Hardluck, We lost the game

Our team, lost the game, inspite of my rigorous efforts. We are very unhappy with the results and I had stuff time, consoling my team members to comeout of this trauma. Any way, We enjoyed the competition and the participation, was quite memorable. I made some efforts to integrate all the team members to make a small orkut community and keep in touch with others.

Our team short listed for YES biotech presentation

We are happy to annouce that, our team from National chemical laboratory, Pune, India, has been short listed for final screening , to be held in New delhi on 12 Sep2007. If we pass this round, we will be attending the workshop, to be organised by YES biotech, UK.

Our team is quite anxioux about the presentation and hope, we will get through.

bye
elan

Detailed view about GE crops worldwide, esp in India

http://www.isaaa.org/resources/publications/briefs/35/executivesummary/default.html

Young entrepreneurs scheme for Biotechnology

What is Biotechnology YES?

The Biotechnology Young Entrepreneurs Scheme (Biotechnology YES) provides training in entrepreneurship and commercial awareness for young bioscientists in a competition format.

It was launched in 1995 and is organised jointly by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the University of Nottingham Institute for Enterprise and Innovation (UNIEI).

Biotechnology YES entrants work in a team, each assuming a different role, to develop business plans for hypothetical biotechnology companies and bid for funding to commercialise their ideas.

They receive training from entrepreneurs, patent lawyers, financiers and industry representatives in the business skills necessary to recognise, protect and harness the commercial potential of scientific research outputs.

“Biotechnology YES exemplifies the importance of entrepreneurial awareness and skills in ensuring that the UK benefits from its world-class science, both economically and across society in general, in line with the Science and Innovation Framework.”

The Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP
Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in 2005


“BBSRC is proud of the achievements of Biotechnology YES and of those who have worked so hard and gained so much from it.”

