India's biotech budget
The government of India will allocate $1.7 billion to the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) over the next five years—a whopping 450% increase over the previous five years. And DBT, in a major departure, will spend 30% of its budget on innovative projects in partnership with industry. India has some 250 biotech companies, but only a few of them are investing significantly in R&D. That means that although “the existing scheme to promote innovation in small companies will be expanded, the new partnership would involve some of the biggest companies and advanced technologies,” says Maharaj Kishan Bhan, DBT secretary. The department also has an ambitious plan to boost biotech research in universities and create 50 biotech 'centers of excellence' in India by 2012. There are certainly hurdles to be overcome, but Bhan is optimistic and says expanded PhD and post-doctoral programs in the country will create the necessary human capital. That effort should be helped by a massive $325 million, ten-year scheme by DBT to bring back expatriate Indian scientists by offering relocation packages. So far, the reaction from industry to the increased funding is muted. “It is a good move, but innovation cannot come by throwing money,” says Krishna Ella, managing director of Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad, India, and chairman of the biotech committee of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. “Neither the companies nor the academics are geared up to absorb the funds, as we do not have enough biotechnologists.” KSJ
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