Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: A joint review meeting to assess progress on the Industrial Biotech Parks at Ghatti Kathua and Handwara was held at CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, in collaboration with the J&K Science and Technology Department.
The meeting brought together senior officials, scientists, project consultants and stakeholders to evaluate the current status of the projects and deliberate on a roadmap for making the parks fully operational. The focus remained on innovation, industrial application and startup facilitation.
Director CSIR–IIIM Jammu, Dr Zabeer Ahmed, who also chairs IIIM-TBI, highlighted the need to integrate research with market-driven applications. He stressed the importance of areas such as tissue culture, fermentation technology and bio-based product development, stating that the park should act as a bridge between scientific research and industry, enabling startups to scale up commercially.
Commissioner/Secretary, Science and Technology Department, Babila Rakwal emphasised the need for accurate data collection and policy-oriented reporting to support future planning and decision-making at the Government level.
Officials suggested that structured engagement with universities and research institutions would help build a strong pipeline of innovators and entrepreneurs.
Discussions also covered utilisation models, funding structure, timelines and skill development initiatives. The meeting concluded that with proper coordination and adherence to timelines, the biotech park at Ghatti Kathua can become a key driver of biotechnology-led industrial growth in the region.
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