Industry Update – Karnataka Biotechnology Policy 2024-2029 – Operational Guidelines

Karnataka has been at the forefront of biotechnology in India and is rightly known as the biotech capital of India. Over the years, the development of a strong ecosystem and modern infrastructure through a proactive policy framework enabled Karnataka to achieve sustainable development and become the flag bearer of India’s biotechnology growth. Bengaluru, Karnataka’s science capital and Asia’s fastest growing technopolis, has developed into an ideal base for the biotechnology industry.

Department Of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology, Karnataka has released comprehensive operational guidelines for implementing its new Biotechnology Policy 2024-2029.

The guidelines details the executional framework for fiscal incentives and concessions designed to catalyze the state’s biotechnology sector.

The document provides essential information on:

1. Detailed eligibility criteria
2. Application processes
3. Approval mechanisms
4. Incentive structures
5. Compliance requirements

Subsidy and reimbursement amount shall be released/disbursed on seniority basis depending upon the budget allocated under the Policy by the State Government, during the respective financial year.

The Department will put in place required mechanisms that will provide for a conducive environment for application, review, approval and disbursement of these incentives.

This release marks a significant step in Karnataka’s strategic initiative to establish itself as a global biotechnology hub, with a targeted bioeconomy valuation of $100B by 2030. Organizations interested in accessing these benefits can now submit applications through the official portal.

The guidelines ensure transparency and streamlined processing for all stakeholders.

Note: Registration under Karnataka Biotechnology Policy is compulsory to avail the fiscal incentive under policy period

To Register under Karnataka BT Policy, click the link – https://lnkd.in/gVNaYcuS

To access the OPG Document, please click the link – https://lnkd.in/gNyXaurF

To apply for incentives, please click the link – https://lnkd.in/gXSqap9x

Source: https://eitbt.karnataka.gov.in/bt/public/en#

Industry Update – Bioenablers: Biomanufacturing Hubs 

Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India and  Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) , jointly invite proposals for seeking support to establish Bio-Enabler: Biomanufacturing Hubs

About the Proposal

Enabling Access to Infrastructure and Resources [Bio-foundries] for Bio-manufacturing

Recognizing the potential of Biomanufacturing to power green growth, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India has undertaken an initiative on Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing.Against this backdrop, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a PSU under the aegis of DBT, invites proposals from Industries/ Academic Institutes/ Incubators etc. to set up biomanufacturing hubs.

The proposals are envisaged in the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode with financial co-sharing to co-develop integrated infrastructure (bio-foundries) including automation,workflows, processes, scale up facilities and related resources for access by start-ups andresearch communities engaged in biomanufacturing.

Key Features of the Call

Proposed facilities will support process innovation for rapid design and testing of organisms and scale-up engineering to accelerate biomanufacturing processes in the sectoral areas including but not limited to: functional foods and smart proteins, bio-based chemicals and enzymes, precision bio therapeutics, climate change and resilient agriculture, carbon capture and utilization, futuristic marine and space research.

Who can Apply?

The proposals can be submitted by Companies established under the Companies Act 2013/ The Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) incorporated under the Limited Liability Partnership Act,2008/ Academic Research Institutes, Universities, Research Foundation, Medical Colleges and Institutes – both public and private who are valid legal entities such as Trust, Society or established under central or state statute, Recognised Incubators. Applications from academia proposing facilities to be located in institutes premises should mandatorily have an industry collaborator who should operationalize and run the facility.

How to apply?

Proposals for the Scheme is required to be submitted online only. To submit a proposal online, please log on to the BIRAC website (www.birac.nic.in).

 No Hard Copy to be submitted. Proposals submitted online only would be considered.

Last date for Submission of Proposals : 04th November 2024( 5:30 p.m.)

