The Karnataka government will extend all possible assistance for the growth of the biotechnology industry infrastructure and manpower development, said Subir Hari Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka.

At the curtain raiser of the 13 th edition of the Bangalore India Bio 2013, Singh said that Karnataka and specifically Bengaluru has played a dominant role in the development of the sunrise biotech industry. The government would make all efforts to support the sector to achieve the desired growth.

The Bangalore Bio 2013 will be held between February 4 and 6, 2013 at the The Lalith Ashok. The event is organized by the Department of Information Technology, Bio-Technology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, Vision Group on Biotechnology and MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications. The event will have 100 exhibitors against last year’s 80 stalls. It is expected to attract around 3,500 biotech participants. The theme of this year’s event is ‘Biotech for a Better Future’.

The mega biotech expo is well established not just at the national but international level. This year the theme has been selected to encompass the role that biotech can address on a global platform, said Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairperson, Karnataka’s Vision Group on Biotechnology & CMD - Biocon Ltd. The key focus areas are emerging markets and intellectual property, she said.

The event also coincides with the 10 th anniversary of Association of Biotechnology Led Entrepreneurs. “We are looking to partner with the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B), National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and iStem for the conference session,” said Shaw.

According to ISN Prasad, principal secretary to Government, Dept. of Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, the event will ensure forging partnerships with companies.

According to Prof. Sharat Chandra - Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Microbiology & Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore is recognized for pioneering many research initiatives including the cloning the first gene for rice, and the city is also home to the largest bioinformatics company Strand Life sciences. Then it was only obvious that the Bangalore India Bio attracted the much needed attention and positive response.

This year’s event too would have Multi-Track Conference, International Trade Show, Bio Partnering, Vision Leadership Series & Plenary Talks, CEO Conclave, Poster Session, Bio Quiz and Bio- Excellence Awards.

It would be a platform for leading International Biotechnology sector and the Indian life sciences sector to collaborate for business growth and knowledge sharing. There will be participation from every segment of the Bangalore Biotech cluster as well. Technical tie-ups and business collaborations are expected to be signed during the three-day event between International companies and their Indian counter parts.