Manipal 02^nd May 2022: Department of Biotechnology’s Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) supported BioNEST facility inaugurated today at Manipal - Government of Karnataka Bioincubator (Technology Business Incubator of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal), by Dr. Ranjan R Pai, Chairman, Manipal Education, and Medical Group (MEMG), Bangalore, Dr. Manish Diwan, DGM & Head - Strategy Partnership & Entrepreneurship Development, BIRAC, New Delhi, Dr. H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, Manipal, Vice Chancellor, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, MAHE  along with MAHE Officials.

Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is a not-for-profit Section 8, Schedule B, Public Sector Enterprise, the set up by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India as an Interface Agency to strengthen and empower the emerging Biotech enterprise to undertake strategic research and innovation, addressing nationally relevant product development needs. BioNEST (Bioincubators Nurturing Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies) is a dedicated scheme of BIRAC that supports the creation of globally competent bioincubation facilities across the country. BioNEST scheme supports specialized incubation centers to cater to Biotech entrepreneurs, and startups with access to relevant instruments, mentorship, access to experts, angels, VCs, and IP and regulatory guidance. This scheme is also aligned with the National mission programmes such as Startup India and Make in India. Through the BioNEST scheme, BIRAC has supported specialized 64 bioincubators in 18 states with a cumulative area of over 7,00,000 sq. ft. The 64 bioincubators are placed either within academic/research Institutes, medical hospitals, Biotech clusters or as stand‐alone incubators that are supported by private, Central, or State Governments

BioNEST Incubation facility at MAHE, Manipal, promotes technology innovations for the development of knowledge-based enterprises with successful business models.  Bioincubator provides world-class faculties, infrastructure, and services for the incubation of start-ups in various domains of biopharma, biomedical devices, dental innovation, biotechnology, healthcare, and diagnostics.

Bioincubator programs are open for all innovators across the globe and have various flexible incubation programs such as pre-Incubation, co-incubation, virtual incubation, and full-time incubation programs for proof of concept, and testing, validation, trials, and commercial operation.

Inaugurated BionEST facility of 10 000 sq. ft. located at the heart of MAHE, Manipal, consists of dedicated and shared laboratories, offices, well-equipped instrumentation Electronics Testing Facility, FAB Labs, Microfluidic Lab, Class 100 Clean Room, Co-working Space, Office Spaces Board Room, Meeting Rooms, Cafeteria, and other amenities for the start-ups. In addition, In addition to this, the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) also support incubates with access to Central Equipment Facilities, Mentors & Experts. BioNEST provides various services in technology management, IP management, technology transfer, business plan development, prototype development, refinement, grants support assistance, and market evaluation of innovative technology ideas. BioNEST - Manipal-GoK Bioincubator strives to provide facilities to a network of professional service providers for accounting, IP, legal, corporate, regulatory, and other management expertise based on the incubate requirements.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ranjan Pai mentioned that Manipal is the land of entrepreneurs and the new BioNEST facility at MAHE supported by BIRAC will go a long way in promoting entrepreneurship in this region in the coming years.

Dr. Manish Diwan said “BIRAC is India’s leading flagship scheme to promote startups, entrepreneurs, and industry. BIRAC supports the development of globally competitive, innovative products and technologies, and considering the Manipal’s dedicated support, I am sure that BioNEST facility at MAHE will attain greater heights”. 

Dr. H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor said “I am pleased to note that BioNEST facility of BIRAC, Government of India, is now established at MAHE, Manipal.  Along with the previously established Manipal-Government of Karnataka Bioincubator, this new endeavor is a feather in the cap to promote start-ups and entrepreneurship”

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, mentioned that “MAHE with the breadth of specialized programs is an ideal place to groom and grow entrepreneurs, and towards this, the innovation ecosystem is in place at Manipal.  These include Technology Business Incubator and Innovation Centre.  In the Biotechnology innovation landscape, BioNEST facility by BIRAC at MAHE, Manipal, will immensely enhance interdisciplinary startups along with Manipal-Government of Karnataka Bioincubator and we are committed to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship for the public at large”.    

Dr. Manesh Thomas, CEO of Bioincubator highlighted that BIRAC support strengthens the ecosystem, and we were able to add more facilities to incubates. Our current capacity has increased to 54 start-ups with the addition of BioNEST. Through various programs of BIRAC currently, 16 start-ups are benefitted.