Jitendra Singh Launches BioNEST Incubator in Kathua Biotech Park

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the BioNEST Incubator at North India’s first Industrial Biotech Park in Kathua on March 18, 2024. He described this initiative as the start of a transformative era for scientific enterprise and economic growth in the region. Singh highlighted the significance of the biotechnology sector in India, noting that there are around 11,000 biotech startups operating across the country, with 25 new startups currently being nurtured at the Kathua facility.

During the inauguration, Singh declared the event a landmark moment for both Kathua and the broader Jammu region. He stated, “This is a day that Kathua and the entire Jammu region will remember as the beginning of a new era of scientific enterprise and economic transformation.” He emphasized that the BioNEST Incubator aims to foster a scientific mindset and entrepreneurial spirit among local youth, who have traditionally relied heavily on government job opportunities.

The minister recalled the establishment of the Kathua Biotech Park, which opened in 2022 as the 11th biotech center in India at that time. “In 2014, there were only 10 such centers in the country. Few could have envisioned the long-term impact this would have on the northern region,” he said. Since its inception, the park has focused on creating a sustainable innovation ecosystem, culminating in the launch of BioNEST (Bioincubators Nurturing Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies). This initiative is designed to drive technology-based innovation and ensure the long-term viability of startups.

Facilities and Strategic Advantages

The BioNEST Centre will feature advanced facilities, including distillation, fermentation, plant tissue culture, and genetic processing, supporting the incubation of up to 25 startups each year. Singh described the Industrial Biotech Park in Kathua as a flagship project of the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, implemented by CSIR-IIIM Jammu. He encouraged local youth and agricultural entrepreneurs to take full advantage of the incubation and training resources available at the park.

Singh pointed out Kathua’s strategic location, stating, “Kathua is one of the best-connected regions in North India. With its abundant natural resources and biodiversity, it is ideally positioned for biotechnology-led growth.” On the inaugural day, six startups were officially enrolled, marking the beginning of their training and incubation journey at the park.

In his remarks, Singh praised the collaborative efforts of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), and CSIR-IIIM Jammu. He characterized the initiative as a prime example of cooperative federalism, showcasing effective collaboration between central and state institutions and research organizations.

As the BioNEST Incubator opens its doors, it signifies not just a new facility but a commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the biotechnology sector across the region.