India, Aus sign MoU to enhance R&D in biotech

PTI

Seeking to stimulate and enhance the strategic research and innovation capabilities of the Indian biotech industry, BIRAC, a PSU under the Ministry of Science and Technology today signed an MoU with Horticulture Innovation Australia for launching a joint funding call.

The focus of the call is to undertake horticultural research in order to develop and deploy modern tools of plant biotechnology to improve crop productivity. The funding commitment from BIRAC and Hort Innovation is up to 6 million Australian dollars over a period of three years.

"Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council's (BIRAC) vision is to stimulate and enhance the strategic research and innovation capabilities of the Indian biotech industry, particularly start-ups and SMEs, for the creation of affordable products addressing the needs of the largest section of society.

"Considering the gap between demand and supply for crops, it is of paramount importance to stimulate an enabling environment for research and development in both the regions. Through the signing of this MoU today, we along with Hort Innovation aim to create a supportive innovation ecosystem for researchers to undertake high-level research and promote horticulture techniques," Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, K VijayRaghavan said.

The event was presided over by Australian High Commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu and VijayRaghavan.

Horticulture Innovation Australia (Hort Innovation) is a not-for-profit, grower-owned Research and Development and marketing company for Australia's horticulture industry.

It works collaboratively with industry, the Australian government and the nation's leading research institutions to deliver ground-breaking advancements in areas such as agri-technology, pest management, trade and industry promotion.

Currently, it is managing more than 700 research, development and marketing projects to strengthen industry, and Australia's economy.