The Hindu Business Line : India YES team pitches idea for probiotic deo

New Delhi, Dec. 5In an attempt to boost biotech entrepreneurship in India and help UK scientists build links with Indian colleagues, a team of Indian researchers, recently pitched its proposal for a hypothetical biotech company at the final of the UK's Biotechnology Young Entrepreneurs Scheme (YES) competition.

As an honorary participant, the team from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) presented its idea for the world's first probiotic deodorant.

The ICGEB team is the winner of the first ever India YES. The team came through rounds in India and semi-finals in Oxford and Edinburgh to enter the UK National Final as an honorary participant.

Dr Doug Yarrow, Director of Corporate Science, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), said, "We are really pleased that India YES attracted high calibre teams from the Indian biotechnology research community and that the best are joining us for the showpiece final of the UK Biotechnology YES competition."

Sharing skills

India YES has been an excellent opportunity to boost the profile of UK bioscience and biotechnology in India and for participants from both countries to network.

Mr Rob Daniel, First Secretary, Head-Science and Innovation, India at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said, "India YES has been a huge success. We have had the best budding biotech entrepreneurs from India showcasing their ideas alongside their UK colleagues.

"Indian researchers have received excellent training in entrepreneurial skills in the preliminary rounds and delegates from both countries have had the opportunity to network. The Indian biotechnology sector is well developed and growing fast. Improving links and sharing skills between both countries will benefit us all in the future."

12th year

Currently, in its twelfth year, Biotechnology YES is an annual competition that aims to help the UK's young bio-scientists gain the skills and contacts needed to turn lab research into commercial reality. It is run by the BBSRC and the University of Nottingham Institute for Enterprise and Innovation (UNIEI).

This year, 64 UK teams competed for the opportunity to present their ideas at the final in London. The winners walked away with the Biotechnology YES 2007 title, œ1,000 in cash, a sponsored table at the Biotechnology Industry Association dinner, and a chance to present their idea at a prestigious US business plan competition.

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