The project proposals that have been received recently by the union government for consideration and setting up of biotech parks are from the states of Madhya Pradesh (Chhindwara), Jammu and Kashmir (Jammu and Srinagar), Gujarat (Gandhinagar), West Bengal (Kolkota) and Chattisgarh. These proposals have been examined and the coordinators have been appointed. This information was provided by the union minister of science and technology and earth sciences, S Jaipal Reddy in the parliament recently. "The several state governments/central institutes have submitted proposals for setting up parks in states like Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, Gujarat and Chattisgarh," said Mr Reddy.
The minister mentioned the details of the biotechnology parks aided by department of biotechnology (DBT) currently functioning in the country. Among that is the Uttar Pradesh based Lucknow BT Park that has been established at Lucknow with support from DBT and started operations from 2006. The park has generated employment for about 200 persons. To date 7-8 companies have graduated from the incubator and another 9 companies are in incubation. The Park has NABL accreditation for its analytical facilities and provides service to many agro-industries in the region. The plant tissue culture facility is also certified under DBT-BCIL certification program. They have an extraction unit, a bioinformatics unit and a bio-fuel unit. The park is also hosting HRD programs for research scholars and a Biotech finishing school.
Apart from that Andhra Pradesh has Hyderabad BT Park established by council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) and government of Andhra Pradesh with support from DBT and started operations from 2009.World class facilities have been created for use by entrepreneurs on use and pay basis. There are 12 labs of 350 sq. ft each which is given out to incubate companies. Business centre approach is used in this Park and 9 companies, 74 scientists are working there.
In Tamilnadu, is TICEL Bio Park (Chennai)set up by the state government, operational since Nov, 2004. DBT had sanctioned grant for establishing a Biotechnology Core Instrumentation Facility (BTCIF). It has now achieved 100% occupancy with National and International clients. The tenancy area has 74 modules of 1525 sq.ft. each, available for clients to develop their own customized R&D labs of BSL2 standards, upgradeable to BSL3, in accordance with GLP standards.
Tamil Nadu also has the Golden Jubilee Biotech Park for Women (Siruseri, Kanchipuram District) established with support from DBT and is operational since 2001. The Park has a Lab facility for providing Quality testing and Training programs as a means of providing hands-on experience and to generate revenue streams for the Park.
It is an Entrepreneurial facility for women Scientists aided with managerial skills and capable of making small-scale investment, to independently take up the functioning of the lab. At present the park is fully occupied. 80% comprises of 1st generation entrepreneurs. All entrepreneurs are women. In all there are 150 workers which includes 50-60% of women both skilled/unskilled.The total annual turnover is Rs 5 crore.
The details of parks proposed to be set up in near future state wise is as follows:
i. Assam: Guwahati Biotech Park
GoA has recently allotted a land measuring 17 acres to Guwahati Biotech Park. Facilities include 8 Modular Laboratories, Specialized & Support Facilities.Interim facilities have been created at IIT Guwahati in a building rented out to the State Govt for the Park/Incubator.
ii. Karnataka: Bangalore Biotech Park
The Park is under construction with25 Incubation suites ranging from 200 sft to 700 sft. Also has plan for Common Instrumentation facility, Mammalian and Plant tissue culture, Dark room/Cold room/Utilities, Animal house/Chemical store, Cafetaria/Meeting rooms/Conference rooms etc.
iii. Kerala: KINFRA Biotech Park
They are providing infrastructure for industries to incubate. They have labs with commercial facilities. 6 units are under construction. 20 acres land is available for lease to industries. The building has been completed.
iv. Odisha: Bio Pharma-IT Park, Andharua, Bhubaneswar
The facility is developed in Bhubaneswar on a land parcel of 64.61 Acres. The Park area has been demarcated and walled off and utilities have been provided. The construction of building for the incubator is yet to begin.Focus on Training Program & GMP quality facility.
