Karnataka should explore dedicated investment mechanisms for BT: Mazumdar-Shaw
Karnataka should explore dedicated biotechnology investment mechanisms while embedding artificial intelligence across the biotechnology value chain to unlock new opportunities in drug discovery, diagnostics, precision
Karnataka should explore dedicated biotechnology investment mechanisms while embedding artificial intelligence across the biotechnology value chain to unlock new opportunities in drug discovery, diagnostics, precision medicine, and biomanufacturing, said Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Vision Group on Biotechnology. She was speaking at the 64th meeting of the Vision Group on Biotechnology (VGBT) convened by the Government of Karnataka on Tuesday to review the State’s biotechnology ecosystem and deliberate on strategic priorities for strengthening Karnataka’s leadership in biotechnology, biomanufacturing, health innovation, and the bioeconomy.
Karnataka has built one of India’s strongest biotechnology ecosystems, supported by world-class research institutions, industry leadership, and a vibrant startup community, Ms. Mazumdar-Shaw said. “As we enter the next phase of growth, we must strengthen mechanisms that support translational research, commercialisation and scale-up. Biotechnology startups require patient capital, strong industry partnerships, and long-term support,’’ she further said. Mazumdar-Shaw also emphasised the need to create stronger pathways for biotechnology startups to access growth capital and scale globally, while strengthening Karnataka’s position as a preferred destination for biotechnology innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking on the occasion, N. Manjula, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology, and Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka, said, Karnataka’s biotechnology leadership has been built on a strong foundation of talent, innovation, and collaboration. A significant focus of the meeting was on strengthening the State’s biotechnology innovation and financing ecosystem. Members deliberated on the need for a State-level framework to support biotechnology enterprises across different stages of growth through funding, mentoring, regulatory guidance and commercialisation support.
The Vision Group also discussed the potential to build a dedicated biotechnology support mechanism inspired by successful national innovation models, with the objective of accelerating the growth of high-potential biotechnology ventures in Karnataka.
The BriefWire