Secretary, DBT visits a-IDEA of ICAR-NAARM

Dr. Renu Swarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, GoI and Chairperson, BIRAC visited ICAR-NAARM’s Business Incubation a-IDEA sponsored by ICAR, DST and BIRAC, DBT (BioNest). Dr. Swarup was welcomed by Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director- NAARM; Joint Director and all divisional heads of ICAR-NAARM. Director NAARM has told the vision and mandate of instituted. He emphasized the ICAR-NAARM is a unique institute which is engaged in capacity building of NARES scientists, Research Policy (think-tank) of ICAR and Agri-business management education. Incubation policy support to ICAR is one such initiative. He told that NAARM was actively engaged in ICAR-Agri-Startup Conclave (UPAYA) during 16-17 Oct, 2018. The delegation was briefed about the activities and progress of Incubator and Agri-BioNEST by Dr. K. Srinivas, Pr Scientist NAARM and CEO, a-IDEA. Later she saw the facilities of Business Incubator where she interacted with couple of startups viz. Bharat Rohan and Robic Rofarm who are being supported by a-IDEA in different areas in agri-value chain. She emphasised that DBT and BIRAC is ready to support the Agri based startups in more effective ways, provided a strong action plan comes from Incubators like a-IDEA. She also visited a-IDEA partner, Agri Biotech Foundation (ABF) to see wet lab facilities and work of Startups.