IIT Mandi launches BioNEST Catalyst Centre backed by BIRAC’s Rs 5 crore grant

New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has announced the establishment of the BioNEST-IIT Mandi Catalyst Centre, an initiative sponsored by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).

With an initial funding of Rs 5 Crore, this centre aims to nurture entrepreneurial ventures in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors, focusing on addressing social, economic, and ecological challenges unique to India.

The BioNEST-IIT Mandi Catalyst Centre’s primary objective is to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in biotechnology and healthcare. Positioned in the Himalayan region, the centre aims to become a hub of excellence, attracting national and international attention and partnerships. Leveraging IIT Mandi’s access to diverse biodiversity and traditional medicinal knowledge, the initiative will address regional and global health challenges.

The centre will focus on two main areas: healthcare innovation and biotechnology. In healthcare innovation, the centre will develop solutions for disease detection, affordable healthcare, medical devices, prosthetics, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. In biotechnology, the centre will explore new avenues in medical science, drug discovery, biotechnology applications, bioactive compounds, supplements, and functional foods for health and wellness.

The BioNEST-IIT Mandi Catalyst Centre will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure for advanced research and development, leveraging expertise from engineering, biological sciences, and healthcare to foster multidisciplinary innovation. Located in Himachal Pradesh, the centre will benefit from the region’s rich biodiversity and traditional medicinal knowledge. The centre will collaborate closely with regional healthcare stakeholders, government agencies, industry partners, and local communities to create a dynamic ecosystem for impactful research.

Dr. Satvasheel Ramesh Powar, Faculty-in-charge at IIT Mandi Catalyst, emphasized the centre’s potential for fostering entrepreneurial opportunities. “The BioNEST-IIT Mandi Catalyst Centre will support business ventures in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors that can generate significant economic opportunities by creating jobs. The centre will enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange by establishing strong networks among entrepreneurs, investors, industry partners, and academic institutions. In addition, the centre is committed to promoting sustainable development by encouraging startups to pioneer environmentally friendly technologies and solutions,” he said.

The BioNEST-IIT Mandi Catalyst Centre will provide vital incubation support to startups, offering funding, mentorship, and access to advanced facilities. By fostering innovation, the centre aims to develop cutting-edge solutions that tackle both regional and global health challenges. The initiative will also enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Himalayan region, contributing to sustainable development and economic growth.

With the establishment of the BIRAC-sponsored BioNEST at IIT Mandi, budding entrepreneurs in the biotechnology sector will have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and expert mentorship.