The Pune chapter of TiE is all set to promote the city as a knowledge capital of India at a national conference to be held here on 21st January. The event organised by TiE would also support Pune as hub for contract research outsourcing in the pharma and biotech sector, said Pratima Kirloskar, president, Pune TiE chapter.

The conference with the theme- “Pune’s potential to be the knowledge capital of India” will be attended by Union Minister for disinvestment, communication and IT, Arun Shourie, Dr Altaf Lal, health attaché and regional representative for South Asia, US embassy and Dr AV Dangi, director of the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers in India (OPPI).

Talking to Pharmabiz, Kirloskar pointed out that the city has major national institutes such as NARI, NCL,NCCS, University of Pune and NIV which are acclaimed globally for their research work. So, with such institutes being the strengths in the knowledge domain, the city holds the promise of better opportunities in the pharma, biotech and bioinformatics sector.

“We will not only showcase local innovators but also the talent of over thousand scientists who live and work in these research institutes. This will showcase their work to the pharma companies. The conference would strive to create an environment for growth and opportunities,’’ she added.

She further said that the conference would attempt to promote city’s strengths to be a global hub for contract research.