BioVoice News July 2017 Issue 2 Volume 2 | Page 44

special story

diagnostics and medical devices to better address the rising burden of diseases in the country . It will also bring isolated centres of excellence together , enhance regional capabilities and strengthen the current bio-clusters network in terms of capacities as well as quantity and quality of output .
Expanding on the scope of the program , Dr K VijayRaghavan , Secretary , Department of Biotechnology & Chairman BIRAC shared , that “ This endeavor will help nurture next- generation technical skills ; promote entrepreneurship ; and support institutions in adoption of global innovations , technologies , and licensing models . It will provide young entrepreneurs the confidence as well as the systemic support to pursue their aspirations in biotechnological innovation , and transform India into a global hub for cutting-edge biotechnology research and development ”.

Total project cost to be funded by Government of India in Indian currency is approximately Rs 1500 crore for five years . Fifty percent costs for the Mission Programme will be arranged through the World Bank loan .

The oversight to the program would be provided by the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee comprising of members from various Ministries and would be supported by Program Technical Advisory Group comprising of global and national leaders from industry and academia . The program thereby stands unique in its approach as it becomes a cradle to innovate , cocreate and cofacilitate scientific discoveries and offers young entrepreneurs an avenue to engage with the best in the industry .
Speaking at the occasion , Dr Renu Swarup , Senior Adviser DBT & MD , BIRAC shared , “ We undertook an extensive landscaping study to identify critical gaps impeding growth and innovation in the Biopharma sector . Taking
44 BioVoiceNews | July 2017