Professor Julia Goodfellow CBE
BBSRC Chief Executive

http://www.biotechnologyyes.co.uk/

Area under Biotech crop increase worldwide

ISAAA Brief 35-2006: Press Release
Global Biotech Area Surges Past 100 Million Hectares on 13 Percent GrowthStudy predicts 200 million hectares, 20 million farmers by 2015
DELHI, INDIA – (January 18, 2007) Farmers continued rapid adoption of biotech crops around the globe in 2006 driving multiple adoption milestones for the technology-enhanced crops that produce greater yields of food, feed, fiber and fuel, according to an annual report released today by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA).
At the beginning of the second decade of biotech crop adoption, biotech crop area jumped 12 million hectares or 13 percent to reach 102 million hectares, breaking the 100 million- hectare mark for the first time and achieving the second highest growth in the past 5 years. Growth for the period 1996 to 2006 is equivalent to an unprecedented 60-fold increase, the highest adoption rate of any crop technology. Additionally, the number of farmers planting biotech crops surged past 10 million for the first time, to 10.3 million, from 8.5 million farmers in 2005.
Clive James, chairman and founder of ISAAA and author of the report, expects these adoption levels to continue accelerating throughout the second decade of commercialization. By 2015, ISAAA predicts more than 20 million farmers will plant 200 million hectares of biotech crops in about 40 countries.
“More than 90 percent or 9.3 million farmers growing biotech crops last year were small, resource-poor farmers from the developing world, allowing biotechnology to make a modest contribution to the alleviation of their poverty,” James said. “Millions of small, resource-poor farmers will turn to the potential biotech crops offer in the next decade.”In fact, the report indicated that the growth of biotech crop adoption was substantially higher in the developing world at 21 percent versus the industrialized nations where adoption grew 9 percent. Developing countries now account for 40 percent of the global biotech crop area.
Ravinder Brar, a widowed mother of two and biotech cotton farmer in India says developing world farmers need the increased production and income biotech crops offer, as well as the environmental and time-saving benefits.
“My biotech crops have reduced spraying costs and resulted in higher yields. I expect biotech crops to increase my profits, providing a better life for my family,” she said. C.D. Mayee, ISAAA trustee and chairman of India’s Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, confirms Brar’s comments. “Bt cotton has contributed significantly to the yield increase in cotton in India from 308 kg lint per hectare in 2001-2002 to 450 kg lint per hectare in 2005-2006. In turn the increase in yield from Bt cotton has been a major contributor to increased cotton exports from India which soared from 0.9 million bales in 2005 to 4.7 million bales in 2006, the highest ever recorded for India.”
These benefits are driving widespread growth of biotech crops globally. In 2006, there were key growth centers on each of the major continents providing a broad and stable foundation for biotech crops in the second decade. Furthermore, while 22 countries planted biotech crops last year, the report indicated an additional 29 countries have approved biotech crops for import for food/feed use and release into the environment.
“More than half of the global population of 6.5 billion people now live in countries where biotech crops are grown, allowing 3.6 billion people to benefit from the economic, societal and environmental advantages generated through biotech crops,” James said. “With 51 countries in total gaining experience with biotech crops, acceptance will continue to grow.”
Key Growth Centers
The Americas: The United States continues to drive growth in North America and globally, accounting for the greatest absolute acreage increase in 2006 with the addition of 4.8 million hectares. Brazil leads growth in South America with an increase of 22 percent to total 11.5 million hectares of soybeans and biotech cotton, the latter commercialized for the first time in 2006.
Asia: India is emerging as a key leader in Asia. The country tallied the most substantial percentage increase at 192 percent or 2.5 million hectares to total 3.8 million hectares, jumping two spots in the world ranking to become the fifth largest producer of biotech crops in the world, surpassing China for the first time.
Africa: South Africa made significant strides in the past year to lead the African continent forward by almost tripling its biotech crop area. Notably, the gain came from Bt white maize, primarily used for food, and Bt yellow maize used for livestock feed.
Europe: Growth also continues in the countries of the EU where Slovakia became the sixth EU country out of 25 to plant biotech crops. Spain continues to lead the continent, planting 60,000 hectares in 2006; however, the other five EU countries reported a five-fold increase in plantings from 1,500 hectares in 2005 to about 8,500 hectares in 2006.
Future Growth Drivers
ISAAA predicts this growth to continue in the second decade of commercialization with significant opportunities in multiple geographic areas.
“The commercialization of biotech rice alone could drive adoption of biotech crops well beyond the conservative estimate of 20 million farmers up to 80 million farmers. This is based on an adoption rate of one third by the world’s 250 million rice farmers, most of whom are small resource-poor farmers, 90 percent of whom are in Asia. Biotech rice with insect resistance to enhance yields could make a substantial impact on the UN Millennium Development goal of reducing poverty by half by 2015, and golden rice with enhanced vitamin A could improve nutrition significantly,” James said.
Biofuels will also be a major growth driver. Biotech crops will be used to increase the efficiency and meet added demand for alternative energy, as well as exploring biotech options to bring cellulose-based ethanol from energy crops to market. Biotech crops can play a key role in meeting increased demands for food and fuel. Further, biotech crops with drought-tolerant traits are expected to reach the market within the next five years, unlocking substantial production opportunities in dryer climates.
While the Americas led the first decade of biotech crop adoption, the second decade will likely feature significant growth in Asia and its developing countries of India, China and the Philippines, as well as new biotech countries like Pakistan and Vietnam. In Africa, the experiences of South Africa will likely lead other countries to begin planting biotech crops, including Egypt, Burkina Faso and Kenya where promising field trials have already been conducted. Finally, the consistent global increase in adoption of biotech crops will likely prove to be a trend that merits increased recognition by the EU. France, as a leading member state, is a key example, increasing its area of Bt maize multi-fold to 5,000 hectares in 2006.
“We are at an exciting time in biotechnology’s adoption,” James said. “As we look into the future at the second decade of commercialization, many factors are poised to drive substantial growth of biotech crops well beyond the early adopters. It is in this decade that biotech crops can make a significant contribution and impact on the world’s 1.3 billion poor.”
The report is co-sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation, a U.S.-based philanthropic organization associated with the Green Revolution that saved up to a billion lives in the 1960s, and Ibercaja, one of the largest Spanish banks headquartered in the maize growing region of Spain.

Biotech Parks of India


Tuesday, August 16, 2005





There are already over five parks in the country to house biotech and life sciences companies and another five are expected to come up in the next couple of years.

