The Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC) Gujarat in collaboration with Department of Science and Technology (DST) is all set to initiate the operations of the innovative cluster for pharma, biotech and medical devices that was launched in 2010 in Ahmedabad. The aim behind this cluster is to promote innovation by the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by supporting and encouraging them  to generate novel ideas for innovation.

The role of DST will be to provide financial aid and recognition to the work that is done through this programme. Under the scheme, the FMC will be providing around 50 per cent aid by way of financial support and consultation to the companies who are interested in doing innovation.

Dr Subodh P Adesara, advisor and consultant to FMC informed that under the FMC innovation cluster, the government wants to encourage and motivate small scale companies to initiate research and development (R&D) activities so that the novel ideas that are generated at this level do not go unheard.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that no good ideas go waste, so we will be providing expertise and support to the companies who do not have enough capital and facility for doing R&D. We will be the platform for the MSM companies where we will act as an effective link between the technological innovators and them so that both can understand each other's requirements accordingly,” he said.

Acting on this, FMC is going to conduct a technological road show in Ahmedabad soon wherein the latest technology that will support R&D and other innovations will be displayed specifically to cater to the needs of the MSM sector in the country. Similarly FMC is also working closely with B V Patel Pharmaceutical Education and Research Development (PERD) centre so that the companies with innovative ideas can utilise the technology offered by the centre at an affordable rate.

However, Dr Adesara pointed out that though there are certain initiatives undertaken by the government to encourage the MSMEs, there are only very few companies who have come forward to utilise these benefits. He said, “There is a need to sensitise the industry on this scheme so that they actually participate in it to make it a success. As of now, we have received very few response from the industry, but we are taking pro-active steps to educate and encourage them to approach us on this.”

He informed that as of now the FMC has initiated talks with Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association (IDMA) Gujarat State Board and other associations from the state to encourage its members to approach FMC Gujarat with novel ideas to get the benefit of this scheme.

Gujarat is one of the two states to have the cluster dedicated exclusively for  pharma, biotech and medical device sector in the country, the other cluster being in Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh.