The Hindu Business Line : Karnataka Govt keen on giving boost to biotech research outsourcing

Mr M.K. Shankaralinge Gowda, Secretary to Government IT, BT and Science and Technology, addressing a press conference at the conclusion of Bangalore Bio 2005 on Sunday. - G.R.N. Somashekar

Bangalore , April 24

THE three-day Bangalore Bio 2005 conference concluded on Sunday, having created greater interest among international biotechnology companies to aim for focusing on niche areas to attract more investment.

The fifth edition also saw a few international companies translating their interest into concrete business ties with the Indian companies for long-term partnership in R&D to look up to India as a research process outsourcing (RPO) hub and as a cost-effective production partner.

Speaking to newspersons, Mr M.K. Shankaralinge Gowda, Secretary, Department of IT and Biotechnology, said that the State Government would promote the State as an RPO centre, apart from encouraging more investments in core biotech activities.

Stating that the conference attracted scientists and industry representatives to contribute "quality contents" and a "very meaningful" debate to give an insight into the developments in the fast emerging biotechnology, Mr Gowda said that the organisers were planning to focus on niche areas such as agri biotech and pharma biotech from next year to help the industry plan appropriate investment strategies.

"Wee have not decided yet about the subject," Mr Gowda said, adding that the tremendous response from reputed international organisations and companies was encouraging.

While the sessions addressed by various experts and industry leaders brought out the potential of biotech industry vis-à-vis opportunities for Indian companies and research organisations, the student community also benefited from the lectures given by Nobel Laureate Mr Sydney Brenner, and Mr George Atkinson, Science and Technology Adviser to the US Secretary of State and Mr Manuel Hallen, Head of Unit Strategy and Policy, Biotechnology, Agriculture and Food, European Union.

"They gave a perspective of the science and the policies of their countries, which is of immense benefit to India," said Mr Jawaid Akhtar, Director, Department of IT and Biotech, Karnataka.

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