The Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) is set to inaugurate the BioNEST Incubator at the Industrial Biotech Park in Kathua on October 27. This initiative, supported by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), aims to foster innovation among agri-entrepreneurs, startups, and scholars across Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and nearby regions.
“Union Minister Jitendra Singh will be the chief guest at the BioInnovation Connect event, where he will officially launch the BioNEST Incubator,” stated CSIR-IIIM Director Zabeer Ahmed during a press briefing.
The incubator is designed to provide essential support and resources to innovators, progressive farmers, and young entrepreneurs not only from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh but also from neighboring states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.
Ahmed elaborated that the incubator will concentrate on various thematic areas, including agri-aroma products, phytopharmaceuticals, and other bio-based innovations, along with offering job-oriented skill development programs.
This event is being organized by CSIR-IIIM and IIIM-TBI, in collaboration with the Science, Technology & Innovation Council of Jammu and Kashmir. It will include a startup meet, skill development activities, and expert discussions on the BioE3 Policy and entrepreneurship in the region.
The Industrial Biotech Park at Ghatti, Kathua, is notable for being North India”s first biotech park, representing a flagship project of the Union Ministry of Science & Technology. This initiative has been closely guided by Singh, who also serves as the Vice President of CSIR-IIIM.
Ahmed emphasized the importance of this incubator in nurturing bioinnovation and promoting entrepreneurship within the region.
