Global life sciences leader Cytiva co-sponsored the Best Domain-Specific Startup Prize reward of Rs 5 lakh, to support the next generation of entrepreneurs, at the National Bio Entrepreneurship Competition (NBEC), a platform for identifying and felicitating bio-entrepreneurial talent. NBEC is organised every year by the Center for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP).

This year, the innovations covered every domain of life sciences, from a digital platform for neonatal ICU workflow, nano-fibre carriers for bio-fertilisers to an AI-based therapeutic platform for the rehabilitative treatment for autism and brain stroke. Initially, there were close to 2,500 applications from about 33 states and union territories.

At the time of the finale, NBEC had selected 22 young entrepreneurs as winners, presenting them with investment opportunities and rewards valued at Rs 8.5 crore. Divya Sriram, Co-founder of D-NOME was adjudged the winner of the Cytiva co-sponsored reward.

C-CAMP conceptualised NBEC in 2017 as part of the BIRAC Regional Entrepreneurship Center at C-CAMP. In its fifth year, NBEC is a national aid that nurtures students and bio-entrepreneurs working on innovative, scalable business ideas with important societal impact. Since Cytiva has supported innovation in the field of biotechnology in India for over three decades, it decided to co-sponsor a prize.