The 15th edition of Bangalore India BIO kickstarts

The 15th edition of the India’s premier biotech event Bangalore INDIA BIO 2015 was inaugurated in the city by Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister, State of Karnataka. Addressing the inaugural session, Shri Siddaramaiah, spoke of how Bangalore has taken a leadership stance in the biotechnology revolution of the country. He mentioned that 52% of all biotech firms on India are situated in Bangalore, which comprises of the top 10 biotech firms as well. The sector shows a promising growth rate and continues to inspire dream of a prosperous future. He also went on to add that Bangalore is the home to a huge number of life sciences start-ups that fuels much of the innovation in this sector.

One of the stalwarts gracing the occasion, Shri Prakash Javadekar, Hon’ble Minister of State, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, spoke of ‘Co-operated Competition’ amongst key players in the industry which will ensure an accelerated growth for the sector. Shri Javadekar also stressed on the importance of generating green and renewable energy using biotech.

Echoing the voice of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of State for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, said, that the mantra of ‘Speak-Skill-Scale’ should be replicated in the industry. He also focused on the necessity of adopting Energy Efficiency Measures and focusing of Preventive Healthcare.

Chairperson, Karnataka Vision Group on Biotechnology; Chairman and Managing Director, Biocon Limited, Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, applauded Bangalore India BIO as a unique interactive platform for business and science. She also pointed out that the industry needs to focus on innovation to accelerate growth. As an ending note she did not forget to praise the Karnataka State Government for being the aegis & fostering growth in the sector through policies and grants over the years.

During the Top Guns Talk- Keynote Lecture Session, much emphasis was laid on the next green revolution that the Agri-bio sector is capable of ushering in. Dr. Rajaram, Director, Resources Seeds International, spoke of the importance of adopting new technology in agriculture that would help augment the productivity & profitability.

The Going Beyond Start-Ups with Effective Scaling Strategies panel discussion saw an attendance from Theramyt Novobiologics, Achira Labs, GridOctane, Perfint Healthcare Pvt Ltd, Navya Biotechnology and Green Powersystem. The panel shared their scaling strategies that has led to positive growth. The panel also put forth their demand to the Government requesting:

- Procurement sources to accommodate start-up companions

- Government considering investment in them

- Create platform to identify and nurture start-ups

Day 1 at Bangalore India BIO was fraught with thought provoking sessions and was graced by stalwarts from the Government & industry. Needless to say, the day ended on a rather high note leaving the audience & attendees looking forward to two action-packed days to come.