C-CAMP launches unique Life Science Entrepreneurship Development Programme to impart Problem Solving and Innovation thinking among India’s academic community: Pilot kickstarts in Bengaluru
The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, India’s leading biotech research and innovation hub, takes a turn at education and upskilling through a new initiative, Life Science Entrepreneurship Development Programme or Life-ED aimed at promoting life sciences research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the Indian academic community, beginning with Bengaluru as the first region of interest. The program was launched in C-CAMP premises on 6th Feb, 2024 by Dr Taslimarif Saiyed, Director-CEO, C-CAMP, Prof. L S Shashidhara, Director, National Centre for Biological Sciences, NCBS and Mr. G S Krishnan, President, Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises in presence of leadership from 11 of the city’s top science and technology universities and colleges.
It is well established across the globe that the key to societal progress is by creating breakthrough technologies. The way to accelerate this creation is by equipping the country’s scientific community with expertise and access to Modern Research Tools and inculcating a strong Innovation-driven Mindset to transform bench discoveries into solutions that address societal challenges. These coupled with entrepreneurial knowhow can be vital skill sets in promoting indigenous innovation and science-led entrepreneurships in a country like India. Current academic structure lacks this three-pronged approach.
The Life-ED aims to address this gap through a structured program that will engage with academic institutions having a scholarly community of students, teachers, researchers, & academic innovators.
Welcoming the launch, Dr Saiyed emphasized on what makes Life-ED one-of-a-kind. "This program aims to resolve the lack of a structured and integrated approach to promoting life sciences entrepreneurship by strengthening current skill sets and honing problem solving talent."
Dr L S Sashidhara, Director, NCBS, in his keynote address, underscored the importance of the National Education Policy, "The world is changing quickly and becoming less predictable. It is important that institutions develop programs that hone analytical and critical thinking skills to solve societal problems."
Mr G S Krishnan, President, ABLE India in his special address highlighted the need for industry to participate in education. He said "We cannot solve local problems through global solutions. It is important to encourage entrepreneurial minds by fostering closer interaction between industry and academia to address local problems."
Letters of intent were signed between C-CAMP and the following universities and colleges –
MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Reva University, Presidency University, JAIN (Deemed-to-be) University, NITTE College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jyothy Institute of Technology, Krupanidhi Group of Institutions, Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College for Women, RV College of Engineering and Al Ameen College of Pharmacy.
Floated independently by C-CAMP, Life-ED is actively looking for partners and supporters for this initiative such as Philanthropists & Organizations (Corporates, Foundations, etc.), with a strong focus on Advancing Science Education, Enhancing Research Skills, and Fostering Life Science Innovations for Societal benefit.
