16.2.21

Government to set up 10 biotech clusters to boost research

Seeking to establish India as a bio-manufacturing hub and create a strong research ecosystem in the country, the Centre has announced multiple initiatives including setting up of 10 biotech URJIT (University Research Joint Industry Translational) clusters to synergise resources between research labs and industries, forming umbrella structures in nine cities for better coordination among R&D institutions and focusing on identified national priority thrust areas under National Research Foundation.

The NRF, which got a budget allocation of Rs.50,000 crore for five years, will be governed by a board appointed by the PM, and consist of accomplished and eminent researchers and professionals. It will build on existing national strengths in research and innovation, and fill gaps in the current research and education ecosystem.

“The NRF as an autonomous body envisaged to support researchers working across several streams of science & technology with special focus on universities,” said Union minister Harsh Vardhan.

Each URJIT cluster will be established in a way that they will serve one of the sustainable development goals through frontier research. Collaboration among university, national research labs, industry, incubators and start-ups, the clusters will promote and ensure seamless translation of knowledge from “laboratory to market”.

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