Since its inception in 2012, the event has been conducted every year in various regions, in India, to provide a platform for Biotechnology students to exhibit their knowledge.

The 'voice for BT' program, this year, was held in Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) University in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, in which undergraduate biotech students from 30 science and engineering colleges participated.

The design of the program is such that the top 2 winners from each region gets to participate in the grand finale, scheduled to be conducted in Bangalore.

Students expressed their views on various topics including, 'application of agricultural biotechnology in improving food nutrition in crops'; 'the importance of cleaner environment and the role of biotech tools' and 'the importance of waste to energy and the role of 'biotechnology'.

India is said to be the 3rd biggest biotech industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

Biotechnology as a subject has grown rapidly and as far as employment is concerned, it has become one of the fastest growing sectors, said Novozymes India in a statement.

The employment record shows that biotechnology has a great scope in future, Novozymes India added.

The winner of the 'voice for BT' contest was bagged by Mr Sriram K from Rajalakshmi Engineering College.

The runners-up were Mr M Venkatesh from Garden City College of Science & Management; and Ms Sneha V from Jain University School of Graduate Studies.

The panel of judges included Mr Divakar Rao, advisor, Life sciences sector; Mr Mads Bjornvad, head, R&D, Novozymes India; Dr Rajeev Soni, senior manager, R&D, Novozymes, India; and Dr Moses Christopher, head, application development, Novozymes, India.

The winners were awarded with cash prizes and internships at Novozymes R&D facility in Bangalore.