Karnataka should explore dedicated investment mechanisms for BT: Mazumdar-Shaw

Biocon Limited Chairman and Honorary Consul of Ireland Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and others with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar at Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru on Tuesday. | Photo credit: ANI

Karnataka should explore specialized biotech investment mechanisms while incorporating artificial intelligence across the biotech value chain to open new opportunities in drug discovery, diagnostics, precision medicine and biomanufacturing, said Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairman, Vision Group on Biotechnology.

She was addressing the 64th meeting of the Vision Group on Biotechnology (VGBT) convened by the Karnataka government on Tuesday to review the state’s biotech ecosystem and discuss strategic priorities for enhancing Karnataka’s leadership in biotechnology, biomanufacturing, health innovation and bioeconomy.

Karnataka has built one of India’s strongest biotech ecosystems, backed by world-class research institutions, industry leadership and a vibrant start-up community, Ms Mazumdar-Shaw said.

“As we enter the next phase of growth, we need to strengthen the mechanisms that support translational research, commercialization and scale-up. Biotech startups require patient capital, strong industry partnerships and long-term support,” she continued.

Ms. Mazumdar-Shaw also emphasized the need to create stronger pathways for biotech startups to access growth capital and global scale, while strengthening Karnataka’s position as a preferred destination for biotech innovation and entrepreneurship.

Speaking on the occasion, N. Manjula, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science and Technology said that Karnataka’s leadership in biotechnology has been built on a solid foundation of talent, innovation and collaboration.

An important topic of the meeting was the strengthening of the biotechnological innovation and financial ecosystem of the state. Members discussed the need for a state-level framework to support biotech businesses at various stages of growth through funding, mentoring, regulatory guidance and commercialization support.

The Vision Group also discussed the potential to build a dedicated biotech support mechanism inspired by successful national innovation models to accelerate the growth of high-potential biotech businesses in Karnataka.

Published – 16 Jun 2026 23:21 IST