Guwahati Biotech Park facilitates start-ups, R&D projects

Senior scientist talks about how the park is catalysing entrepreneurship in NE

Guwahati Biotech Park has evolved into a thriving hub for biotech activities in the North East and is inspiring entrepreneurs in the region. By providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, research facilities and a supportive ecosystem, the park has become a conducive environment for start-ups.

In an interview with Business-Northeast, Dr Bula Choudhury (BC), senior scientist at Guwahati Biotech Park, highlighted the significant progress the park has made in promoting entrepreneurship development in biotechnology and allied areas in the North East. As the coordinating officer for the North Eastern Cell of the National Research Development Corporation (NE cell-NRDC), an institute under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and the Government of India, her efforts have been instrumental in strengthening biotechnology teaching, training, research and development. Excerpts:

BNE: How has been your experience at Guwahati Biotech Park so far?
BC: Guwahati Biotech Park, established in 2009 as a temporary base in IIT Guwahati, has come a long way and has seen significant growth since then. In June 2022, the organisation moved to its new campus and expanded its operations. The new campus provides a space of 1,000 sq ft, which seems smaller than the previous 20,000 sq ft in IIT Guwahati, but interestingly, this move has resulted in increased interest from entrepreneurs. Previously, when we publicised incubation laboratories, we did not receive many approaches, but now we receive numerous applications from entrepreneurs. I joined this organisation in 2011 and it has been a great experience to be associated with Guwahati Biotech Park.

BNE: What are the ongoing projects at Guwahati Biotech Park?
BC: The main role of Guwahati Biotech Park is to act as a facility provider for start-ups and various R&D projects. Start-ups come to the park with their concepts, and the facility provides them with ready-to-use modular laboratory space for conducting their research and development work. Along with providing the necessary laboratory assistance and equipment facilities, the park also offers technical guidance to these start-ups. Moreover, the park helps connect these start-ups with financial organisations, aiding them in obtaining funding for their projects.
One of the success stories is TC Bakery, which makes maida-free products like biscuits, especially out of Joha Rice. Another one has utilised jute technology and conducted R&D to produce a mass multiplication of products. Additionally, there is ongoing work related to isolating DNA, RNA and proteins, which will be prepared into a kit and also has received a technology ignition grant.

BNE: What are the objectives and functions of Guwahati Biotech Park?
BC: The main objective of Guwahati Biotech Park is entrepreneurship development and related areas. Although we are not currently receiving many hardcore biotechnological projects, but are open to accepting projects related to biotechnology or bio-resources as incubatees after evaluating their feasibility in the laboratory.

The organisation operates under the science and technology, climate change department and functions as a commercial entity. It is a voluntary initiative by Guwahati Biotech Park aimed at boosting the design process and fostering innovative concepts in the field of biotechnology. Additionally, we offer internships to students and start-ups during summer and winter, providing access to high-end equipment facilities for learning and working on their projects. Dr Rajiv leads the programme at the park.

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