C-CAMP launches unique Life Science Entrepreneurship Development Programme

New Delhi: The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), India’s leading biotech research and innovation hub, has taken a turn at education and upskilling through a new initiative, Life Science Entrepreneurship Development Programme or Life-ED.

The unique programme is aimed at promoting life sciences research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the Indian academic community, beginning with Bengaluru as the first region of interest.

The program was launched in C-CAMP premises on February 06, 2024 by Dr Taslimarif Saiyed, Director-CEO, C-CAMP, Prof. L S Shashidhara, Director, National Centre for Biological Sciences, NCBS and G S Krishnan, President, Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises in presence of leadership from 11 of the city’s top science and technology universities and colleges.

The Life-ED aims to address this gap through a structured program that will engage with academic institutions having a scholarly community of students, teachers, researchers, & academic innovators.

Welcoming the launch, Dr Saiyed emphasized on what makes Life-ED one-of-a-kind. “This program aims to resolve the lack of a structured and integrated approach to promoting life sciences entrepreneurship by strengthening current skill sets and honing problem solving talent.”

Dr L S Sashidhara, Director, NCBS, in his keynote address, underscored the importance of the National Education Policy, “The world is changing quickly and becoming less predictable. It is important that institutions develop programs that hone analytical and critical thinking skills to solve societal problems.”

G S Krishnan, President, ABLE India in his special address highlighted the need for industry to participate in education. He said “We cannot solve local problems through global solutions. It is important to encourage entrepreneurial minds by fostering closer interaction between industry and academia to address local problems.”

Letters of intent were signed between C-CAMP and the following universities and colleges –MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Reva University, Presidency University, JAIN (Deemed-to-be) University, NITTE College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jyothy Institute of Technology, Krupanidhi Group of Institutions, Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College for Women, RV College of Engineering and Al Ameen College of Pharmacy.

Floated independently by C-CAMP, Life-ED is actively looking for partners and supporters for this initiative such as Philanthropists & Organizations (Corporates, Foundations, etc.), with a strong focus on Advancing Science Education, Enhancing Research Skills, and Fostering Life Science Innovations for Societal benefit.