Latest news with #BIRAC
Business Standard
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
ATGC Biotech Recognised with Innovation Leadership Award 2025 for Transforming Crop Protection through Deep-Tech Innovation
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 10: In a defining moment for Indian agri-innovation, ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd. was awarded the Innovation Leadership Award 2025 by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon'ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, during the prestigious 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave organized by Agriculture Today in New Delhi today. The Agriculture Leadership Award 2025 was presented to ATGC Biotech for Innovation Leadership in sustainable pest management with cutting edge pheromone technologies. The award was selected by the National Awards Committee, under the Chairmanship of Former Chief Justice of India, Justice P. Sathasivam, recognizing ATGC's pioneering role in IP-led, BioE3-aligned biomanufacturing--a transformative leap toward ultra-low-dose, waterless, and residue-free crop protection powered by synthetic biology and material science. With 26 patents, and 50+ commercial-stage products ATGC is driving India's emergence as a global biotechnology powerhouse and a BioE3-compliant leader in climate-resilient agriculture. With strategic R & D support from BIRAC and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), ATGC is powering India's transition from volume-based agrochemicals to precision, carbon-smart crop protection. On receiving the award, Dr. Markandeya Gorantla, Chairman & Managing Director, and Dr. V.B. Reddy, Executive Director, of ATGC Biotech said, "This award is a celebration of Indian science and its capacity to lead with purpose. We thank Agriculture Today for honoring deep-tech innovation, and express our sincere gratitude to BIRAC, DBT, and DST for enabling our platform to go from bench to field, from grams to global." They further added, "This recognition reinforces the critical role of agri-innovation in advancing India's strategic priorities--where food security, climate resilience, and global competitiveness converge through science and sustainability." For over a century, agriculture has leaned on chemical-based solutions to secure food systems. Today, ATGC adds a new layer of intelligence--shifting from reaction to prevention, from control to communication. ATGC has developed innovative solutions like CREMIT PBW and Akarsh ME, deployed across 200,000+ acres, cutting down chemical sprays and water use while decarbonizing the agri-supply chain. CREMIT PBW empowers cotton farmers with a sustainable, pesticide-free approach to managing pink bollworm, while Akarsh ME offers fruit growers an eco-friendly, highly effective solution for fruit fly control ensuring maggot-free harvests and residue-free fruits. ATGC's core promise is to safeguard crops using just grams of active ingredient per acre per month, with no water and minimal application. It's a new paradigm. A smarter, scalable solution for a climate-conscious world. In 2024, the World Economic Forum highlighted ATGC as a global case study for scaling pheromone tech in row crops like rice and cotton. The company is the only non-US supplier to USDA's "Slow the Spread" program, with 44 new molecules under registration across 20+ countries. About ATGC Pvt Ltd. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Genome Valley, Hyderabad, ATGC is India's only commercial-scale manufacturer of pheromone biosimilars. With a mission to create a greener, healthier planet, ATGC offers high-quality insect pheromones, semiochemicals, and advanced IPM technologies that effectively manage pest populations while minimizing the use of harmful chemical pesticides. ATGC's flagship product, CREMIT PBW, Akarsh ME has been deployed across more than 200,000 acres of cotton and horticulture crops in India, enabling residue-free, export-compliant farming and reducing dependency on conventional spray cycles At ATGC, we are committed to supporting farmers with the latest pheromone-based applications and groundbreaking solutions that drive the future of agriculture. Our innovations are designed to protect crops, improve yields, and promote eco-friendly farming practices, ensuring both the well-being of farmers and the environment For more information:
Hans India
08-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
India targets $300 bn bioeconomy by 2030
