The Department of Biotechnology at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has announced the opening of the BioNEST-IIT Mandi Catalyst Centre, a ground-breaking project supported by the funding agency Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
The center intends to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors, specifically addressing the peculiar issues of the Himalayan region, with an initial budget of Rupees five crore.
Its main area of interest is healthcare innovation, which includes the creation of inexpensive healthcare options, prostheses, medical equipment, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and techniques for detecting diseases.
In order to improve health and wellness, the center will also investigate biotechnology applications in medicine discovery, bioactive chemicals, supplements, and functional foods.
“Dr. Satvasheel Ramesh Powar, Faculty-in-Charge, IIT Mandi Catalyst, said that the BioNEST-IIT Mandi Catalyst Center will support business ventures in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors that can generate significant economic opportunities by creating jobs.”
The center aims to foster stronger networks between academic institutions, industrial partners, investors, and entrepreneurs to improve collaboration and knowledge exchange. Furthermore, Dr. Powar stated, “The center is dedicated to advancing sustainable development by supporting startups that are pioneering environmentally friendly technologies and solutions.”
The center provides essential incubation support to entrepreneurs, including money, mentorship, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, with the goal of enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Himalayan region.
