The biotechnology sector has emerged as an integral part of the Indian economy over the past few decades, and the government is playing a catalytic role towards building a US$150 billion bioeconomy by 2025. According to a press release, the sector is recognised as one of the key drivers for India to achieve its US$5 trillion target. To showcase the strengths and opportunities of India’s biotechnology sector to the global community, the second edition of Global Bio-India will be organised from 1-3 March on a digital platform.
The release noted that the theme for this year is “Transforming lives” and the tagline is “Biosciences to Bioeconomy”. Global Bio-India is one of the largest biotechnology stakeholders’ conglomerates. It is co-organised by the Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology along with its public sector undertaking (PSU), the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). The event is hosted in partnership with the industry association Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE), and Invest India.
The first edition of the event, Global Bio-India 2019, in New Delhi was a huge success. It had participants from over 25 countries, 190 exhibitors, more than 2,500 delegates, 300 start-ups, 50 incubators, 60 research institutes, 800 bio-partnering meetings, and representation from nine states. The summit provided an opportunity to showcase India’s biotech potential to an international community as well as identify and deliberate on the key challenges in biotechnology.
Global Bio-India 2021 is expected to have representatives from more than 50 countries with Switzerland being the partner country and Karnataka as its state partner. More partners are expected to join this year’s biotechnology event. With participation from over 200 exhibitors, 5,000 delegates, and 1,000 start-ups, representation from academia, researchers, and entrepreneurs is expected. Medium and large-scale industry investors, regulators, policy leaders, and national organisations will also be present.
The gathering is expected to facilitate the acceleration of the innovation ecosystem in India. Dr Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister of Science, Technology, and Earth Sciences will virtually inaugurate the biotechnology event.
To emphasise the role of multiple allied sectors in the growth of biotechnology in India, around 24 knowledge sessions across different segments will be held over the three days. Some of the sessions include:
- India Fights COVID: The COVID-19 Vaccine Journey from Science to Delivery
- Health Conclave
- Start-up Conclave
- Phytopharma and Traditional Knowledge
- Clean Energy Conclave
- Precision Medicine and Data-Driven Life Sciences
- Women Entrepreneurs Conclave
- State Sessions
- International Investor’s Meet
Global Bio-India aims to put India on the map as an emerging innovation and bio-manufacturing hub for the world. The event is expected to boost India’s Biotech innovation ecosystem investments and global networks and collaborations.
A representative said, “Innovation and the future of India are inextricably linked. We are pleased to host the second edition of Global Bio-India and through this event, we wish to showcase India’s strength in the biotechnology sector and let the world know that India is the destination to invest.”
