To achieve this target, it is important to identify the challenges and barriers and do a proper risk analysis, in order to identify the critical sectors which need immediate attention and facilitation. A concerted effort is required by all stakeholders, including the government, private sector and academia.

The Government of India through Department of Biotechnology (DBT), has nurtured the biotechnology field since 1986 and now through the recently established Public Sector biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) it aims at empowering and enabling the biotech Innovation ecosystem for affordable product development.

DBT would work on developing a Strategy for Innovation based Biotech Entrepreneurship creation for ensuring a bioeconomy with substantial public benefit. A new paradigm of relationship between academia, industry and government, dedicated to quality innovation is to be evolved."

What are your plans for DBT in future? Will you continue your association with NCBS as a scientist and guide your students?
It is much too early to speak about the future plans of the Department of Biotechnology. Yes, I will certainly continue to be associated with the NCBS and guide my students.