Mangaluru: The Departments of Biological Sciences, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), hosted a seminar on “Biotechnology and Bio-entrepreneurship Development” in association with ABLE (Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises), with the support of K-TECH and Startup Karnataka. The seminar took place on 26 April 2023. More than a hundred participants from various institutions in Mangalore participated in the programme.
Dr Narayan Bhat, Director of the Xavier Block (SAC), welcomed the gathering and briefly introduced the guests.
Principal, Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, delivered the presidential address urging students to “think out of the box” or even go as far as “throwing the box away”, through their innovation and creativity.
Harsha Paul, Dean of Biological Sciences introduced Narayanan Suresh, COO of ABLE. Suresh then went on to speak about ABLE and the advances in Biotechnology. He also elaborated about the distinctive segments of biotechnology.
The keynote speaker and chief guest, Dr Vishal Rao was introduced by Dr Richard Gonsalves. Dr Rao is a renowned oncologist and an entrepreneur, who designed an affordable voice box. Dr Rao encouraged students to identify problems and then work towards finding a suitable solution and not vice-versa. He praised the Indians for their ingenuity and stressed on the fact that “adversity gives rise to innovation.”
Sreejesh P C, HoD, UG Biotechnology introduced Dr Manesh Thomas, CEO of Manipal-GoK Bio-incubator. Dr Thomas gave an insight into the various organizations and government schemes that support startups in the form of funding and incubation. He also spoke about the opportunities of applied research in biology.
Dr Fathima Benazir J, co-founder of AZOOKA was introduced by Dr Sreelalitha Suvarna, HoD, PG Biotechnology. Dr Fathima gave a glimpse of her innovations, mainly Tinto Rang (substitute for EtBr). She spoke about how students can avail of funding.
The final talk was on the challenges faced by budding entrepreneurs and was delivered by Dr Jasmine S. Kamath, founder of BIART LLP. Dr Kamath was introduced by Dr Asha Abraham, Associate Professor, Dept. of Biotechnology. Dr Kamath is a practising dentist and an innovator.
The concluding remarks and vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Bala S. The event was compered by Akshitha Amin, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Botany.
