'Biotech sector should focus on synthetic biology'

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Monday urged the biotechnology sector to focus on synthetic biology for developing biological parts, devices and systems.

"Synthetic biology is an emerging field combining biology and engineering. By using engineering principles, it designs and constructs biological parts, devices and systems for useful purposes," he told about 500 delegates participating in a three-day biotech event here.

Stressing on the need to harness biotechnology for the benefit of society, the chief minister said the central government had formulated the national biotechnology development strategy in 2014 to achieve the targets set for the Biotech Vision 2020.

"The biotech strategy has given importance to the use of genomics knowledge in addressing local health needs. We took an early lead in this field by setting up a centre for human genetics in 2002," Siddaramaiah said.

Noting that developed nations had taken a lead in synthetic biology, while it was at a nascent state in India, he said the central government should partner with the state government in setting up a centre for bio-molecular engineering in the city for promoting synthetic biology.

"As we have the capabilities in academia, industry and entrepreneurship for the proposed centre, I hope the central government will give clearance for this project soon as our state aims to be the bio-economic powerhouse," Siddaramaiah said in the presence of union Environment, Forests and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar and Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal.

The state promoted Bengaluru bio-innovation centre will soon be operational, giving opportunities for innovative ideas to be commercialised and leading to the emergence of startups in life sciences and pharmaceuticals.

"The Indian biotech sector has multiplied six times to $6 billion in 2014, growing at 20-22 percent over a decade and is projected to touch $100 billion by 2025 with significant contribution from the healthcare sector," Siddaramaiah said, quoting from a report of the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE).

With highest number of biotech firms in the city, the state accounts for 50 percent of the sector's production and 26 percent of its revenue in the country.

Organised by the vision group on biotechnology of the state government, the 15th edition of the 'Bangalore India Bio' has attracted participation from across the country and overseas to showcase the latest technology, products and services in the sector.