Punjab having identified Biotechnology as the key driver for economic development of the state has inked an MoU with Department of Biotechnology (DBT)-Biotechnology Industry Assistance Council (BIRAC) to jointly promote biotechnology innovation ecosystem in the state to meet space, service and knowledge requirement of the sector.Principal Secretary Science, Technology & Environment and Chairman Punjab State Biotech Corporation RK Verma signed the MoU with Managing Director, BIRAC Dr. Mohd. Aslam in the presence of Secretary to Government of India, DBT and Chairperson BIRAC Dr. Renu Swarup during the mega event ‘Global Bio- India 2019’ held at New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Minister of Science & Technology and Health & Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan.Sharing state government’s vision & strategic roadmap for holistic development of Biotech sector during the event, Verma said that handholding of BIRAC would help Punjab in emerging as Global Biotech destination. Dr. Swarup lauded Punjab’s initiatives and emphasized the importance of contribution of States in achieving the goal of 100 billion dollar economy by 2025 by India.Notably, Punjab participated as Partner State in this mega event which witnessed the presence of over 3000 delegates and experts from more than 30 countries. The state showcased its existing strengths in the area of Biotechnology and future initiatives in pipeline.