NIELIT launches bioinformatics courses aligned with BioE3 Policy at International Biomanufacturing Summit in Guwahati

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 11, 2025

The inaugural International Biomanufacturing Summit 2025 kicked off on Friday at the BKB Auditorium, Gauhati University Campus, signalling a transformative step towards fostering innovation and sustainable economic growth in Northeast India.

Jointly organized by the Northeast India Scientific and Entrepreneurial Diaspora (NEISED) and Gauhati University, the summit highlighted strategies to build a robust biomanufacturing ecosystem through collaboration between academia, industry, and government.

The event brought together a diverse array of experts, including academic leaders, industry pioneers, government officials, and funding agencies, to explore opportunities for biomanufacturing industries and startups while addressing challenges unique to the region.

Gauhati University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta inaugurated the summit, commending the initiative as a groundbreaking collaboration between academia and industry to advance biomanufacturing in Northeast India.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Alka Sharma, senior adviser to the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, highlighted the transformative potential of the BioE3 policy in unlocking growth opportunities for the region. Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota emphasized biomanufacturing’s critical role in advancing Assam’s economic landscape.

A major highlight of the summit was the inauguration of two NSQF-approved Bioinformatics programs developed by NIELIT, a leading institution under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) was Scientific Assistant in Data Science for Life Sciences (NSQF Level 4): A 450-hour program covering Python, R, and foundational omics data analysis.

Another major highlight of the event was Multiomics Data Analyst (NSQF Level 5.5), a 660-hour advanced training program for multiomics data analysis.

These programs aim to create a skilled workforce capable of supporting the burgeoning biomanufacturing sector in Northeast India.

A panel discussion titled “Application of Bioinformatics in Biomanufacturing” followed the inaugural session, offering deep insights into the integration of bioinformatics tools in industrial processes. Moderated by Anubhav Tiwari, Chief Innovation Officer, NIELIT, the session featured prominent experts – Prof. Bhaben Tanti, Department of Botany, Gauhati University; Dr. Gautam Das, Co-founder & CEO, miBiome Therapeutics; Dr. Paramananda Saikia, Entrepreneurial Scientist, MilliporeSigma, Boston, USA; Dr. Hemanta Baruah, Founder & CEO, Akha Biologics and Dr. Saurov Mahanta, Senior Technical Officer, NIELIT Guwahati.

The session explored bioinformatics’ pivotal role in optimizing industrial processes, improving product development, and fostering innovation in biomanufacturing. A dynamic Q&A segment allowed participants to seek expert guidance and exchange ideas.

The summit underscores the strategic significance of Northeast India in India’s biomanufacturing landscape, setting the stage for innovation-driven growth. By fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, the event marks a milestone in advancing the region’s potential as a hub for biomanufacturing and entrepreneurship.

The launch of bioinformatics courses by NIELIT, aligned with national policy goals, signals a promising future for building a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of this evolving industry.