Rs100-crore biotech park for Mysore

A Rs100-crore neutri/neutraceutical and phytopharmaceutical (N2P2) project would be developed in Mysore. The Vision Group on Biotechnology headed by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has recommended that sector-specific biotech parks be set up in tier-two and tier-three cities of the state and this project is one such to be developed in Mysore, said MN Vidyashankar, principal secretary in the department of information technology, biotechnology and science and technology.

The private partner for development of this project has been selected following a tender process. The state cabinet has given its clearance. The state government’s major role in the project is to develop the R&D zone.

“JSS Mahavidyapeetha are the successful bidders for the project, estimated to cost about Rs100 crore,” said Vidyashankar. He said the biotech sector faces talent shortage and to address this, the state government has initiated the BT Finishing Schools project.  As many as 12 educational institutions have been selected by a committee headed by Dr G Padmanaban to establish such schools, covering Bangalore, Mysore, Manipal, Mangalore and Gulbarga.

“The BT Finishing School concept involves academics for six months and industry internship for six months. The students are assured of a job after they clear the one-year diploma course,” said Vidyashankar.

The students for BT Finishing Schools have been selected through an entrance test and interview conducted by the educational institutions. The course has commenced in September 2011. Regular monitoring is done by a high-level committee.