Govt of Karnataka & C-CAMP launch Phase II of K-SAP to propel 85 biotech startups

New Delhi: The Government of Karnataka, in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), has announced the second phase of the Karnataka Startup Advancement Programme (K-SAP).

Building on the success of the initial phase, which supported 50 biotech startups across healthcare, agriculture, and the environment, the new phase aims to assist 85 startups from Karnataka, boosting their chances of market success.

The programme offers comprehensive mentorship, funding access, and networking opportunities, tailored to guide life sciences startups from early stages to scalable, commercial success. Key elements include deep-dive mentorship, assistance with IP and regulatory matters, and various networking events and workshops. Applications for K-SAP Phase II are open until September 5, 2024. Interested startups can apply through the K-SAP portal.

Karnataka, recognized as a leading biotech hub in India, is home to 60% of the nation’s biotech industries. With global startup success rates at just 10%, and biotech startups facing additional challenges such as resource demands and lengthy development periods, structured support systems are crucial. K-SAP is designed to provide this support, focusing on removing technical and business bottlenecks to help startups reach commercialization. Launched in 2018, K-SAP aims to enhance the global competitiveness and sustainability of bio startups from the state. 

The announcement was made by Priyank Kharge, Minister of ITBT, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj; Dr. Ekroop Caur, Principal Secretary of the Department of ITBT and S&T; Parnika Pavanram, General Manager of the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society; and Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed, Director-CEO of C-CAMP.

Kharge emphasized, “The Government of Karnataka is committed to accelerating the biotech sector and supporting biotech startups. Karnataka contributes to nearly one-fifth of the country’s bioeconomy. C-CAMP has been at the heart of Bengaluru’s bio-entrepreneurship ecosystem, supporting and nurturing young entrepreneurs to innovate, incubate, and drive change. K-SAP startups will not only foster innovative solutions but also contribute to economic growth, create jobs, and elevate Karnataka and India’s presence in the global market.”

Dr. Caur noted, “Karnataka in particular has a thriving biotech startup ecosystem. We had 202 new ventures being registered as startups in biotech alone in the last financial year which only underlines the underlying talent and hunger to solve real-world problems in budding entrepreneurs and also the importance of biotech as a critical sector for human progress and well-being.”

Dr. Saiyed expressed, “We are delighted to enter into Phase II of K-SAP. We are thankful to the Department of ITBT, GoK for their continued support. What unites us all is the common purpose of harnessing scientific advancements to solve people’s problems. We look forward to working with exciting ideas from Karnataka and helping them realize their true potential.”