"The ecosystem of Gujarat is ready to promote deep tech areas of biotech product development"

ujarat has more than 200 biotechnology Gamers and a thriving startup ecosystem that includes prominent R&D and educational institutes. Gujarat's biotech sector generates more than Rs 12000 crore revenue and serves as an established biomanufacturing hub. Playing a key role in this direction is the Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission GSBTM) which has completed 20 years. The Government of Gujarat GoG) had established GSBTM in April 2004 under the Department of Science and Technology to facilitate the development of the biotech sector. In conversation with BioSpectrum, Manish Gurwani, Mission Director, Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission elaborates on how GSBTM’s latest biotechnology policy is transforming the sector in Gujarat. Edited excerpts:

- Ankit Kankar

How does the GSBTM plan to leverage infrastructure and incentives under the current policy to position the state as a globally competitive biotechnology hub?

Known for its entrepreneurship spirit, Gujarat has continued to be one of the preferred investment destinations for Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), Good Governance Index (GGI), Energy & Climate Index, Startup & LEADS ranking. The state contributes 40 per cent to India’s total cargo throughput with ~8.2 per cent in India’s GDP (as on FY2022-23 on current price). The state accounts for $12 billion (2023) with 8 per cent share of Bioeconomy, way above ~4 per cent state-wise average contribution of Bio-economy, amongst top 5 states of India in terms of Bio-economy contributors. This is the result of its top-class trunk and core infrastructure coupled with a safe and sound social environment in attracting top entrepreneurs from various parts of the country and abroad.

Gujarat showed great foresight, by setting up a dedicated mission office two decades ago, the Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) followed by eco-system strengthening initiatives like Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU) – Asia’s first ever dedicated biotechnology university and one of the top 5 public incubators Savli Technology and Business Incubator (STBI) with dedicated biotechnology parks for greenfield and brownfield spaces. These initiatives indicate Gujarat’s readiness to attract top biotech players in one of the thriving biotech ecosystems. GSBTM not only operates different schemes for facilitation of biotechnology, but is also the single window clearance office for all purposes, bringing in ease of doing business.