite and Bio Banquet. The exhibition will be held at the Bangalore Palace Grounds, while conferences and poster session at the J N Tata Auditorium.