BioGoa 2008 – Entrepreneurship & Technologies in Biotechnology
Background note
What is “Biotechnology”.
“Biotechnology” has been described as “utilization of living organisms for the benefit of mankind”. While this technology has been used/applied in various forms since times immemorial for foods i.e. preparation of wine, bread, curds etc. Only in the past 10-15 years with availability of high performance instruments it has gained prominence with it’s utilization in healthcare, drugs formulations diseases resistant crops. So much to that cloning of animals, through stem cell research is being made possible. Such high speed development of research technology also has raised alarm bells on the future course of mankind and food production. Regardless it is now well accepted that this is one tool which can provide additional food for billions of human beings on the same land mass (planet Earth), as well as make human more healthy and productive. In order to realize the full potential of Biotechnology as a front line area of research and development with an overwhelming impact on the society, our enterprises should be nurtured to give Bio-products of different specialized and niche areas as per individual enterprises as well as attuned to biodiversity.
Brief of the Seminar.
The Goa State Industries Association(GSIA) is organising its 2nd Seminar on “BioGoa 2008 – Entrepreneurship & Technologies in Biotechnology” on 1st March, 2008 at Hotel Fidalgo , Panaji in association with Dhempe College of Arts & Science.
Shri Dayanand Narvekar, Hon’ble Minister for Finance & IT, Govt. of Goa has consented to be Chief Guest. Mr. Srinivas Dempo, Chairman & Managing Director – Dempo Group of Companies will be the Guest of Honour and Dr. Purnima Sharma, Biotech Consortium India Ltd., New Delhi will be the Keynote Speaker for the Inaugural function.
The main aim of the seminar is to “Create Entrepreneurs in Biotechnology Sector”. With industries hardly coming to Goa, GSIA has taken the onus on itself to create awareness & facilitate in creating entrepreneurs.
Speakers from across the country namely Dr. Bosco Henriques, Dr. Siddhivinayak Barve & Dr. K.M. Shankar are invited to enlighten the delegates on various topics like ‘Natural dyeing of textiles’, ‘Biotechnology of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants’, ‘Marine Diagnostics’ etc. A special session on ‘What Entrepreneurs need to know’ from the point of view of Financial aspects & Risk Awareness would also be held by Mr. Sandeep Bhandare and Dr. P.D. Nare. Finally an interaction will be held with the audience by Dr. Nandkumar Kamat
We are showcasing a highly successful entrepreneurship story in the field of ‘Diagnostics & Healthcare’, situated within Goa.
Another highlight of this seminar would be a special “GSIA Award of Excellence” which will be presented to a unit in Goa for showcasing high entrepreneurship skills and growth in the field of Biotechnology
Certain areas have been identified which should be nurtured by the State Government, Private Entrepreneurs and Corporates for promoting Biotechnology in the State. Focus will be on selective and niche areas as well as creation of Entrepreneurs. Experts would be talking on –
-Medical and Pharma Biotechnology
Diagnostic Kits for major infectious diseases like TB, Malaria, HIV, Hepatitis etc. alongwith their Vaccines (for Humans and Animals)at cost effective prices.
-Essential oils & Natural Dyes
Extracts of natural compounds for use in textiles, foods, etc.
-Marine Biotechnology
Sea and River aquaculture, Seaweed and Algae culture as well as other Marine Bioproducts. Also extracts of compounds from marine ecosystem to assist human healthcare.
-Agriculture and Food Biotechnology
Promotion of ventures for Biofertilizers, Biopesticides, Tissue-culture, Tropical Floriculture and Horticulture to be considered. Cultivation of Auyurvedic Medicinal and Herbal Plants along with Mushroom and Food Biotech Ventures to help mass scale Rural Employment.
-Entrepreneurship
With the aim of the seminar in long term to “Create Entrepreneurs”, the audience will be exposed to the ‘reality-check’ mechanism when speakers will let know the risks involved, their management as well as views of finance experts in approaching their prospective projects.
Showcase of some entrepreneurial products will also be displayed during the seminar. Audience of around 180 people will include Entrepreneurs, Corporates & Students (local as well as international).
For further details and registrations contact, Goa State Industries Association, 4th Floor, Goa-IDC House Patto Plaza, Panaji-Goa. Tel.:0832-2438395 / 2438210 Email: [email protected].
Also read http://214.d12.myftpupload.com/2008/02/biogoa-2008-entrepreneurship.htm