ICGEB New Delhi recently participated in Global BioIndia 2024, a 3-day event showcasing innovations and forging international collaborations in biotechnology, under the theme “Transforming Lives: Biosciences to Bioeconomy”.
ICGEB New Delhi was a compelling presence at the 4th edition of Global BioIndia 2024, held on 12-14 September 2024 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The event, organized by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), was inaugurated by the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh. This year’s theme, “Transforming Lives: Biosciences to Bioeconomy,” emphasized the role of biotechnology in shaping a sustainable future.
An impressive team of 40 members from ICGEB New Delhi, including Group Leaders, Scientists, Senior Researchers, and students, participated in the event, coordinated by PRO ICGEB, Mr. Rayies Altaf. This year ICGEB was represented at a stand at the DBT Pavilion and a second, specially assigned stand in the Green Technology Innovation Pavilion. This additional platform which featured the Fungal Genome Engineering Technology developed by the ICGEB New Delhi Microbial Engineering Group, attracted significant attention. ICGEB also hosted Foldscope workshops, where students from various schools participated with great enthusiasm and engagement.
ICGEB’s leadership was further highlighted by the involvement of Director Ramesh V. Sonti and the Group Leader of the Microbial Engineering Group, Dr Syed Shams Yazdani participating in the UK-India round discussion on Biomanufacturing. This event provided a platform for the exchange of ideas and the forging of collaborations between academia, industry, and government leaders.
Global BioIndia 2024 saw the participation of various stakeholders, including central and state ministries, start-ups, SMEs, large industries, bioclusters, research institutes, investors, incubators, regulators, policy makers, international bodies, industry associations and also university, college and school students. High-profile attendees included the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood; Secretary DBT, Dr. Rajesh Gokhale; Senior Adviser DBT, Dr. Alka Sharma, who is also the ICGEB Appointed Governor for India; MD BIRAC, Dr Jitendra Kumar and other notable figures like Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Executive Chairperson, Biocon Limited and Dr. G.S. Krishnan, President, ABLE.
Several key announcements were made during the event, including the launch of the Indian Bio Economy Report 2024 and theCompendium of Products and Technologies 2024. Indian biotech start-ups also introduced 11 new products, further underscoring the growth and innovation within the sector.
In this year’s edition, BIRAC also signed nine Letters of Intent with leading international organizations, fostering collaboration in biotechnology. Some of these organizations included the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), DHR Holding India Pvt. Ltd. (Danaher), Mauritius Institute of Biotechnology Ltd (MIBL), La Trobe University, Blockchain for Impact (BFI), US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and IBioM (Indian Biotech MSME and Startup Foundation). These partnerships aim to strengthen the global biotech ecosystem and drive forward innovation in the bioeconomy.
Overall, ICGEB’s engagement in Global BioIndia 2024 enhanced its visibility on the global biotechnology stage, reinforcing its role as a leader in innovative research and international collaboration.
