The government of India will set up the country?s first Bio-IT centre focused on genomic research at the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB) in Bengaluru.
The project, estimated to cost Rs 35 crore, would involve both government and industry participation. For instance, the project involves collaborating with Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research and Strand Life Sciences among others.
Drug development is based on bioinformatics where IT plays an important part. Much of the industry now uses ?in silico? models where research is done through computer simulations. In silico tests save both time and cost.
The Bio-IT centre will primarily conduct genome sequencing and analysis but the government may consider using the facilities for training and man power development as well.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka government said the second phase of its Biotech ?Helix? Park in Electronic city would cost Rs 300 crore and take 18 to 24 months to complete.
Phase one of the park is an academic block. Phase two includes developing the incubation facilities as well as the central instrumentation facility. In the third phase, the government wants to develop the physical infrastructure required within the park ? roads, water lines, power ? required to house companies. "For part two and three, we are looking for a private sector partner who will develop it without any undue financial stress on the government," a government official said.
Karnataka?s minister for IT and BT Katta Subramanya Naidu said the state?s share would be the allotment of land ? about 60 acre. At today?s rate, he hinted, it would imply about 33 percent stake.
Source: The Asian Age
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