New Delhi: The government is committed to realising a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030, reiterated Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh on World Bioproduct Day on Monday. Calling for a wider public understanding and inclusive participation in India's biotechnology mission, Singh stated that every Indian was a stakeholder in the country's bioeconomy. The biotechnology ecosystem in the country 'has grown from just around 50 startups a decade ago to nearly 11,000 today -- a leap made possible by policy backing and institutional partnerships,' said Singh, while speaking at an event, organised by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and its agencies BIRAC and iBRIC+. Referring to the recently launched BioE3 Policy, Singh noted that it laid the groundwork for India to lead in sustainable biomanufacturing by aligning bioeconomy goals with environmental sustainability, economic growth, and equity. The BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy aims to position India as a global leader in bio-based innovations. 'Bioproducts aren't limited to laboratories anymore. They're about livelihoods -- from biodegradable packaging to eco-friendly personal care, from rural employment to green jobs,' he said. He emphasised that the future industrial revolution will be driven by bioeconomy, and India, he believes, has taken the lead. Further, acknowledging the challenges faced by young scholars in biotech, the Minister pointed out the mismatch between parental expectations and individual aptitude in career choices. He termed the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 a 'game-changer' that would allow students to pursue disciplines of interest with flexibility. 'We are seeing a new generation with real aptitude and capacity to learn,' he said. Singh also urged for stronger social media outreach, using success stories, local languages, and relatable formats to communicate biotech's relevance to common citizens. 'If we want to attract young talent, we must link biotechnology to profitability and livelihood, not just academics,' he said. Meanwhile, Secretary, DBT and Chairman of BIRAC, Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale outlined steps being taken to operationalise the BioE3 Policy in the country. These include 'support for pilot manufacturing, region-specific innovation missions, and strengthening the pipeline from research to market,' Gokhale said.
Hans India
24-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Biotech breakthrough: UoH alumni launch strategic partnership
Hyderabad: In a significant achievement for alumni-led biotech investment and translational entrepreneurship, Dr Uday Saxena and Dr Markandeya Gorantla, graduates of the University of Hyderabad, have signed a term sheet to fund Utopia Therapeutics Pvt Ltd, an early-stage deep-tech startup. This important announcement was made at the BIO International Convention 2025, held in Boston on June 19. The Whale Tank Biocatalyst Fund, which collaborates with the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA) as a knowledge partner and is supported by Prof. Reddanna Pallu and Dr. Ratnakar Palakodeti, highlights the impactful contributions of University of Hyderabad alumni Dr. Saxena and Dr. Gorantla to the global biotech landscape. The signing event was attended by Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of BIRAC, along with key leaders from ABLE and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). The Whale Tank Biocatalyst Fund is set to commit over USD 1.5 million in total support to Utopia Therapeutics. This vital funding will advance the development of Utopia's lead asset, UT009, a first-in-class vaccine designed to combat obesity and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Additionally, the investment will strengthen Utopia's pipeline of UT18-based regenerative health products, enhancing infrastructure, manufacturing capabilities, and go-to-market strategies. Dr. Jitendra Kumar, MD of BIRAC, stated, 'This partnership reflects the strength of India's translational biotech ecosystem. A vaccine for metabolic disorders and a regenerative product pipeline emerging from India and entering global markets demonstrate the scientific depth and entrepreneurial maturity that BIRAC has consistently supported. It's especially gratifying to witness this in my presence. I'm pleased to see that some of the companies now being funded by Whale Tank were previously supported by BIRAC. This is a great enabling system — we've always envisioned such investor-driven support for Indian deep-tech science.' Dr. Uday Saxena, Co-Founder of Utopia Therapeutics Pvt. Ltd., said, 'We were deeply impressed by Utopia's science and clarity of purpose. The UT18 platform has demonstrated multi-tissue regenerative potential, and with Whale Tank's support, we are investing not just in products but in a future of preventive and regenerative health.' This collaboration marks a significant milestone for India's evolving biotech investment landscape, as well as for innovative product discovery and development. It exemplifies how scientific innovation, strategic capital, and experienced mentorship from institutions like the University of Hyderabad can converge through a national innovation pipeline with global ambitions. Co-founded by University of Hyderabad alumni Dr. Uday Saxena and Dr. Markandeya Gorantla, with FABA as a knowledge partner, the Whale Tank Biocatalyst Fund focuses on identifying and investing in early-stage deep-tech startups in the biotech sector, fostering innovation, mentorship, and translational entrepreneurship. The Whale Tank Biocatalyst Fund's portfolio includes a diverse range of innovative companies, showcasing India's commitment to bio-strategic sovereignty and investment in critical areas for human and environmental health.
