International Conference in Guwahati Aims to Transform Northeast into Bio-Manufacturing Hub
Guwahati recently hosted a significant international conference focused on a transformative vision: converting Northeast India from a recognized biodiversity hotspot into a thriving bio-manufacturing center. The two-day event was held at The Assam Royal Global University (RGU), bringing together a distinguished assembly of leading scientists, academicians, and industry experts.
Focus on the BioE3 Policy Framework
The core of the discussions revolved around the BioE3 Policy, which stands for Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment. This framework aims to leverage biological resources for sustainable economic growth, environmental conservation, and job creation in the region.
Expert Insights on Biodiversity and Bioeconomy
During the inaugural session, Srinivas V Kaveri, Director of Research at INSERM (French National Centre for Scientific Research) in Paris, delivered a compelling address. He emphasized that the immense and unique biodiversity of Northeast India is not just an ecological treasure but a foundational asset for the future bioeconomy.
"The immense biodiversity of Northeast India holds strong potential to drive the region’s bioeconomy through the growth of biomanufacturing industries across multiple sectors," Kaveri stated. He elaborated on the expanding role of Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy in treating various diseases, linking it to the need for a robust plasma industry.
Kaveri stressed that advancing immunotherapy and biotechnology critically depends on developing this industry, underscoring the importance of regular blood donation to fuel future medical innovations. He positioned immunotherapy as a frontier of modern medicine, with biotechnology playing a decisive role in shaping next-generation healthcare solutions.
Academic Leadership on Strategic Harnessing of Resources
Echoing the sentiment of untapped potential, Prof. AK Buragohain, Vice-Chancellor of RGU, provided an academic perspective. He highlighted that the Northeast, as a biodiversity hotspot, must strategically harness its ecological wealth to achieve sustainable bioeconomic growth.
"Future technology will be biotechnology," Prof. Buragohain asserted, reinforcing the conference's central theme. His statement pointed towards a paradigm where biological sciences drive industrial and economic development.
The Path Forward for the Region
The conference served as a platform to outline a strategic path forward. Key takeaways included:
- The critical need to translate rich biodiversity into commercial bio-manufacturing opportunities.
- The importance of building infrastructure and industries focused on biotechnology sectors.
- The role of such initiatives in generating employment and fostering sustainable development in Northeast India.
- The intersection of healthcare innovation, like immunotherapy, with regional economic planning.
By convening global and local expertise, the event in Guwahati has laid significant groundwork for positioning Northeast India at the forefront of the burgeoning bioeconomy, aiming to transform its natural capital into a engine for economic and environmental progress.
