Industry Update – Indo-Singapore Collaborative Industrial Research & Development Programme 2024

Indo-Singapore Collaborative R&D Programme, 2024 announced by Technology Development Board, an opportunity to innovate for a sustainable future, foster cross-border collaborations, and drive impactful change in the industry. This initiative, a partnership between India and Singapore, is designed to accelerate progress in sectors critical to our shared future.

Focus Areas for 2024:

– Green Economy, Energy, Water, Climate & Natural Resources
– Semiconductors
– Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering
– Data Science & Emerging Technologies
– Health & MedTech

Who Can Apply?

Indian Companies: Companies must be registered under the Indian Companies Act (1956/2013), with at least 51% Indian ownership. The lead Indian company should operate and be headquartered in India.

Academic and R&D Institutions: Indian universities and research institutions, including not-for-profit organizations recognized by DSIR or DARPA, can participate as co-investigators.

For further details on funding guidelines and proposal submission:
Please contact : indo-singapore@tdb.gov.in

Source: https://tdb.gov.in/india%E2%80%93singapore

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/

Fostering R&D and innovation in pharma and medtech sector

The pharmaceuticals and MedTech sectors in India play a pivotal role in both economic growth and public health. These industries are vital for India’s self-reliance and for meeting global demands

In order to encourage R&D in pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, and create an ecosystem for innovation in this segment, the central government has recently launched two complementary initiatives, namely, the National Policy on Research & Development and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech Sector, and the scheme on Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharmaceuticals and Medical Device (PRIP).

National Policy on R&D and Innovation in the Pharma Med-Tech Sector in India’ :

The objective of the scheme is to transform the Indian Pharma MedTech sector from cost-based to innovation-based growth. The policy serves as a blueprint to drive discovery and development of new drugs, vaccines, diagnostics and devices.

It encourages collaboration and aims to elevate India’s status as a global hub for cutting-edge healthcare solutions by creating a conducive ecosystem for innovation through stronger infrastructure, cross-sectoral research, enhanced public and private investments, and a streamlined regulatory framework.

Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharmaceuticals and Medical Device (PRIP)

The PRIP scheme will provide Rs 5,000 crore over 5 years to support research and development in India’s Pharma-MedTech sector. It will create seven centres of excellence at NIPERs and fund projects in priority areas, helping established companies, expediting research projects, and aiding startups. The goal is to encourage innovation, collaboration, and growth in the sector.

The scheme has two components :

  • Component A: Focuses on improving research infrastructure by establishing seven centres of excellence (CoEs) at National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs). These CoEs will cover various areas such as drug discovery, medical devices, novel drug delivery systems, with an investment of Rs 700 crore.
  • Component B: Aims to fund projects in six priority areas with a budget of Rs 4,250 crore. This includes:

    • Support for established pharma companies collaborating with academic institutions.
    • Funding for 30 research projects at advanced stages (TRL 5 to TRL 9) to speed up their commercialization.
    • Support for about 125 projects to help startups and small to medium-sized enterprises in the early stages of product development (up to TRL 4).

The success of these initiatives hinges on collective efforts from government, industry, academia, and researchers, marking a decisive decade for India’s pharmaceutical and med-tech innovation.

Source:https://www.business-standard.com/