Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has announced the establishment of the BioNEST-IIT Mandi Catalyst Centre, a Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)-sponsored initiative aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial ventures in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors.

With an initial funding of Rs 5 crore, this initiative aims to address social, economic, and ecological challenges unique to India, leveraging the strategic advantages of IIT Mandi's geographical location and robust ecosystem.

The primary objective of the BioNEST-IIT Mandi Catalyst Centre is to create a focused incubation initiative that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship in biotechnology and healthcare.

Situated in the Himalayan region, the centre aims to position itself as a hub of excellence, attracting national and international attention and partnerships. Leveraging IIT Mandi’s access to diverse biodiversity and traditional medicinal knowledge, the initiative will address regional and global health challenges.

The BioNEST-IIT Mandi Catalyst Centre will primarily focus on healthcare and biotechnology, particularly addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in the Himalayan region. Key focus areas include:

• Healthcare Innovation: Developing solutions for disease detection, affordable healthcare, medical devices, prosthetics, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
• Biotechnology: Exploring new avenues in medical science, drug discovery, biotechnology applications, bioactive compounds, supplements, and functional foods for health and wellness.

The BioNEST-IIT Mandi Catalyst Centre will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure for advanced research and development, leveraging expertise from engineering, biological sciences, and healthcare to foster multidisciplinary innovation.