It's partnership route for BangaloreBio '05

BangaloreBio 2005 has embarked on the partnership route to promote biotechnology in Karnataka.

The theme 'Bio-partnering to meet the Global Challenges' has attracted eight Indian states, 125 companies and 14 country delegations. The bio event of the year, to be held from April 22 to April 24, has seen a space absorption of 9,000 sqm.

Last year, the BangaloreBio had as many as 104 companies participating which included 19 from abroad and had attracted 15,000 business visitors and 35,000 general visitors.

This year's main attraction at the biotech event is the globally acclaimed scientist and Nobel laureate professor Sydney Brenner, chairman, Biomedical Research Council Singapore.

Other international participation include: George Atkinson, scientific advisor to secretary of state USA, Manuel Hallen, European Commission, DG Research.

The chief ministers of Rajasthan and Kerala are leading their respective departments and business delegations to explore and tap investments.

Other states which have shown interest and are bringing delegations are Uttar Padesh, Uttranchal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

At the BangaloreBio a few countries are looking at alliances and partnerships. Prominent among them are a few African countries and Korea. As usual Germany and the UK are bringing their trade and investment delegations.

This year, the UK plans to showcase its bio prowess and has lined up the 'Discover UK Bio' and the CEO Conclave. 'Discover UK Bio' is a business-partnering event led by the British High Commissioners to India Michael Arthur.

The CEO Conclave is being sponsored by the UK Trade and Investment as a special get-together of over 400 industry leaders.

The UK is also bringing in biotech experts like Alison Murdoch (human embryonic stem cell researcher), Stephen James, deputy director, Rothamsted Research and Colin Greenstreet, Concordas Limited.

For the BangaloreBio's international conference, Association of Biotech-Led Enterprises (ABLE) has lined up sessions on bio-partnering-Advantage India, Bioinformatics-IT solution to life sciences, neutraceuticals and global opportunities, therapeutics and diagnostics "" emerging trends, Marine and animal biotech, status of IPR "" 2005 and beyond.