KIIT School of Biotechnology organized the 10th Biotech Industrial Conclave on “Biotechnology for Humanity: Innovations Shaping a Better World” during 23rd–24thAugust 2024. The conclave, spanning over two days, had enlightening talks, discussion and spirited interactions between experts from the biotech industry, academia, and students to foster collaboration and innovation in the field. During the inaugural session, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS, welcomed all the dignitaries and stressed upon development of strong collaboration between KIIT and biotechnology industry.
Padmashri Dr. Krishna Ella, Founder & Executive Chairman, Bharat Biotech International Limited echoed the need for close interaction between premier educational institutes and the biotech industry for inclusive growth. Dr. Ella, in his keynote address, shared his personal journey in entrepreneurship and innovation, highlighting the challenges and rewards of building a successful biotech company. He emphasized the importance of practical learning experiences for PhD students and the role of the Ella Foundation in supporting their entrepreneurial endeavors. He also stressed upon the need for vaccine development for neglected diseases.
Dr. Shilpa Gadgil, Vice President, Enzene Biosciences Ltd.; Dr. Priyabrata Pattnaik, Dy. Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Ltd.; Raghavendra P. Rao, Principal Scientist, The Himalaya Drug Company; Dr. Ranendra N. Saha, Chief Scientific Advisor, Biophore; Dr. Sreedharala Venkata Nookaraju, Executive Vice President, Aizant Drug Research Soln. Lt;. and Dr. Prabuddha Kundu, Co-Founder & MD, Premas Biotech discussed about emerging trends in complex therapeutic biomolecules like monoclonal antibodies, novel vaccines, complex protein production processes. Mr. Dushyant Deshmukh, GM-HR, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals; Mr. Hemant Nikam, Sr Director and Head HR, Eisai Pharmaceuticals India; and Mr. Pritesh Bhatia, Associate Director HR, Jubilant Biosys Ltd. discussed about the emerging trends in human resource requirements and how students should prepare themselves to become successful biotechnology professionals.
Mr. Lalit Sisaudia, Vice President of Nutaste Group and Ms. Rosina Panda, Business Manager, Intertek spoke about food safety and the need for precision to address global food security challenges.
Dr. Emili Banerjee, Senior Genetic Counselor, Neuberg Diagnostics, Dr. Raghavendra Goud, Executive Director at PharmNXT Biotech and Mr. Ashish Dubey, Co-Founder and COO, Redcliffe Labs discussed the opportunities in molecular diagnostics in healthcare and how AI driven processes can accelerate disease detection and make healthcare accessible in the remote regions of the country. In the last session, five alumni turned entrepreneurs Mr. Pritam Dhalla, Founder, Larkai Healthcare; Mr. Akashdeep Dan, Co-Founder of Bogmalo Foods and Hospitality; Mr. Prateek Mahapatra, Director of Grow Green Consortium Pvt. Ltd.; Ms. Varsha Biswal, CEO, Trupti Dairy; and Dr. Shailesh Samal, CEO, Inflanova AB shared the memories in KSBT and how it helped them to excel in their areas of passion.
Dr. Mrutyunjay Suar, DG-Research & Innovation, and CEO, KIIT-TBI discussed about start-up innovation system in KIIT and role of Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Cluster in developing fruitful collaboration in the biotechnology sector. Dr. Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar and Dr. Srinivas Patnaik, Dean KSBT described the academic initiatives taken for skill development of the students. Dr. Rahul Modak, Convener of the conclave thanked all the dignitaries and participants for their active participation and contribution in the conclave.