JU, JKSTIC organizes one-day workshop on “Startups and Skill Development: Translational Research from Lab to Market”

Jammu November 05: The School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the JK Science Technology & Innovation Council (JKSTIC), successfully organized a one-day workshop on “Startups and Skill Development: Translational Research from Lab to Market” on at School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu. The event brought together scientists, academicians, entrepreneurs to encourage research scholars, and students to leverage their scientific research and knowledge into viable startup ventures and market-ready innovations.

The event was inaugurated by Prof. J. P. Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address Prof. Joorel highlighted the need to integrate research outcomes with the entrepreneurship initiatives to boost innovation - driven growth in the region. He underscored the importance of the one-day workshop “Lab to Land,” and stated that the three key pillars of academic and scientific growth are teaching, research, and the extension of research through its transformation into field applications. He emphasized that the true value of research is realized when ideas are translated into tangible outcomes.

Prof. Joorel highlighted that researchers should strive to transform their research journey into market-ready innovations and tangible products. He encouraged converting laboratory insights into viable business models, noting that translational research plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between startups and skill development. He appreciated the School of Biotechnology and JKSTIC for organizing such events and extended his support in organising such events in future.

The Guest of Honour, Prof. Yash pal Sharma, Dean Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Jammu delivered an insightful address highlighting the true value of scientific research lies not in discovery, but in its translation into products and processes that benefit society. He encouraged students and researchers to think beyond publications and patents, focusing instead on the real-world applications of their work and pursuing a visionary, goal-oriented career path. He explained that the concept of translational research represents a symbiotic combination of the bench and the field, emphasizing the importance of translating laboratory outcomes from the field to the market. Prof. Sharma highlighted that India’s true strength lies in research across diverse domains such as agriculture, medical sciences, and others, noting that the nation currently ranks fourth globally in terms of economy and, with persistence and collaboration across disciplines, is poised to reach the third position soon. Prof. Sharma also noted that the government has been supporting the startups, contributing significantly to the bioeconomy and promoting translational research, and concluded by emphasizing that success in these endeavours requires trusted leadership and personal discipline.

Earlier, Prof. Sanjana Kaul, Director School of Biotechnology and Convenor of the workshop, welcomed the dignitaries and the participants. She reaffirmed the vision of Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor of the University and thanked him for encouraging conduct of such events in the Campus reinforcing the University of Jammu’s commitment to fostering innovation, and development, and entrepreneurship in alignment with national scientific and economic goals. She elaborated on the theme of the workshop and spoke about its objectives that is to sensitise young researchers to opportunities in biotech entrepreneurship, to enhance innovation driven skills, and to promote a startup ecosystem within academic institutions. She emphasised that in today’s rapidly changing world, the interface between academia and industry is becoming increasingly vital. As we nurture young minds in science and technology, it is equally important to cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit and skill development that can empower them to transform innovative ideas into viable enterprises. The organisation of such workshops is an effort to ignite that spark — to motivate our budding scientists to see themselves not only as researchers, but also as innovators, creators, and problem-solvers who can contribute to the nation’s growth.

The technical Sessions included talks by two eminent invited speakers : In the first technical session Dr. Saurabh Saran, Senior Principal Scientist, Fermentation and Microbial Biotechnology Division, Head , IIIM-Technology Business Incubator, and OSD Industrial Biotech Parks (UT of J&K). He delivered an insightful lecture on “Development of an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem to Support Agri-based Startups in J&K,” highlighting successful stories of lab-to-market transition and the pivotal role of incubators, such as BioNEST, in nurturing biotechnology startups. He discussed the key challenges faced by startups, including the lack of innovation and entrepreneurship, limited investment opportunities, and issues related to the ease of doing business. Dr. Saran also emphasized the advantages offered by government initiatives. He elaborated on the mandate of bio-incubators and the startup incubation model, explaining the application process, selection criteria, and key funding sources available to entrepreneurs. Furthermore, he addressed the legal aspects of establishing a startup company and outlined the various stages of funding and the role of different agencies across the entire value chain. He also highlighted the facilities available at C.S.I.R. IIIM, Jammu for fostering startup culture. The session was chaired by Prof. B. K Bajaj, School of Biotechnology.

The second session followed into an immersive and interactive session by Dr. Khalid Masoodi, Associate Professor/Senior Scientist, Division of Plant Biotechnology, SKUAST-Kashmir,Director Cashmir BioTech Pvt. Ltd, SKIIE, SKUAST Kashmir and also a distinguished alumnus of the School of Biotechnology, JU who shared his entrepreneurial journey and insights into building research – driven biotech enterprises. He spoke about his startup Cashmir BioTech Pvt. Ltd. His presentation focused on innovative approaches for agricultural biotechnology entrepreneurship and the integration of research outcomes into sustainable business models. He established his startup in September 2022 under the Government of India’s Make in India and Self-Reliant India initiatives. The company’s flagship product, Magic Food Taxo, is a patented functional food supplement containing an anticancer molecule, TaxO, derived from an underutilized edible plant native to Kashmir. Clinically proven to alleviate prostate cancer, benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), it works by targeting the Androgen Receptor and has shown tumor reduction and improved survival in preclinical models. Other notable products of his venture include Iron Revive Herb (a natural iron supplement), ZincMag Natural (for uric acid management), and Isabgol Psyllium Husk Powder (a fiber supplement). Backed by over ₹12 crore in research funding, Dr. Masoodi exemplifies how translational research can drive entrepreneurship, strengthen the bioeconomy, and transform scientific ideas into impactful, real-world solutions. This session was chaired by Prof. Madhulika Bhagat, School of Biotechnology.

Following his presentation, Dr. Masoodi conducted a hands-on session in which students were asked to complete the Lean Canvas provided by him. The template was designed to help them develop the documentation for their startup and consisted of various sections relevant to development of a startup eg Problem, Solution, Unique Value Proposition, Unfair Advantage, Customer Segments, etc. The session gave participants a real time feel of preparing and submitting a startup.

The workshop concluded with an engaging interaction session where participants discussed challenges and opportunities in translational research and startup ventures followed by a Wrap-up Session by Dr. Nisha Kapoor, Senior Assistant Professor, School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, who summarized the day’s proceedings. The rapporteurs of the technical sessions included Dr. Yashpal Khajuria, Dr. Ankit Mahajan and Dr. Sheetal Ambardar, Assistant professors in the School. who presented the gist of the technical sessions of the workshop.

The workshop was Convened by Prof. Sanjana Kaul, Director School of Biotechnology and Mushtak Ahmad Bhat Additional Director, JKSTIC and Oganising Secretaries included Shruti Khanna Assistant Director JKSTIC and Dr. Ritu Mahajan Associate Professor School of Biotechnology University of Jammu.

The workshop was attended by faculty members from various Life Science departments of the University. Prof. Seema Langer, Prof. Namrata Sharma, Prof. Pankaj Kumar, Dr. Sikander Pal Chaudhary, Dr. Parvinder Kumar, Dr. Amit Gupta, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Dr. Ripu Daman, Dr. Chinmoy Maharana, Dr. Skarma, and Mr. Peerzada Shoaib Hamid from JKSTIC.

The event received enthusiastic participation from students, research scholars, and faculty members, reflecting the growing interest in entrepreneurship and innovation within the academic community.

Dr. Mehak Gupta conducted the proceedings of the entire event.