The FABA Life Sciences Innovation Cluster Meet 2024, was held at the School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad. It brought together industry leaders, academia, and policymakers to discuss and promote the advancement of life sciences.
Dr. E Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, IFS Spl Secy, VC&MD, TSIIC, Govt. of Telangana, spoke on the state's initiatives to create a conducive environment for life sciences innovation. He highlighted the strategic importance of Telangana as a hub for biotech and pharmaceutical industries and the government's efforts to attract global investments.
K Raja Bhanu, Director General of Pharmexcil, discussed the role of export councils in facilitating international collaborations. He highlighted how Pharmexcil supports Indian pharmaceutical companies in expanding their global footprint and enhancing innovation capabilities.
Frank P Talluto, Chief of the Political and Economic Section, U.S. Department of State emphasised the role of international collaborations in addressing global health challenges. He discussed the importance of cross-border research initiatives and shared insights into successful partnerships between U.S. institutions and Indian counterparts.
Dr. Jitendra Kumar Managing Director of BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council), from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, emphasised India's role as a nurturing ground for bio ventures, offering a 'soft landing' for biotech firms and expressed optimism about the funding landscape for startup Biotech's transitioning from a winter phase to a promising spring. He announced to work closely with FABA on the National level
Prof. Pallu Reddanna, Professor Emeritus at the School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, and Executive President of FABA emphasised the significance of the meeting in bridging the gap between academia and industry, thereby catalysing innovation in the life sciences sector.
Prof. Anand Kumar Kondapi, Senior Professor and Dean of the School of Life Sciences highlighted the pivotal role that academic institutions play in nurturing innovation and the importance of equipping the next generation of scientists with the skills and knowledge required to drive the sector forward.
Former Director of IISc and Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad speaking at the closing ceremony shared his insights on the evolution of the life sciences sector in India, emphasising the need for continued collaboration between academia, industry, and government to address global challenges and advance scientific discovery.
The meeting had a couple of panel discussions. Global Collaborations for Promoting Life Sciences Ecosystem was moderated by Chakravarthy AVPS, Chairman of FOPE, TG & AP, Advisor, International Affairs FABA, focused on the theme "Global Collaborations for Promoting Life Sciences Ecosystem."
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the FABA Lifetime Achievement Award and Dr B S Bajaj Memorial FABA Excellence Award.
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