Biocon Group participated at the recently concluded Global Bio-India 2024 (GBI 2024), a Government of India initiative under the Department of Biotechnology. The 4th Edition of the GBI 2024, held during September 12-14 in New Delhi witnessed a large representation from key stakeholders in the biotechnology sector, demonstrating India’s biotech potential to the world.
In response to modern challenges demanding cleaner, greener, and climate-resilient solutions, biotechnology offers scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly methods to meet human needs for food, energy, and healthcare.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw emphasizes Biotech’s all-encompassing role
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon and Biocon Biologics, in her inaugural day speech at GBI 2024 underlined Biotechnology’s wide role in various aspects of human endeavour.
“More than ever before, biology has become the new frontier—a realm where we are pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and capability in ways that were once unimaginable. One of the clearest areas where biology is opening new frontiers is in medicine. We are witnessing a revolution in healthcare, driven by advances in genetics, omics, RNA and CRISPR gene-editing technology, to deliver unprecedented precision and personalized medicine. This holds the potential to cure genetic diseases that have plagued families for generations,” Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said.
She added that “advances in agricultural biotechnology, such as genetically modified crops that are more resistant to drought, disease, and pests, are helping to feed the world’s growing population while reducing the strain on the planet.”
On the emerging area of synthetic biology, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said it allows us to engineer organisms that can clean up organic and inorganic pollution, produce biofuels, and even create biodegradable materials.
“Biology promises a future that is more sustainable, more resilient, and more responsive to the global challenges we face,” she concluded.
Biocon Group at GBI 2024
Biomanufacturing was the central theme of Global Bio-India 2024, which showcased the sector’s potential and impact on the Bioeconomy.
Shreehas Tambe, CEO & MD, Biocon Biologics, spoke about how India is showcasing its expertise in biomanufacturing by producing high-quality, cost-effective biosimilars, and positioning the country as a global destination for high-end biopharma manufacturing.
Underlining Biocon Biologics’ role in positioning India on the global biotech map, Shreehas Tambe said: “We have invested significantly in building global-scale manufacturing infrastructure and R&D. To be a global leader, we have also invested in growing our commercial footprint through a major outbound acquisition. The acquisition (of partner Viatris’ biosimilars business) has taken us from being a company with operations in two countries to a global player with a commercial presence in over 120 countries. Our biosimilars are ‘Made in India for the World’.”
Sudhir Nambiar, Head of CMC and Small Molecules at Syngene, shared key insights on the role of the Indian Contract Research Development and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) industry in keeping the country ahead and globally competitive in this space.
“To stay in synergy globally, it’s crucial that policymakers support the CRDMO industry with modern infrastructure, regulatory enablement, and improved ease of doing business. They should support the creation of an ecosystem that encourages collaboration, innovation, discovery, development, and manufacturing of novel biologics, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), affordable cell & gene therapies, etc. This will allow us to fully leverage the opportunities arising from the passage of the U.S. Biosecure Act,” Dr. Nambiar said.
As a key player in the global biotechnology space, Biocon Group supported GBI 2024 as a Platinum sponsor.
Science & Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh at GBI 2024
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, inaugurated GBI 2024 on September 12, 2024.
Dr Singh said the launch of the Bio E3 policy has come at a crucial juncture of the evolution of the Indian biotech industry, and it will go a long way in creating a clean, green, and prosperous India.
Dr. Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary, DBT, DG, iBRIC, Chairman, BIRAC; Dr Alka Sharma, Senior Adviser and Scientist, DBT; Dr G.S. Krishnan, President, ABLE; Dr Jitendra Kumar, MD, BIRAC were also present at the event.
GBI 2024 brought together key biotechnology stakeholders, including the government, industry, international bodies, regulatory agencies, SMEs, research organizations, academia, and investors.
A Blog by Biocon 