BIRAC-New

  1. About the programme (brief description)

In the field of life sciences, the development of an idea into a product is a multi-step process, which includes discovery (that happens in the laboratory), early translation and product development (that happens as an industrial activity). Of these, the important link, early translation, is often missing which eventually prevents scientific research from turning into a useful commodity for the society, and therefore, into an economic activity. This gap between basic research and product needs initiatives that help translate early discoveries made in a basic research setting into potentially valuable validated technologies. In the Indian setting, this sort of translational model does not currently exist and hence even though many exciting discoveries are made in the lab, very few see the light of day in terms of being commercialized.

 By keeping the above in mind, BIRAC is supporting Early Translation Accelerators (ETAs) to focus on catalyzing transformation of young academic discoveries (publications/patents) with possible commercial and societal impact into economically viable ventures and technologies. This initiative collaborate with academic investigators, engage industry and leverage international translation ecosystems. Although commercialization of early stage technologies is a difficult task, adding this translational component to establish proof-of-concept/validation is a big step towards attracting industry to take these validated technologies further in terms of development.

 

2.  Current status (projects supported etc)

  • Identified C-CAMP, Bangalore as first ETA Site
  • Completed the formalities and first ETA was established at C-CAMP
  • Evaluated 9 Proposals
  • Prioritized first project for ETA