The Hindu
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Miltenyi Biotec, BIRAC partner to boost cell and gene therapy capabilities
Miltenyi Biotec India and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) have signed a letter of intent for a collaboration aimed at enhancing India's capabilities in cell and gene therapy through capacity building, advancing clinical research and to solve unmet medical needs by local manufacturing of cell therapies. The LOI was signed at the BIO International Convention 2025, which opened this week in Boston, they said in a joint release on Wednesday. German cellular research, cell therapy and cell manufacturing solutions provider Miltenyi Biotec in February had announced plans for a cell and gene therapy centre of excellence in Hyderabad. The partnership with BIRAC is to build national capabilities and upskill scientific talent by implementing structured training and capacity-building programmes for clinicians, researchers and technicians in CGT manufacturing, analytics, and quality control. It is also to expand translational research efforts through co-development of academic and multi-centre studies and set up point-of-care (PoC) CAR-T centres across India using automated manufacturing platforms to enable cost-effective and scalable access to personalised CGT treatments. Their partnership with also promote targeted cell therapy research and support local innovation through the identification and mentoring of Indian startups thus aligning with the Make in India mission by enhancing domestic production of critical and manufacturing components and by supporting development of national CGT COEs. 'Together, we are exploring how to address current unmet needs in medical science, particularly in areas like autoimmune and rare diseases by enhancing access through innovative mechanisms such as point-of-care CAR-T and graft engineering,' MiltenyiBiotec India MD Priya Kapoor-Hingorani said.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
BIRAC in pact with Miltenyi Biotec India to boost India's capabilities in cell & gene therapy
HYDERABAD: In a move aimed at beefing up India's leadership in cutting-edge biotherapeutics such as cell and gene therapy (CGT), the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has signed a strategic letter of intent (LOI) with Miltenyi Biotec India Private Limited to boost India's capabilities in CGT through capacity building, advancing clinical research and solving unmet medical needs by local manufacturing of cell therapies. The LOI was signed at the BIO International Convention 2025 that kicked off in Boston this week. Through the partnership, Miltenyi Biotec and BIRAC plan to build national capabilities and upskill scientific talent through structured training and capacity-building programmes for clinicians, researchers, and technicians in CGT manufacturing, analytics, and quality control. The collaboration also aims to expand translational research efforts through co-development of academic and multi-center studies, focusing on next-generation therapies to solve India's unmet medical needs in malignancies, autoimmune diseases and rare diseases. It will also establish point-of-care (PoC) CAR-T centers across India using automated manufacturing platforms such as Miltenyi's CliniMACS Prodigy system to enable cost-effective and scalable access to personalised CGT treatments. The initiative will also promote targeted cell therapy research and support local innovation through the identification and mentoring of Indian startups in line with the 'Make in India' mission by enhancing domestic production of critical and manufacturing components, and supporting the development of national CGT centers of excellence. Commenting on the partnership. Priya Kapoor-Hingorani, managing director, MiltenyiBiotec India, said, 'The potential of India draws us. Our partnership with BIRAC focuses on updating and upskilling scientists to strengthen the country's scientific capabilities and infrastructure. Together, we're exploring how to address current unmet needs in medical science, particularly in areas like autoimmune and rare diseases by enhancing access through innovative mechanisms such as point-of-care CAR-T and graft engineering. ' BIRAC managing director Dr Jitendra Kumar said the LOI was inked with Miltenyi, an MNC that is known for its expertise in CGT, as India is aspiring to become a global leader in this space and to achieve that goal it requires a strong foundation of skilled manpower.
