Biotech centres of excellence to explore low-cost solutions in Odisha, to get grant of Rs 10cr per project over 5yrs

Bhubaneswar: State govt has decided to set up centres of excellence (CoEs) in biotechnology to support institutions working on new and advanced biotechnologies to boost bioeconomy and bio-industrialisation, strengthen industry competitiveness and bring innovations into society. It has issued guidelines for the setting up of the CoEs.According to the guidelines, goals and activities of CoEs include research, guidance, training, adoption of new technologies, skills, or concepts, and providing direct or indirect support to organisations/start-ups for implementing best practices and standards. “The CoEs will support the science and technology department in developing low-cost solutions in areas such as the environment, health, agriculture, sanitation, food security and bioenergy,” said an official resolution of the science and technology department issued on Wednesday.“Each CoE shall aspire to translate high-quality, multidisciplinary research into industry-adoptable products/processes and technological solutions in tie-up with industry, generate patents, facilitate technology transfer and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship,” said the official statement.The CoE will develop skilled human resources through training, workshops and advanced courses. It will establish partnerships with international research organisations, universities and industry leaders to ensure global competence and transfer of best practices. It will also set up accredited laboratories to ensure quality standards in research and development and manufacturing, said the official resolution.The CoEs will work on 14 areas, including agriculture and food, microbial and industrial, biofuel and bioenergy and aquatic and marine. The science and technology department will invite applications from both govt and non-govt institutions and companies with a proven track record of academic excellence and cutting-edge research in the biotechnology sector for setting up the CoEs, said the guidelines of the department.A screening committee will review project proposals. Based on the recommendations of the screening committee, the shortlisted applications for CoE will be invited to present their proposals before the project evaluation and review committee, chaired by the director, biotechnology, science and technology department.Funding is provided for a period of five years. The quantum of assistance for each project will be a maximum of Rs 10 crore over a project period of five years. The grant will be released in three instalments (first phase: 24 months, second phase: 18 months, and third phase: 18 months) over the five-year period.The progress of the CoE will be reviewed at regular intervals. Support may be terminated mid-term if progress is significantly lacking. Each CoE must establish an advisory board to ensure effective governance, strategic direction and performance monitoring, said the official guidelines.