IIT Mandi launches BioNEST Catalyst Centre to Boost Biotech & Healthcare Startups
As IIT Mandi's BioNEST Catalyst Centre begins its operations, it promises to significantly impact the entrepreneurial landscape in the Himalayan region and beyond, driving forward advancements in biotechnology and healthcare while supporting sustainable development goals.
The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) has announced the launch of the BioNEST-IIT Mandi Catalyst Centre, a pioneering initiative supported by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). With an initial funding of ₹5 crore, the center is designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors, leveraging IIT Mandi's unique geographical and academic strengths.
Objectives and Focus Areas
The BioNEST-IIT Mandi Catalyst Centre aims to establish itself as a premier incubation hub for biotechnology and healthcare ventures. Positioned in the Himalayan region, the center seeks to capitalize on the area's rich biodiversity and traditional medicinal knowledge. The primary goals of the initiative include:
Healthcare Innovation:
The center will focus on developing advanced solutions in disease detection, affordable healthcare, medical devices, prosthetics, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
Biotechnology Advancements:
Key areas of exploration will include drug discovery, biotechnology applications, bioactive compounds, supplements, and functional foods aimed at improving health and wellness.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure and Multidisciplinary Collaboration
The BioNEST-IIT Mandi Catalyst Centre will feature cutting-edge infrastructure for research and development, integrating expertise from engineering, biological sciences, and healthcare. The center's strategic location in Himachal Pradesh provides access to diverse biological resources and traditional knowledge, essential for addressing both regional and global health challenges.
The center is expected to collaborate closely with regional healthcare stakeholders, government agencies, industry partners, and local communities to build a dynamic research ecosystem. Its mission includes providing crucial support to startups through funding, mentorship, and access to advanced facilities.
Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Dr Satvasheel Ramesh Powar, Faculty-in-charge of the IIT Mandi Catalyst, emphasized the center’s role in promoting entrepreneurship. "The BioNEST-IIT Mandi Catalyst Centre will not only support biotech and healthcare startups but also create significant economic opportunities by generating jobs. The center is committed to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among entrepreneurs, investors, industry partners, and academic institutions. Additionally, we are dedicated to promoting sustainable development by encouraging startups to develop environmentally friendly technologies and solutions."
Impact on the Biotech Sector
Q: Is IIT Mandi good college?
IIT Mandi has been ranked 33 in Engineering category by NIRF ranking 2023. Moreover, during IIT Mandi placements 2023, the highest and average package offered during IIT Mandi placements in 2023 was INR 60 LPA and INR 25.23 LPA, respectively. IIT Mandi also provides various scholarships to the eligible students. Additionally, the institute has good campus facilities such as library, labs, computing, Advanced Materials Research Centre (AMRC), workshops, sports, health, hostel facilities, etc.
Q: Is it worth doing BTech from IIT Mandi?
IITs are prestigious institutes for technology courses. IIT Mandi stands at 33rd position among the country’s top Engineering colleges as per NIRF 2023 rankings. The institute also has a good placement record. During the IIT Mandi 2023 placements, as per media reports, the highest and average packages offered stood at INR 60 LPA and INR 25.23 LPA, respectively.
Q: Is IIT Mandi good for CSE?
CSE is one of the most popular branches in BTech this technology institute. IIT Mandi is ranked 33rd among the top Engineering colleges in India by NIRF in 2023 rankings. In addition, as per the IIT-M 2023 placements as per media reports, the highest and average package offered stood at INR 60 LPA and INR 25.23 LPA, respectively.
Q: Why are IITs popular in India?
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is a group of Engineering and Technology institutions in India. This network of institutes came into existence in 1950. These institutes run under the guidance of the Ministry of Education and Government of India. There are currently 23 IITs in India across different states of the country. IITs have a reputation that is recognised in India and across the globe.
Over the years, the students graduating from these institutes have grabbed good placement offers from the top industry giants. Some of the key reasons of why one should choose an IIT:
Q: What all extra curricular activities are offered by IIT Mandi?
IIT Mandi love has various co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that ensures a very strong all round development of student's personality. One of the best advantages of being in a new IIT is that almost all students get to play a very important role in the organising of various events, thereby honing their managerial skills.Many groups of like minded students have formed various societies in order to pursue their interests.
The Tech-savvy students have formed various clubs related to Technology. Some of them are as follows:
- Robotics Club: An active society which conducts regular workshops and "RoboWars" for the "Robo" Freaks
- Programming Club: A society, especially for the coders, to explore new possibilities in programming and to put their skills to test at the same time
The BioNEST-IIT Mandi Catalyst Centre is set to become a cornerstone of innovation in the biotechnology field. By providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and expert mentorship, the center aims to nurture the growth of cutting-edge technologies and solutions that address both healthcare and environmental challenges on a global scale.
As IIT Mandi's BioNEST Catalyst Centre begins its operations, it promises to significantly impact the entrepreneurial landscape in the Himalayan region and beyond, driving forward advancements in biotechnology and healthcare while supporting sustainable development goals.
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