Dr Anand Anandkumar, co-founder of Bugworks Research and Vice President & Treasurer of ABLE was given the Entrepreneur of the Year by biotech industry magazine, BioSpectrum. The BioSpectrum Excellence Awards for 2021-22 were presented in New Delhi on June 30, 2023.

The other winners were:

• Businessperson of the Year - Mahima Datla, Managing Director, Biological E
• Woman Entrepreneur of the Year - Geethanjali Radhakrishnan, Founder, Adiuvo Diagnostics
• Product of the Year - SSI Mantra Surgical Robotic System by SS Innovations
• Young Woman Scientist of the Year- Dr Pragya D Yadav, Scientist-F, National Institute of Virology

The awardees were chosen by a jury headed by Dr Renu Swarup, former secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. This is the 13th edition of the annual BioSpectrum since the magazine was founded in 2003.

Dr K I Varaprasad Reddy, non-executive chairman of Shantha Biotechniques was given the Life Time Achievement Award Year 2021-22.

About the BioSpecrum Excellence Awards 2023, Mr Ravindra Boratkar, Publisher and Managing Editor, BioSpectrum India, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications, said “India's bioeconomy is poised to touch $300 billion by 2030 and with its rising innovation and scientific temper, India is set to join the global wave of a new industrial revolution. India is emerging as the world's major bioeconomy with fast growing biotech startups. The number of biotech startups has increased from 50 to 5,000 in the last 8 years. India has the potential to move from 5,000 to 50,000 within the biotech startup sector. Considering this growth, BioSpectrum also wants to be part of this growth journey of the Bio & Health Sciences startup ecosystem and contribute in different aspects like skill development, mentoring, investments to take it to the next level. We are launching MMA Spectrum Foundation to become a partner of this progress of Bio & Health Sciences startups ecosystem.”

In her address, Dr Renu Swarup congratulated all the award winners for their performance and achievements, and complemented BioSpectrum for its efforts in bringing the hidden jewels into the limelight. “These efforts of BioSpectrum are going to help the young students of biotechnology see these winners as role models. As the country is offering huge opportunities in the biosciences space, the young minds can grab these through their skill sets and talent to make a difference to the society”, she said.

Accepting the Life Time Achievement Award, Dr Varaprasad Reddy recalled his tough and solo journey of developing recombinant DNA vaccines with a motto of offering them at an affordable price three decades ago.  “We have great doctors, great engineers in our country but not great leaders.  The vaccine scenario has changed considerably in India. Currently, we are strong in production but we should collaborate with other countries for joint development and own the patent rights, to become global leaders.” 

Dr Anand Anandkumar, co-founder of Bugworks Research and Vice President & Treasurer of ABLE was given the Entrepreneur of the Year by biotech industry magazine, BioSpectrum.