With biotechnology industry registering over 35 percent growth in the
last few years, this industry is seen as one of the key attributes that
will contribute to the socio-economic growth of the state. So several states are making conscious efforts to create a conducive environment to attract entrepreneurs to set up their units and leverage on the vast talent pool and rich biodiversities in the respective states. Even the Government of India has been supporting this industry since 1986 by establishing a strong network of research institutes and developing academic institutes to fulfill the human resources requirement.

Karnataka was the first state in the country to announce a "millennium" biotechnology policy as early as 2001 to promote this sunrise industry. And Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh followed it with their own biotechnology policies during the year. Later other states like Haryana (2002), Punjab, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh (2003), and Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan (2004) joined the bandwagon by announcing their respective state policies. The latest to announce the policy initiatives was Gujarat. These announcements have given a push to the development and promotion of biotechnology in the states. One of the salient features of these biotech policies is setting up of dedicated biotech parks. Today there are about half-a-dozen biotech parks in the country and several more are expected to come up in the next two-three years.

Shapoorji Pallonji Biotech Park

Though Karnataka was the first to announce a Biotech plan for the state, it was Andhra Pradesh, which seized the opportunity. The Andhra Pradesh government was able to put its act together to identify and develop the facilities for biotech entrepreneurs. It entered into a public–private partnership with Shapoorji Pallonji & Co Ltd with 11 percent equity stake and incorporated Shapoorji Pallonji (SP) Biotech Park Pvt Ltd (SP Biotech Park) for developing and managing the Park at Shamirpet, near Hyderabad.

The Park has entered into the second phase of development. The first phase of the park comprised 140 acres of space. About 17 companies have already taken the position and have set up their units at the Park making an investment of about Rs 400 crore. "We are now developing the layout of Phase II of the Park which is 162 acres and the bookings are expected to be over by the end of this year," said S Dhawan, chief executive, Shapoorji Pallonji Biotech Park Pvt Ltd. Considering the demand, Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. has approached the state government for more space for expansion of the park. It is expected to get an additional 100 acres of land for expansion of the biotech park in the third phase. "Another 101 acres is being allotted to start the third phase of the Shapoorji Pallonji Biotech Park and 100 acres for the Rs 125 crore National Animal Resource facility," informed Dr A Ashok, director of biotechnology, Government of Andhra Pradesh.

Besides, the Andhra government has set up a Marine Biotech Park on a 218-acre site at Parwada near Visakhapatnam. The park set up in association with the Andhra University would also house a marine biotech complex and focus on marine resources, apart from research on marine foods, nutraceuticals and fisheries. Biogenus and Celgen have already been allotted the required land at the park. The government has been receiving enquiries with more companies showing interest to take up ventures in the Marine Biotech Park at Visakhapatnam.

In addition to marine and pharma biotechnology, the government has earmarked an area of 200 acres for Agri Science Park at the campus of International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and a MoU was signed in 2003 between the government of Andhra Pradesh and the director general of ICRISAT. The Park comprises an Agribiotech Park, Agri Business Incubator, a Hybrid Seeds Consortium, and SAT Ecoventure. Three ventures have come up in the Agri-Biotech Park. Amongst them is a facility for testing aflatoxin contamination in food crops. The two other collaborations are with Avesthagen and the Suri Sehgal Foundation. Four companies have joined the Agri-Business Incubator to incubate technologies. These being Rusni Distilleries for the production of ethanol from sweet sorghum; Bioseed Research Ltd. for the development of transgenic cotton; Seed Works Ltd. for the development of transgenic cotton and vegetables; and Sessler Tom and Hyglass for the development of fermentor and agricultural implements.


ICICI Knowledge Park

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has one more park - ICICI Knowledge Park - to its credit in the knowledge intensive field. Launched by ICICI Bank Ltd in partnership with the state government, the park is focused on facilitating business-driven research and development. The park is spread over 200 acres of campus at Turkapally near Hyderabad. The project is being developed in phases. With full occupancy in the first two phases, the ICICI Knowledge Park is in the process of developing the third phase with an investment of Rs 7 crore to create 22,000 sq ft infrastructure to accommodate 13 laboratories. Already about Rs 42 crore has been invested in setting up the first two phases of the park.

As many as 13 companies are operating from this park that offers land plots of varying dimensions to build research centers and pilot plants as per specific requirements of the resident companies. While the park encourages research and development in all knowledge intensive fields, the current focus of the park is in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals technology, specialty chemicals, new materials, information technology and telecommunications. The park offers fully air-conditioned modular laboratory units with standard facilities and services for establishing state-of-the-art research centers for conducting advanced scientific research.


