Speakers from government and industry at the event "Bio- Invest in Gujarat: Reshaping human lives through Biotechnology"
The ongoing Vibrant Gujarat 2015 Global Summit is making headlines as the prime minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated it on January 11, 2015. The mega-event has attracted investors and industries across the globe. Therefore, it is highly unlikely for the biotech industry to remain behind. The Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE) was a part of an event with the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat and Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM). "Bio- Invest in Gujarat: Reshaping human lives through Biotechnology" organized at Gandhinagar was in coordination with, Industrial Extension Bureau (iNDEXTb) and KPMG (Knowledge Partner).
As per information released by the Vibrant Summit organizers, the event was inaugurated by Mr Govindbhai Patel, minister of state, science and technology, Energy and Petrochemicals, government of Gujarat. In his address, the minister stated that the government is serious about development of Biotechnology (BT) in the state and added that BT is an important tool not only for economic growth and progress but also for social development. Mr Patel highlighted that BT progress based on development of skills, knowledge sharing and awareness, Technology, research and development can become key contributors of development for all and progress for all that can provide social benefits. He released four publications on biotechnology namely analytical report on biotechnology and life sciences companies in India, compendium of biotechnology and life sciences companies in Gujarat, directory of biotechnology and life sciences industry in Gujarat.
Dr Sreeshan Raghavan, joint secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India graced the event as the guest of honor. Mr S J Haider, secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, Mr Akshay Saxena, mission director, GSBTM along with international and national experts such as Dr Hans Soderlund director- Global Strategic Alliance - Paras Biopharmaceuticals from Finland, Prof Sir John Burn - Professor of Clinical Genetics, Newcastle University and Director & Head Institute of Human Genetics from UK, Prof. Ken-ichi Arai - Founding President, Asia-Pacific IMBN: Professor, Emeritus University of Tokyo from Japan, Dr. Ananda M. Chakrabarty - Prof. Univ. of Illinois, Chicago, Founder Amrita Therapeutics from USA, Dr. K.V. Prabhu, Joint Director Research, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, Dr K C Bansal, director, National Board of Plant Genetic Resources, ICAR, GOI, Dr Rashmi Barbhaiya, CEO & MD, Advinus Therapeutics and vice president ABLE among other dignitaries graced the inaugural session of the event.
The one day international event was aimed at attracting investments in Gujarat and fostering a holistic innovation ecosystem in the field of biotechnology and life sciences. Apart from dignitaries who graced the inaugural session there were over 25 distinguished and renowned speakers and panel members comprising of senior representatives of Government of India, Industry representatives, Biotechnology & Life Sciences experts and academicians.
Following the inaugural session, the program included 4 panel sessions on covering various aspects of biotechnology and using biotechnology in healthcare, agriculture and environment protection. The event saw participation from over 500 delegates that comprised of almost all varieties of stakeholders from the sector.
