On Monday, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the first BioNEST incubator at the Industrial Biotechnology Park located in Ghatti, Kathua district, Jammu & Kashmir. This facility marks a significant milestone for the region, symbolizing the dawn of a new era in scientific innovation and economic advancement.
During the event, organized by the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine in Jammu, Dr. Singh expressed that this day would be historic for both Kathua and the Jammu region. He emphasized that the incubator would provide valuable exposure to local youth, helping them adopt a fresh perspective towards entrepreneurship.
Dr. Singh noted that prior to this development, the concept of incubation and the significance of biotech parks were relatively unknown in the area. To fully understand the importance of this new incubator, he urged the community to grasp the underlying idea and necessity of such a center. He highlighted that the trend of incubation centers began in India around 2014, when numerous similar facilities were launched nationwide, fostering a wave of new startups. However, he acknowledged that in this particular region, many still relied heavily on government employment.
Recollecting the inception of the biotechnology park, Dr. Singh mentioned that it was the eleventh such facility established in India, with its foundation laid during 2014-2015. He asserted that the BioNEST incubator at Kathua would play a crucial role in forming a thriving ecosystem that would drive regional growth in the coming years. Equipped with advanced facilities for distillation, fermentation, plant tissue cultures, genetic processing, and diverse laboratories, the center aims to support around 25 startups annually.
Looking ahead, Dr. Singh predicted that future economic growth would stem from unexplored sectors, positioning the biotechnology park at Kathua as a leading force in regional development. He noted that the biotechnology sector holds immense potential, particularly in the Himalayan region, which remains largely untapped. This makes the area”s natural resources an attractive option for investment and career opportunities for the youth.
The new facility is not only intended to benefit Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh but also aims to attract innovation and entrepreneurship from neighboring states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Dr. Singh revealed that six startups have already been registered and will receive comprehensive training and incubation support from the Kathua facility.
Pointing out the region”s abundant bio-resources and youthful demographic, Dr. Singh commended the Department of Biotechnology and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council for their financial support in establishing this infrastructure. He also expressed gratitude to the CSIR-IIIM team for their mentorship throughout the project”s development. The Minister called for enhanced collaboration between the central government, state institutions, and research organizations, embodying the essence of cooperative federalism.
