Big Boost To Biotech Sector: Govt Announces 10 URJIT Clusters To Synergise Resources Between Research Labs, Industries

In a big fillip to the nation's biotechnology sector, the government on Monday (15 February) announced the setting up of 10 biotech URJIT (University Research of Joint Industry Translational) clusters to synergise resources between research laboratories and industries, reports Times of India.

These clusters will form umbrella structures in nine cities for better coordination between research and development (R&D) institutions, focusing on identifying national priority thrust areas under the National Research Foundation (NRF) which has a budgetary allocation of Rs 50,000 crore for a five-year span.

The NRF is an autonomous body governed by a board appointed by the Prime Minister and consists of accomplished and eminent researchers and professionals. As per details shared by Union Science & Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, NRF would support researchers working across several streams of science and technology with a special focus on universities.

The government's move comes as it seeks to establish India as a hub for biotech manufacturing and to create a strong research ecosystem.