International Biotech Park

Similarly the Maharashtra government too adopted a public-private partnership model for developing the biotech park in the state. International Biotech Park (IBP) is a joint venture project between the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and TCG Urban Infrastructure Holding Ltd (TCGUIH), a Chatterjee Group company. With a total investment of Rs 250 crore in the project, MIDC will hold approximately 12 percent of the paid-up capital while TCGUIH will hold the remaining 88 percent. TCGUIH develops, promotes and markets the 110- acre park at Hinjewadi, near Pune. "Now we have about 10 companies and research organizations who have booked space at the park and will start setting up their units in a month's time," informed Bamasish Paul, head of strategic planning and business development, TCG Urban Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. Emcure Pharma and Shreya Biotech have already started operating their activities from the park.

Lucknow Biotech Park

Though Uttar Pradesh started a little late, it is aggressively developing its biotech park in Lucknow in association with Department of Biotechnology on an eight-acre land. The Lucknow Biotech Park is being set up in collaboration with the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, New Delhi, universities and industries.

Already a few organizations, both domestic and international, have booked space at the park in Lucknow. Shantha Biotechnics, Biotechnology Consulting Research Inc., IQRA Biotech Services - Neurosciences & Physiotheraphy Centre, Clintech Research LLC, New Jersey, Green Path Bio Herbs Industries, and Software Technology Park of India (STPI) have been leased space at the Biotech Park. Besides, Bio Alliance, Germany is interested in a joint venture in the broad field of biotechnology, R&D and training. Odyssey Research Inc. and Acrossworld have expressed their plans for operations in India. The Lucknow Biotech Park has already supplied more than 125,000 fully hardened banana plants to the State Horticulture Board. The park in collaboration with NBRI, Lucknow is raising elite quality of Jatropha Curcas plants and so far about 150, 000 plants have been delivered to the State Farm Corporation India Ltd at cost of Rs 18 lakh. The state is also seriously considering the possibility of cultivating jatropha on 20 lakh hectares of wasteland to produce biofuel and is planning to come out with a biofuel policy to encourage entrepreneurs and farmers. Dr PK Seth, CEO, Biotech Park, said, "Lucknow offers business in biopharma, bioagriculture, bioinformatics and bioservices."


Ticel Bio Park

Opened in November last year, Ticel Bio Park offers developed space for entrepreneurs to set up research units, and common facilities for testing and analysis. Located near the TIDEL Park at Taramani near Chennai, this park was promoted by the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (Tidco) on a five-acre land, provided by the state government. It has technical collaboration from Cornell University of New York and financial assistance from a few banks. The facilities at the park were developed at a cost of
Rs 62.50 crore. The park already has three occupants, Vimta-Molecular
Biology Labs, SGS Life Sciences
Service and Frontier Life Line Pvt Ltd. The management expects full
occupancy in the next couple of years.

Besides, Chennai has Golden Jubilee Biotech Park for Women Society, with the aim of providing opportunities to prospective women entrepreneurs in the field of biotechnology. This is the only and the first biotech park in India exclusively for women entrepreneurs, which was commercialized in May 2001. It offers centralized support services to a series of biotechnology-based activities by women.

Already 13 women entrepreneurs have set up units in this park in different areas of biotechnology. The Government of Tamil Nadu has extended support to the establishment of the first women's biotech park in the country by allotting 20 acres of land at Siruseri village near Chennai, inside SIPCOT-IT Park. The park has created a database of over 500 technologies or projects covering about 150 research institutions that can be commercialized in the park. Being
located in a Notified Backward Area, all units in the park are eligible for capital subsidy from the Government of Tamil Nadu. Central Government subsidies are also available for specified industries.

These biotechnology parks are
acting as bioclusters - where companies, universities and R&D institutes are all located in one place. The state governments too are supporting the industry players who are looking at setting up their units at the parks by offering incubation facilities, tax holidays and incentive package;
venture funding initiatives etc. The technical alliance the parks' promoters have entered into, is also attracting entrepreneurs.

Considering all this, it is the natural and obvious choice of entrepreneurs to look at these parks for setting up their units.


Narayan Kulkarni from Biospectrum