Details of the scheme including eligibility requirements, categories for proposal submission; guidelines for support as grant and loan; agreement templates etc. are available at www.birac.nic.in

𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻:

The last date for submission of proposals under Bioenablers: Biomanufacturing Hubs is extended till 4th November 2024 (till 5.30 PM). Those who have already submitted the proposal need to revise as per the specific guidelines and revised proposal format

Source: https://www.birac.nic.in/desc_new.php?id=1144

Industry Update – Approval of Bio-Ride scheme by the Cabinet

The Cabinet of India has approved the Bio-RIDE scheme, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing research and development in biotechnology. Here are the detailed points regarding this new scheme:

Overview of the Bio-RIDE Scheme

Continuation and Merger: The Bio-RIDE scheme merges two existing umbrella schemes of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) into one comprehensive initiative, incorporating a new component focused on Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry.

Financial Outlay: The total proposed budget for the implementation of Bio-RIDE is ₹9,197 crore, covering the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Key Components

The Bio-RIDE scheme consists of three main components:

1. Biotechnology Research and Development (R&D): Focuses on advancing research initiatives in
biotechnology

2. Industrial & Entrepreneurship Development (I&ED): Aims to foster industrial growth and entrepreneurship
within the biotechnology sector

3. Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry: Introduces a new focus on sustainable manufacturing practices in
biotechnology.

Objectives and Goals
Fostering Innovation: The scheme aims to accelerate innovation by providing grants and incentives for cutting-edge research in areas such as synthetic biology, bio-pharmaceuticals, bioenergy, and bioplastics.

Promoting Bio-Entrepreneurship: It seeks to create a supportive ecosystem for startups through seed funding, incubation support, and mentorship.

Enhancing Collaboration: Bio-RIDE will facilitate partnerships between academic institutions, research organizations, and industry to enhance the commercialization of bio-based products.

Sustainable Practices: There is a strong emphasis on promoting environmentally sustainable biomanufacturing practices aligned with India’s green goals.

Extramural Funding Support: The scheme will provide extramural funding to research institutions, universities, and individual researchers across various fields including agriculture, healthcare, bioenergy, and environmental sustainability.

Human Resource Development: It includes initiatives for holistic development of students, young researchers, and scientists in biotechnology to build a skilled workforce capable of leveraging technological advancements.

Alignment with National Goals :
The Bio-RIDE scheme is part of India’s broader vision to establish a circular bioeconomy and contribute to climate change mitigation. It aligns with the “Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)” initiative launched by the Prime Minister, promoting environmentally friendly solutions across various sectors.

The DBT’s ongoing efforts aim to position India as a global leader in biotechnology research and innovation, with aspirations of achieving a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030. The Bio-RIDE scheme is expected to play a crucial role in realizing the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047,” which focuses on comprehensive national development through advanced biotechnology solutions

Source: https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/cabinet-approves-bio-ride-scheme-to-support-cutting-edge-research-and-development-in-biotechnology/

Awareness programme

Translational Health Sciences and Technology Institute (THSTI), Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India announces the rollout of the Good Clinical Practice Professional Certification Scheme (GCPPCS) awareness webinar series.

This new initiative, believed by us, is the first-in-globe, based on the International ‘Personnel Certification’ standard (ISO 17024:2012). It was launched by the Clinical Development Services Agency (CDSA)- THSTI, , and dedicated to the nation on 75th Independence day by Dr. Renu Swarup, Ex-Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India in the presence of Dr. Pramod Garg, Ex-Executive Director, THSTI, DBT.

A series of awareness webinars have been scheduled for the prospective clinical research professionals. The first webinar will be held on November 07, 2023, 11:00 a.m. to 01:10 p.m. IST.

We invite all interested professionals – ethics committee members, clinical researchers or clinical trial team members, investigators involved in clinical research or trial, personnel working in the area of regulatory affairs, pharma, biotech, research institutes, academia, and other personnel working in this area to kindly register.

The registered participants will receive e-Certificates (Certificate of attendance).

There is no fee for attending this webinar. The flyer containing all relevant information is given below. 

last date of registration is 05, November , 2023 Sunday till 17:00 pm IST

The link to register online: https://forms.gle/6P4tvExCMxzMa9CP6

We request you to kindly circulate this information among your friends and colleagues and request them to register. If you need any assistance, please contact gcppcs.cdsa@thsti.res.in