National Bio Entrepreneurship Competition | 20 Aug 2021

Why in News

Recently, the Department of Biotechnology has launched the fifth edition of the National Bio Entrepreneurship Competition (NBEC).

  • NBEC is conducted as a part of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) Regional Entrepreneurship Centre, established at Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) in partnership with BIRAC.
    • BIRAC is a Public Sector Enterprise, set up by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP)

  • C-CAMP is one of the centers for technology-based innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of life sciences under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
  • It intends to develop state-of-the-art technologies and to provide training on these technologies to academia and industry.

Key Points

  • About NBEC:
    • It is India’s largest and most prestigious national competition for bio-entrepreneurs.
    • First Launched in 2017, NBEC has emerged as a flagship platform for bio-entrepreneurs and innovators in India to showcase their deep science driven ideas and has created a great impact.
    • It is held annually to identify and nurture deep science-driven business ideas in the life sciences domain that have the potential to break new ground in addressing societal challenges.
  • Prize:
    • It gives an unprecedented sum of Rs 8.5 crore in cash prizes and investment opportunities this year for winners.
  • Investment Partners:
    • Over 30 industry and investment partners have come forward to encourage and support bio-entrepreneurship in India through this competition.
  • Achievements:
    • NBEC in four years has created a repository of over 1,000 carefully vetted and expert hand-picked business ideas spanning all sub-domains of life Sciences.
      • Special focus was given on healthcare, agriculture and environment, with a special focus on emerging areas like digital health, maternal & child health, antimicrobial resistance, water and sanitation, green chemistry, and personal care.
    • This has built a steady pipeline of innovative technologies with demonstrated commercial viability.

Source: DTE