BIOSTART 2.0: Fostering Bioentrepreneurial Resilience at CCT, Landran on 19th March, 2025

The Department of Biotechnology at CCT, CGC, Landran, successfully organized the BIOSTART 2.0 Bioentrepreneurial Resilience and Capacity Building Programme on March 19, 2025. The event brought together renowned experts, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to inspire and equip students with the tools to excel in bioentrepreneurship. Dr. Ajit Dua, the Chief Executive Officer of the Punjab Biotechnology Incubator (PBTI), graced the event as the Chief Guest.T he event was inaugurated by the chief guests in presence of Prof. P.n. Hrisheekesha She delivered an insightful lecture highlighting various collaborations between PBTI and universities across India, as well as the extensive facilities available at the incubator to support the growth of biotech startups.

Mr. Manjit Singh Nijjar, Vice Chairman of the MSME Promotion Council of India for FDI Trade and Vice President of the Indo-British Trade Council U.K. for Punjab, as the Guest of Honour encouraged students to think globally and expand their entrepreneurial ventures beyond borders, particularly through international connections and partnerships. The event also featured notable special guests, including Mr. Salil Kaplash, Startup Coordinator at Startup Punjab. He discussed various initiatives undertaken by Start up Punjab enhancing start up ecosystem in Punjab. Mr. Hitesh Kumar Gulati, Founder of Diversity Ace Business Consulting in Mohali, delivered an engaging lecture on the challenges faced by startups, specifically in the biotechnology sector.

The event also had an inspiring panel discussion featuring prominent startup leaders from the biotech industry. Dr. Vipasha Sharma, CEO of MKelly Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Dr. Gowri, Founder of Gowriz Skincare Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Anmol Bhatia, Founder and Director at BANC Bio- Polymers Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Jainendra Jain, Co-Founder of Invigorate Biotechnologies.Apart from these valuabe sessions students showcased their ideas in the pitching competition in which first position was bagged by the team Ancient Essence, Saloni Thakur, Shine, Sabhya, and Rimmi BSc Biotech, and Madhav, a BSc Hons. Microbiology student got the second position in this event.

The event successfully emphasized the importance of resilience, collaboration, and innovation in the journey of becoming a successful bioentrepreneur.