JAMMU: The School of Biotechnology (SBT), University of Jammu, in collaboration with the J&K Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKST&IC), on Thursday organized one-day conference on “Biotechnology for Societal Development, Startups, Innovation and Entrepreneurial Skills” on 13th August 2026 at University of Jammu. The conference aimed to provide participants with an understanding of emerging opportunities in biotechnology, with emphasis on innovation, startups, entrepreneurship and translating biotechnological research for societal development.
The programme commenced with the welcome address by Prof. Madhulika Bhagat, Director, School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu. The event was funded by the Jammu & Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKST&IC) and Ms. Shruti Khanna, Deputy Director, JKST&IC and Co-convenor of the event graced the occasion. This was followed by an overview of the conference presented by Dr. Yash Pal Khajuria, Organising Secretary, School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu. Ms. Ishita Choudhary, Accounts Officer, JKST&IC, also attended the event. The programme
Chief Guest of the event, Prof. J.P. Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu, emphasized the importance of all scientific disciplines that includes agriculture, biotechnology, plant genetics, microbiology and biochemistry, in promoting social and community development. He highlighted that researchers across disciplines are working towards the conservation of existing crop varieties as well as development of improved varieties for the benefit of society. He further stressed that scientific advancements should focus not only on improving health, productivity and quality of life, but also on ensuring environmental sustainability. Prof. Joorel underlined the need for sustainable agricultural practices and innovative technologies that can enhance farm productivity and improve the economic well-being of farmers. He emphasized that interdisciplinary research and collaboration are essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive development.
The technical session commenced with the invited talk by Mr. Vikrant Dogra, Chairman, Unati Agri Allied and Marketing Multistate Cooperative Society Limited (UAMMCL) who emphasised the importance of translating scientific research into practical applications for societal welfare. He highlighted the potential for introducing Chilli Thorm (Therma), a traditional crop of Ladakh, in Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the role of biotechnologists in its propagation through modern techniques. Sharing his experience with the Unnati programme, he described his journey from initial challenges to becoming a multi-state initiative covering 10 states, with a focus on mass livelihood generation. He also encouraged young students to pursue startups and entrepreneurship and to transform their scientific knowledge and innovations into socially beneficial ventures.
Dr. Vidushi Abrol, Business Manager, IIIM-TBI, highlighted the growing opportunities for entrepreneurship and startup development in Jammu and Kashmir. She briefed the students on the startup ecosystem in India, the roadmap for establishing a startup and the role of various incubation centres in supporting young entrepreneurs. She shared examples of startups supported by IIIM-TBI that have successfully established themselves and also highlighted the Purple Revolution initiative by CSIR-IIIM, Jammu. Referring to a SWOT analysis conducted by her team, she emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir possesses rich and largely unexplored biodiversity, offering significant opportunities for biotechnologists to develop innovative products and create market value from local bioresources.
The conference provided an interactive platform for students, researchers, faculty members and aspiring entrepreneurs to engage with experts and gain useful insights into the evolving biotechnology ecosystem, innovation opportunities and entrepreneurial pathways. The programme concluded with an emphasis on strengthening the interface between biotechnology research, innovation, entrepreneurship and societal development, while encouraging participants to explore opportunities for translating scientific knowledge into socially relevant and entrepreneurial ventures.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Ankit Mahajan, Organising secretary, SBT, University of Jammu. The programme was attended by distinguished faculty members of the School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, including Prof. Jyoti Vakhlu, Prof. Sanjana Kaul, Prof. B. K. Bajaj, Dr. Ritu Mahajan and Dr. Nisha Kapoor. The event was coordinated by Dr. Yash Pal Khajuria, Dr. Ankit Mahajan, Dr. Sheetal Ambardar and Dr. Bharathiraja, faculty members of the School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu.
