NEW DELHI: Seeking to establish India as a bio-manufacturing hub and create a strong research ecosystem in the country, the Centre on Monday announced multiple initiatives including setting up of 10 biotech URJIT (University Research Joint Industry Translational) clusters to synergise resources between research labs and industries, forming umbrella structures in nine cities for better coordination among R&D institutions and focusing on identified national priority thrust areas under National Research Foundation (NRF).
The NRF, which got a budget allocation of Rs 50,000 crore for five years, will be governed by a board appointed by the PM, and consist of accomplished and eminent researchers and professionals. It will build on existing national strengths in research and innovation, and fill gaps in the current research and education ecosystem.
“The NRF as an autonomous body envisaged to support researchers working across several streams of science & technology with special focus on universities,” said Union science & technology minister Harsh Vardhan while announcing basic details of the initiatives and their budgetary provisions.
Underlining that there has been a 30% increase in the budget of ministry of science & technology and earth sciences put together for the year 2021-22 compared to 2020-21, he said, “There are various new schemes in this new budget which would further boost science and technology ecosystem in the country, reach its benefits to the people and help the country become a major force in S&T globally.”
Asked about locations of the proposed biotech URJIT clusters, secretary in department of biotechnology (DBT), Renu Swarup, said, “Exact location will, however, be announced only after evaluation of the applications which we may receive.”