Biotechnology Conference Organised at University of Jammu to Promote Innovation, Startups and Entrepreneurship

The School of Biotechnology (SBT), University of Jammu, in collaboration with the J&K Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKST&IC), organised a one-day conference on “Biotechnology for Societal Development, Startups, Innovation and Entrepreneurial Skills” at the University of Jammu. The conference aimed to acquaint participants with emerging opportunities in biotechnology, with a focus on innovation, startups, entrepreneurship and translation of biotechnological research for societal development.

The programme commenced with the welcome address by Prof. Madhulika Bhagat, Director, School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu. The event was funded by JKST&IC, and Ms. Shruti Khanna, Deputy Director, JKST&IC and Co-convenor of the event, graced the occasion. Dr. Yash Pal Khajuria, Organising Secretary, SBT, presented an overview of the conference. Ms. Ishita Choudhary, Accounts Officer, JKST&IC, also attended the event.

The Chief Guest, Prof. J.P. Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu, emphasised the importance of scientific disciplines including agriculture, biotechnology, plant genetics, microbiology and biochemistry in promoting social and community development. He highlighted the efforts of researchers across disciplines towards conservation of existing crop varieties and development of improved varieties for the benefit of society.

Prof. Joorel further stressed that scientific advancements should focus not only on improving health, productivity and quality of life, but also on ensuring environmental sustainability. He underlined the need for sustainable agricultural practices and innovative technologies to enhance farm productivity and improve the economic well-being of farmers. He also emphasised that interdisciplinary research and collaboration are essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive development.

The technical session commenced with an invited talk by Mr. Vikrant Dogra, Chairman, Unati Agri Allied and Marketing Multistate Cooperative Society Limited (UAMMCL), who emphasised the importance of translating scientific research into practical applications for societal welfare. He highlighted the potential of introducing Chilli Thorm (Therma), a traditional crop of Ladakh, in Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the role of biotechnologists in its propagation through modern techniques.

Sharing his experience with the Unnati programme, Mr. Dogra described its journey from initial challenges to becoming a multi-state initiative covering 10 states, with a focus on mass livelihood generation. He encouraged young students to pursue startups and entrepreneurship and transform their scientific knowledge and innovations into socially beneficial ventures.

Dr. Vidushi Abrol, Business Manager, IIIM-TBI, highlighted the growing opportunities for entrepreneurship and startup development in Jammu and Kashmir. She briefed the students about the startup ecosystem in India, the roadmap for establishing a startup and the role of various incubation centres in supporting young entrepreneurs. She also shared examples of startups supported by IIIM-TBI that have successfully established themselves and highlighted the Purple Revolution initiative of CSIR-IIIM, Jammu.

Referring to a SWOT analysis conducted by her team, Dr. Abrol emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir possesses rich and largely unexplored biodiversity, offering significant opportunities for biotechnologists to develop innovative products and create market value from local bioresources.

The conference provided an interactive platform for students, researchers, faculty members and aspiring entrepreneurs to engage with experts and gain insights into the evolving biotechnology ecosystem, innovation opportunities and entrepreneurial pathways. The programme concluded with an emphasis on strengthening the interface between biotechnology research, innovation, entrepreneurship and societal development, while encouraging participants to explore opportunities for translating scientific knowledge into socially relevant and entrepreneurial ventures.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Ankit Mahajan, Organising Secretary, SBT, University of Jammu.

The programme was attended by distinguished faculty members of the School of Biotechnology, including Prof. Jyoti Vakhlu, Prof. Sanjana Kaul, Prof. B. K. Bajaj, Dr. Ritu Mahajan and Dr. Nisha Kapoor.

The event was coordinated by Dr. Yash Pal Khajuria, Dr. Ankit Mahajan, Dr. Sheetal Ambardar and Dr. Bharathiraja, faculty members of the School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu.