ABLE in collaboration with the Department of Electronics, IT & Bt, Government of Karnataka, organized a seminar on "Karnataka Biotechnology Industry & Entrepreneurship Development" at Sahyadri Science College in Shivamogga on 3rd March 2023.

The seminar commenced with the welcome address by Dr. B.T. Prabhakar, Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Sahyadri Science College. The COO of ABLE, Mr. Narayanan Suresh, provided a ringside view of the Indian Biotech Ecosystem and introduced ABLE to the audience. Dr. Riaz Mahmood, Professor & Head, Department of Biotechnology, Kuvempu University, delivered the chief guest address. Dr. C.K. Ramesh, Head, Department of Biotechnology, Sahyadri Science College, also addressed the audience.

Dr. H.S. Subramanya, Director IBAB & Member, Vision Group on Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka, delivered an enlightening keynote address on "The Next Frontier: Exploring the Emerging Areas of Biotechnology". Dr. Subramanya spoke about the exciting developments and opportunities in the field of biotechnology, including synthetic biology, bioengineering, and the impact of technology and data. He also highlighted the important role of artificial intelligence (AI) in biotechnology and discussed the work being done at IBAB, the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology in Bengaluru, in this field.

Dr. Nagaraja D., Senior Consultant (Biotech), KITS, Government of Karnataka, spoke on "Government Initiatives to Support the Growth of Biotech in Karnataka". He highlighted Karnataka's robust infrastructure for bio-innovation, including over 25 national and state research centers, major companies driving the biotech industry, and bio-innovation hubs. He also discussed the promotion of biotechnology beyond Bengaluru and the government's efforts to enhance biotech skills through the Biotechnology Skill Enhancement Programme. Dr. Nagaraja also emphasized the importance of the Biotechnology Policy in promoting the growth of the biotech industry in Karnataka.

The seminar also had a panel discussion on "Harnessing Phyto Wealth of Western Ghats - An Industry Perspective in Promoting Entrepreneurship." The panelists were Dr. K.N. Devaraj Reddy, Director - Technical, Prakruthi Products Ltd.; Mr. Abhinava J.Vasudeva, Managing Director, Nisargam Pvt. Ltd., Shivamogga; Mr. Sachin Hegdekudgi, Founder and CEO, RootsGoods Pvt Ltd, Shivamogga; and Dr. Pious Thomas, CEO & Director, Thomas Biotech & Cytobacts Centre for Biosciences (OPC) Pvt. Ltd.

Dr. K.N. Devaraj Reddy, Director - Technical at Prakruthi Products Pvt Ltd, spoke about his company's contribution to the biotechnology industry in Karnataka. Prakruthi Products Pvt Ltd is a biotech company that focuses on research, development, and commercialization of natural products. Dr. Reddy discussed the company's innovative products that are derived from plant extracts and how they have been successful in promoting entrepreneurship and creating job opportunities. He emphasized the importance of harnessing the phyto wealth of Western Ghats, which is home to a diverse range of medicinal plants, in promoting the growth of the biotech industry in Karnataka. Prakruthi Products Pvt Ltd is actively involved in this area and has developed several products that have been well received in the market.

Mr. Abhinava J. Vasudeva, the Managing Director of Nisargam Pvt. Ltd., shared insights about his company and his entrepreneurial journey during the seminar on "Karnataka Biotechnology Industry & Entrepreneurship Development." Nisargam Pvt. Ltd. is a company that specializes in the production of natural and organic products for health and wellness. Mr. Vasudeva spoke about the importance of utilizing natural resources in a sustainable manner and the role of biotechnology in promoting eco-friendly practices. He also shared his entrepreneurial journey and highlighted the challenges he faced while setting up his business.

Mr. Sachin Hegdekudgi, Founder and CEO of RootsGoods Pvt Ltd, shared insights about his company, RootsGoods Pvt Ltd, which is based in Shivamogga. During his speech, Mr. Hegdekudgi talked about the challenges that farmers face in their day-to-day lives and how his company is working to address those challenges. He also discussed the role of technology in agriculture and how RootsGoods is leveraging it to improve farming practices.

Dr. Pious Thomas, the CEO & Director of Thomas Biotech & Cytobacts Centre for Biosciences (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. discussed his company's research and development in the area of biotechnology, especially in the fields of biopharmaceuticals and diagnostics. He highlighted their work on developing innovative products and solutions to address unmet medical needs in various therapeutic areas such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. Dr. Thomas emphasized the importance of collaborations and partnerships in driving innovation and growth in the biotech industry.

The seminar concluded with the closing remarks and vote of thanks by Dr. S. Balasubramanya, General Manager, ABLE. The seminar provided an excellent platform for entrepreneurs and industry experts to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for the development of the biotechnology industry in Karnataka.

ABLE in collaboration with the Department of Electronics, IT & Bt, Government of Karnataka, organized a seminar on "Karnataka Biotechnology Industry & Entrepreneurship Development" at Sahyadri Science College in Shivamogga on 3rd March 2023.