JAMMU: The School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the JK Science Technology & Innovation Council (JKSTIC), on Wednesday successfully organized a one-day workshop on “Startups and Skill Development: Translational Research from Lab to Market” here, University Campus.
The event brought together scientists, academicians, entrepreneurs to encourage research scholars and students to leverage their scientific research and knowledge into viable startup ventures and market-ready innovations.
The workshop was convened by Director School of Biotechnology, Prof. Sanjana Kaul and Additional Director JKSTIC, Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat.
Assistant Director JKSTIC Shruti Khanna and Associate Professor School of Biotechnology University of Jammu Dr Ritu Mahajan acted as oganising secretaries.
The event was inaugurated by Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu Prof. J. P. Singh Joorel, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
In his address, Prof. Joorel highlighted the need to integrate research outcomes with the entrepreneurship initiatives to boost innovation – driven growth in the region. He underscored the importance of workshop and stated that the three key pillars of academic and scientific growth are teaching, research and the extension of research through its transformation into field applications. He emphasized that the true value of research is realized when ideas are translated into tangible outcomes.
The Guest of Honour, Dean Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Jammu Prof. Yash pal Sharma, delivered an insightful address, encouraging students and researchers to think beyond publications and patents, focusing instead on the real-world applications of their work and pursuing a visionary, goal-oriented career path.
Prof. Sharma highlighted that India’s true strength lies in research across diverse domains such as agriculture, medical sciences and others, noting that the nation currently ranks fourth globally in terms of economy and with persistence and collaboration across disciplines, is poised to reach the third position soon. Prof. Sharma also noted that the government has been supporting the startups, contributing significantly to the bioeconomy and promoting translational research and concluded by emphasizing that success in these endeavours requires trusted leadership and personal discipline.
Earlier, Prof. Sanjana Kaul, Director School of Biotechnology and Convenor of the workshop, welcomed the dignitaries and the participants. She reaffirmed the vision of Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor of the University and thanked him for encouraging conduct of such events in the Campus.
The technical Sessions featured talks by two eminent invited speakers: In the first technical session Dr. Saurabh Saran, Senior Principal Scientist, Fermentation and Microbial Biotechnology Division, Head, IIIM-Technology Business Incubator and OSD Industrial Biotech Parks (UT of J&K) delivered an insightful lecture on “Development of an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem to Support Agri-based Startups in J&K,” highlighting successful stories of lab-to-market transition and the pivotal role of incubators, such as BioNEST, in nurturing biotechnology startups. He discussed the key challenges faced by startups, including the lack of innovation and entrepreneurship, limited investment opportunities, and issues related to the ease of doing business.
Dr. Saran also emphasized the advantages offered by government initiatives. He also highlighted the facilities available at C.S.I.R. IIIM, Jammu for fostering startup culture. The session was chaired by Prof. B. K Bajaj, School of Biotechnology.
The second session followed into an immersive and interactive session by Dr. Khalid Masoodi, Associate Professor/Senior Scientist, Division of Plant Biotechnology, SKUAST-Kashmir, Director Cashmir BioTech Pvt. Ltd, SKIIE, SKUAST Kashmir and also a distinguished alumnus of the School of Biotechnology, JU who shared his entrepreneurial journey and insights into building research – driven biotech enterprises. He spoke about his startup Cashmir BioTech Pvt. Ltd established in September 2022 under the Government of India’s Make in India and Self-Reliant India initiatives.
The company’s flagship product, Magic Food Taxo, is a patented functional food supplement containing an anticancer molecule derived from an underutilized edible plant native to Kashmir. Clinically proven to alleviate prostate cancer, benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), it works by targeting the Androgen Receptor and has shown tumor reduction and improved survival in preclinical models. Other notable products of his venture include Iron Revive Herb (a natural iron supplement), ZincMag Natural (for uric acid management), and Isabgol Psyllium Husk Powder (a fiber supplement).
The workshop concluded with an engaging interaction session where participants discussed challenges and opportunities in translational research and startup ventures followed by a Wrap-up Session by Dr. Nisha Kapoor, Senior Assistant Professor, School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu. The rapporteurs of the technical sessions included Dr. Yashpal Khajuria, Dr. Ankit Mahajan and Dr. Sheetal Ambardar, Assistant professors in the School, who presented gist of the technical sessions of the workshop.
The workshop was attended by faculty members from various Life Science departments of the University. Prof. Seema Langer, Prof. Namrata Sharma, Prof. Pankaj Kumar, Dr. Sikander Pal Chaudhary, Dr. Parvinder Kumar, Dr. Amit Gupta, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Dr. Ripu Daman, Dr. Chinmoy Maharana, Dr. Skarma and Mr. Peerzada Shoaib Hamid from JKSTIC.
The event received enthusiastic participation from students, research scholars, and faculty members, reflecting the growing interest in entrepreneurship and innovation within the academic community. Dr. Mehak Gupta conducted the proceedings of the entire event.