Department of Biotechnology, CCT, CGC Landran, successfully organised BioStart 2.0, the second edition of a capacity-building programme on bioentrepreneurship and building bioentrepreneurial resilience, in campus.
The event brought together renowned experts, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to inspire and equip students with the tools to excel in bioentrepreneurship. Dr. Ajit Dua, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Punjab Biotechnology Incubator (PBTI), graced the event as Chief Guest.
She inaugurated the event in the presence of Dr. P.N. Hrisheekesha, Campus Director, CGC Landran, Dr. Palki Sahib Kaur, Director–Principal, CCT-CGC Landran and members of faculty. Delivering her remarks she highlighted various collaborations between PBTI and universities, across India, as well as the extensive facilities available at the incubator to support the growth of biotech startups and encourage bioentrepreneurs.
Mr. Manjit Singh Nijjar, Vice Chairman, MSME Promotion Council of India for FDI Trade and Vice President of the Indo-British Trade Council U.K. for Punjab, as the Guest of Honour, encouraged students to think globally and expand their entrepreneurial ventures beyond borders, particularly through international connections and partnerships.
Special guests including Mr. Salil Kaplash, Startup Coordinator at Startup Punjab and Mr. Hitesh Kumar Gulati, Founder of Diversity Ace Business Consulting in Mohali, engaged with the participants through interactive sessions.
While Mr. Kaplash discussed various initiatives undertaken by Startup Punjab for strengthening the startup ecosystem in Punjab, Mr. Gulati delivered an engaging lecture on the challenges faced by startups, specifically in the biotechnology sector.
This was followed by a panel discussion featuring startup leaders from the biotech industry including Dr. Vipasha Sharma, CEO, MKelly Biotech Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. Gowri, Founder, Gowriz Skincare Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Anmol Bhatia, Founder and Director, BANC Bio-Polymers Pvt. Ltd.; and Mr. Jainendra Jain, Co-Founder, Invigorate Biotechnologies.
The highlight of BioStart 2.0 was the idea pitching competition which saw students from the department of Biotechnology, CGC Landran, presenting their innovative ideas to the invited guest panel.
The first position was bagged by team ‘Ancient Essence,’ comprising BSc. Biotechnology students Saloni Thakur, Shine, Sabhya, and Rimmi. The second prize was won by Madhav pursuing a BSc. (Hons.) Microbiology from CCT, CGC Landran.