CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Chandigarh, celebrated “One Week, One Lab” programme during 19-24 June 2023. The programme was inaugurated by Hon’ble Governor of Punjab & Administrator of Chandigarh Shri Banwarilal Purohit. During the event he also inaugurated, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility, which is a ‘National Repository of Microbial Cell Banks for Biopharmaceutical products’ in CSIR-IMTECH.
The facility is envisioned to provide globally recognised cell banks and expression systems used for development and production of biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotherapeutics, and biosimilars to the industries, start-ups, entrepreneurs, MSMEs as well as research organisations.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Governor Shri Banwarilal Purohit indicated that there is a strong need that public health research in India should prioritise its focus on disease burden in the Indian context. The multi-disciplinary research programme of CSIR-IMTECH supports both basic research and applied research in the broad areas of microbial biotechnology. He also applauded the efforts of CSIR-IMTECH which has excelled in frontier areas of modern microbiology and provided the biotech industry with the highest quality of services and innovative solutions in microbial biotechnology.
Dr (Mrs) N Kalaiselvi, DG-CSIR & Secretary DSIR, who joined the event online welcomed and thanked the Governor for gracing the event. She exhorted the scientists to take the path of integrated research and development for microbial technology by amalgamating basic and applied research programmes with the vision to translate the research outcomes into products for the unmet needs of society in general and medical fraternity, in particular.
Dr Sanjeev Khosla, Director, IMTECH, while welcoming the Hon’ble Governor, apprised Shri Banwarilal Purohit about the various events that are being organised under the “One Week, One Lab” programme.
CSIR-IMTECH organised different Skill Development programmes during the “One Week, One Lab” — Skill Vigyan Training Program in Life Science & Biotechnology, Summer Research Internship Program, Shadow A Scientist program, Workshop on Advances in Bioprocess Technologies and programmes under Jigyasa. International Yoga Day was also celebrated on 21 June.
On 23 June 2023, CSIR-IMTECH in collaboration with Punjab Biotechnology Incubator organised a Life Sciences Startup Meet to ensure necessary convergence and synergy in various Central and State programmes for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and startup-driven research ecosystem. More than 50 startups participated in the event from different regions of the Tricity and Punjab.
Dr Ajit Dua, CEO of Punjab Biotechnology Incubator (PBTI), gave an overview of the startup support ecosystem available at PBTI that will help connect entrepreneurs with a global network of venture capital, angel funds and mentors. Dr Ajay Srivastava, Director of STPI, shared his views on the facilities available for startups in the domain of Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics at STPI Mohali. Mr Deepindar Dhillon, Joint Director, Department of Technology, Govt of Punjab, shared his views with startups on initiatives of the Punjab Govt to support startups and strengthen entrepreneurship culture in the region.
During the event, success stories and entrepreneurial journeys were also shared by founders of different startups. Additionally, they also applauded the efforts of PBTI & IMTECH to give them a platform to network with peers, and leaders and discuss ideas, issues, mentoring and opportunities with scientists. Senior leaders from BIRAC & Startup India also shared their views on the efforts taken by the Government of India to provide funding opportunities for startups during different stages of their progression. A distinguished panel of speakers from the industry and angel networks suggested the different mechanisms under which startups should work and raise funding.
CSIR-IMTECH concluded its weeklong celebration of the campaign on 24 June 2023 in the presence of the DG of CSIR Dr N Kalaiselvi. She congratulated scientists and researchers from IMTECH for conducting a well-coordinated week-long programme that brought a paradigm shift in looking for scientific solutions as per the needs of the society. Dr Kalaiselvi said, “IMTECH has also fulfilled its Scientific Social Responsibility by organising different Skill Development programmes during the programme.” Later, she presented certificates to students who participated in Jigyasa and skill development programmes conducted during the week.
An MOU was also signed during the event with Punjab Biotechnology Incubator (PBTI) for giving a thrust to the startup ecosystem in the region. Institute also signed two more MoUs, one with Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) & the other one with Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) to facilitate the exchange of ideas, training, internship and boost skill development initiatives.
Dr Sanjeev Khosla, Director CSIR-IMTECH, presented the summary of the week-long programme to the audience and lauded the efforts of all IMTECH staff for their efforts in making it a success. He termed “One Week, One Lab” as a milestone in IMTECH’s glorious history of 39 years in terms of networking and taking Science to the common man.
Dr S Karthikeyan, Chief Scientist and Chairman of “One Week, One Lab” as part of his valedictory address thanked the efforts of the organising committee and the support staff who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth execution of this programme.
