Metahelix Life Sciences

Business: Agricultural biotechnology

CEO: Dr KK Narayanan

Biotech Revenue: Rs 7.50 crore

Start-up Year: 2001

Address: Plot No. 3, KIADB 4th Phase, Bommasandra Industrial Area, Bangalore - 562 158

Tel.: 91-80-27836086

Fax: 91-80-27836084

Website: www.meta-helix.com

Metahelix Life Sciences is focused on developing technologies for crop improvement. The company is dedicated to the research, production and marketing of high quality hybrid seeds. It offers services and partners with agribiotech and seed companies in the areas of functional genomics, plant genetic transformation, trait development and marker assisted crop improvement. Metahelix has produced two hybrid qualities of rice: DRH 748 & DRH 775 which have been listed among the top 3 rice varieties in India. By 2008, it plans to launch the insect protectant cotton seed variety which is presently going trough large scale trials. Its annual turnover during 2006-07 is over Rs 19 crore of which Rs 7.50 crore is from its biotech services.

Its genomics division offers plant transformation and trait development, functional genomics, genetic purity testing and marker development. In the area of computational biology, the services include protein informatics, protein structure modeling and simulation of cellular processes.

Apart from its Bangalore facility, Metahelix has set up a world-class seed conditioning plant and a field research station in Hyderabad. With over 190 employees and world class research center, it has become a key player in the field of agri-biotechnology and aims to become a Rs 100 crore company by 2009-10.