Karnataka revised biotech policy: Investment subsidy of upto Rs 10 cr; biofoundries in PPP mode

The policy also called for the development of a strong and skilled workforce with a 'vision to inspire and aspire'

Karnataka is gearing up to position itself as the next global hub for clinical trials, as outlined in the revised biotechnology policy unveiled on November 29.

The draft policy, revealed at the Bengaluru Tech Summit, centers on 'Transformation through impactful Implementation,' aiming to elevate growth from a linear trajectory to an exponential one, quadrupling the overall bioeconomy of the state.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, said, "Karnataka was the pioneer in introducing a biotech policy in 2001. This policy revision reflects our commitment to staying ahead of the curve and fostering growth in this critical sector."

The policy articulates its goals, stating, "Promote Karnataka as the next global clinical trials hub and the next big thing in genomics, known as 'A Crack-in-Creation'— the ability of researchers to write, i.e., edit, more accurately proofread and modify genomes."

Also read: Bengaluru Tech Summit: Karnataka to unveil revised AVGC-XR and biotech policies, says CM Siddaramaiah

Additionally, the policy introduces several incentives, including a biomanufacturing unit investment subsidy of up to Rs 10 crore, reimbursement of up to 50 percent of expenses incurred for procuring high-end equipment for cutting-edge R&D (up to Rs 10 lakh), reimbursement of lease rental for startups and MSMEs (upto 5 lakh), employment generation incentive upto Rs 50,000 per fresher employed, and reimbursement of internship Stipend upto Rs 5000 per internee.

The policy also offers increased benefits for the costs associated with project report or valuation report preparation, obtaining standardisation certificates, and marketing incentives.

The policy advocates for the establishment of high-tech biotech clusters (5 – 10 acres), encouraging developed industries to set up manufacturing units and support startups and SMEs with plug-and-play facilities.

Further, it proposes the creation of greenfield biofoundries in PPP mode to address the growing demands of growth-stage companies for GMP pilot plant and scale-up facilities.

In an effort to support entrepreneurship, the policy offers a fellowship of Rs 50,000 per month for 12 months to graduating students or professionals with experience, aiming to facilitate the establishment of successful startups and mitigate entrepreneurial risks.

The policy also envisions the establishment of a rural biotechnological innovation and application centre to promote the concept of 'bio-village' and support innovations with social impact in the areas of healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

Identifying 10 emerging technology areas in biotechnology, the policy focuses on bio-agriculture (climate-resilient crops), marine biotechnology (seaweed culture), synthetic biology, and bio-derived structural materials, medical devices and diagnostics, AI & ML in biotechnology, 3D bioprinting and organoids, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), multi-omics, cell and gene therapies, and space biotechnology. The state government commits to continue supporting research, development, and commercialization efforts in these areas.

The policy also called for the development of a strong and skilled workforce with a 'vision to inspire and aspire.' It aims to achieve this by building IBAB and CHG together as a university of global standing through enhanced infrastructure and financial support.