The KISS Science and Technology for Innovation Hub for Tribals funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India organized a “Talk on BIRAC as an Enabler for Nurturing Biotech Innovation Ecosystem.” on 5st October 2024. This event was organized in collaboration with KIIT Technology Business Incubator (KIIT-TBI), Centre for Indigenous Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge on Herbal Medicine and Therapeutics, KISS-DU.
The event was graced by Dr. Vinita Jindal, DGM, IP and Technology Management, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, Mr. Amit Katiyar Chief Manager, IP and Technology Management, BIRAC, New Delhi Dr. Jayalaxmi Dash, Manager, Tech Innovation and Dr. Bhaskar Das, Manager, Bio-Incubation from KIIT TBI.
Dr. Snigdharani Panda, Associate Professor, Chairperson Council of Deans, KISS-DU and the Co-Principal Investigator of the Project delivered the Welcome Address and introduced the revered speakers. She presented a brief profile of the University and highlighted some of the innovative initiatives undertaken by KISS-DU in the recent past. Further, she brought to light entrepreneurial activities taken up by the University in order to hone the skills of the students.
Dr. Rashmi Mohapatra, Associate Professor, KISS-DU and Principal Investigator of the Project spoke on the aims and objectives behind the establishment of STI Hub. While sharing the objectives she stressed on some of the key points like setting up of an exclusive ST centralised innovation hub; encouraging effective participation in its various geographical locations; encouraging effective and active participation of ST people and their communities in the management of their social, economic and environmental objectives in various regions of Odisha.
Dr. Vinita Jindal deliberated on the activities of BIRAC wherein they focus on nurturing innovation spanning from ideation to commercialization and how central agency empowers, enables and accelerates biotech innovation ecosystem in India. she highlighted the core areas on which the BIRAC is working on lab to market support which includes entrepreneurship, funding grants, investments, incubation, mentorship and recognition in national and international arenas. Further, she also touched upon the ideas regarding bio incubation centres , Bio-Nest-Bio- Incubators, incubation space, mentorship, networking ,E –YUVA and several fellowships run by BIRAC.
During the question and answer session, the enthusiastic participants shared their ideas and the brought to light various societal problems pertaining to their communities and possible solutions to them. In this regard they expressed the need for handholding in order to translate their ideas to fruition so that they can make significant contributions in their society. There was discussion regarding identifying gaps and need assessments, understanding the local dynamics, existing innovation and new innovation. Further, the forum also explored the various ways in which BIRAC can play a seminal role in patent filing, mentoring and the like.
The session concluded with Words of Thanks by Dr. Rasmi Mohapatra, Associate Professor, KISS-DU and Principal Investigator of the Project.
