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BIRAC invites proposals from biotech startups under BIG scheme
The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council( BIRAC), a Section 8‘ Not-for-Profit Company’ of Government of India, has been set up as Department of Biotechnology( DBT)’ s interface agency, to serve as a single window for emerging biotech companies. The Biotechnology Ignition Grant( BIG) scheme from BIRAC enables technology innovators and entrepreneurs to pursue a promising technology idea, and establish and validate proof of concept for the idea.
As per BIRAC, the BIG is for the high level of innovation in the biotechnology sector. The scheme does not support basic research projects but only only upto Proofof-Concept stage. Grant-in-Aid under BIG scheme is upto Rs 50 lakh. The grant period is 18 months and includes mentoring support and project monitoring by BIG Partner. The proposals for this 10th call for BIG by the BIRAC can be sent upto February 15, 2017.
OUR BASIC RESEARCH CREDENTIALS MUST MATCH GLOBAL STANDARDS, SAYS PM AT INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS
While addressing delegates at 104 th session of the Indian Science Congress in the panoramic campus of Sri Venkateswara University at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh,
the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi appreciated the organizers for choosing an appropriate theme“ Science & Technology for National Development” for this year’ s session.
Mr Modi further laid stress on a deep-rooted curiosity-driven scientific tradition which allows quick adaptation to new realities.“ Tomorrow’ s experts will come from investments we make today in our people and infrastructure. My government is committed to supporting different streams
of scientific knowledge; ranging from fundamental science to applied science with emphasis on innovations, he said.
He also pointed towards the important challenges in the key sectors of clean water, energy, food, environment, climate, security, and healthcare.“ We equally need to keep an eye on the rise of disruptive technologies and be prepared to leverage them for growth. We need to clearly assess the challenges and opportunities for our technology readiness and competitiveness,” remarked the Prime Minister.
PANACEA BIOTEC INCREASES AVAILABILITY OF LIFE SAVING DRUG CILAMIN 250
Panacea Biotec announced that it has increased the availability of Life Saving Drug Cilamin 250( D-Penicillamine IP 250 mg) capsules used for treatment of
Wilson’ s disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis and other conditions. These capsules witnessed short supply in the market during last few months due to nonavailability of raw material i. e. D-Penicillamine, in India.
“ Panacea Biotec ensures increased availability of life saving drug Cilamin 250( D— Penicillamine IP 250mg) capsules for the treatment of Wilson’ s disease in India,” the company said in a BSE filing. It further said:“ Cilamin250 witnessed short supply in the market in the last few months due to non-availability of raw materials D— Penicillamine in India. We have now improved supply of Cilamin 250 capsules, which has been made available in the retail market.”
JNU TO HOST INTERNATIONAL BIO- ENGINEERING MEETING IN MARCH
The Jawahar Lal Nehru University is all set to host a new series of synthetic biology meeting focused on rational design and construction of biological components towards useful bio fab applications. The event will cover topics
such as the genome editing, synthetic life, cell factory, logic gates, responsible innovation, industry, poster presentation.
While the registration has started in 2016, it is open upto February 15, 2017. The last date for abstract submission is February 15th though it is not necessary
46 BioVoiceNews | February 2017