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Product Launch of VELA-VITE® HartBeet on National Start-up Day

On the occasion of National Start-up Day , VELA-VITE® HartBeet , a scientifically developed heart-health nutraceutical, was formally launched by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) . The product has been developed by a startup incubated at the IIIM–Technology Business Incubator (IIIM–TBI) , highlighting the successful translation of research-led innovation into a market-ready healthcare solution.

VELA-VITE® HeartBeet is an advanced nutraceutical formulation designed to support overall cardiovascular health. It combines the benefits of Beta vulgaris (beetroot) and Allium sativum (garlic) with essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to healthy blood pressure regulation, vascular function, and heart vitality. The product addresses the growing need for preventive and lifestyle-based heart health solutions amid the rising prevalence of cardiovascular disorders.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of research, innovation, and value addition in strengthening India's startup ecosystem. He encouraged entrepreneurs to develop science-backed, indigenous products and assured continued institutional support, mentorship, and policy facilitation to promote entrepreneurship and technology-driven growth.

The launch ceremony was held in the august presence of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR–IIIM and Chairman, IIIM–TBI , highlighted the pivotal role of institutional research and incubation in transforming scientific knowledge into impactful products. He emphasized the importance of fostering an innovation-driven ecosystem at CSIR–IIIM and IIIM–TBI, where startups are supported through technology access, mentorship, and infrastructure to develop high-quality, science-backed solutions for societal and healthcare challenges and Dr. Saurabh Saran, Principal Investigator, IIIM–TBI , who have been instrumental in strengthening the incubation ecosystem and mentoring startups toward technology development and commercialization. The proceedings of the event were conducted by Dr. Vidushi Abrol , Business Manager, IIIM-TBI .

The launch of VELA-VITE® HeartBeet on National Start-up Day marks a significant milestone for IIIM–TBI, reflecting its role in nurturing innovation-driven startups and delivering impactful, affordable, and research-based wellness solutions for society.

 

MoU Signed Between IIIM-TBI and M/s Daman Dosheeza Natural Products Pvt Ltd at “Start-up City Camp” on the occasion of National Start-up Day: 16th January, 2026

 

CSIR-IIIM Technology Business Incubator Celebrated Start-up City Camp at CSIR-IIIM Jammu, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh Highlights Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Startup Vision on National Startup Day on 16th January, 2026

The CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Technology Business Incubator, Jammu, marked National Startup Day with a high-energy celebration of “Start-Up City Camp” with innovation and entrepreneurship, as Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, and Vice President, CSIR, Dr Jitendra Singh interacted with young innovators and witnessed product launches. Addressing students, researchers, and startup founders, Union Minister and Vice President CSIR Dr Jitendra Singh described CSIR-IIIM TBI as a living legacy of Independent India and one of the country’s oldest CSIR laboratories, established even before Independence. Commending the IIIM’s role in bringing transformation not only the drug discovery but also the institute’s contribution to farmers’ prosperity in the region, he traced its origins to the vision of Maharaja Hari Singh and the pioneering work of Sir Ram Nath Chopra, widely regarded as the father of Indian pharmacology, noting that the institute continues to strengthen its scientific and innovation- driven identity under its current leadership.
Highlighting the institute’s national impact, Dr. Singh pointed to the “Purple Revolution” as a defining example of grassroots entrepreneurship driven by science. What began as lavender cultivation in Doda district has now spread across the Himalayan belt, from Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh to the northeastern states. He said the initiative demonstrated how agriculture, bio-resources, and traditional knowledge can give rise to successful startups, challenging the belief that innovation is confined to the IT sector or metropolitan cities. Reflecting on India’s startup journey, Dr Singh said the launch of the Startup India, Stand-Up India initiative in 2014 marked a turning point. From a few hundred ventures, India today has more than 2 lakh startups and ranks third globally in the startup ecosystem. He noted that nearly half of these startups now come from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, underlining the democratisation of entrepreneurship, aspiration, and education.
Dr Singh also addressed common myths around startups, stressing that innovation does not require a PhD, a metro location, or even extensive formal education. He said women are increasingly leading startups across sectors, and small-town entrepreneurs are proving that talent flourishes when supported with the right guidance, technology access, market linkage, and financial backing. Drawing from field experiences, he highlighted the growing confidence and ambition among students in rural and small-town schools, calling it a sign of deeper societal change. The centrepiece of the event was an interactive session where students and young entrepreneurs pitched ideas ranging from agri-tech solutions for rice cultivation and mental health awareness initiatives to herbal remedies for menstrual health. Dr Singh encouraged them to focus on research, innovation, and value addition, assuring institutional support and mentorship. The event also saw the formal launch of ‘VELA-VITE HartBeet’, a heart-health nutraceutical developed by an incubated startup, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the IIIM–TBI BioNest Incubation Centre and M/s Daman Dosheeza Natural Products Pvt Ltd to promote collaborative growth.
Earlier, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM & Chairman, IIIM-Technology Business Incubator welcomed the gathering and said celebrating “Start-Up City Camp” on National Startup Day at the institute reflected a collective responsibility to nurture local talent. Apprising the Chief Guest about the Bharat Incubator Award to the Institute’s Incubator, he said that a total of 128 startups have been incubated from IIIM so far and 18 products launched in the market by the startup. He acknowledged the role of district administration, particularly Deputy Commissioner Doda Sh. Harvinder Singh, in connecting farmers with scientists and startups, a synergy that proved crucial to the success of the Purple Revolution. Sharing personal journeys, incubatees spoke about how IIIM’s incubation support helped them transition from job seekers to job providers. One founder recounted how access to mentorship, technical validation, and institutional backing enabled him to establish a nutraceutical venture despite limited capital and networks.
Deputy Commissioner Doda Sh. Harvinder Singh, the guest of honour, reiterated that entrepreneurship is accessible to all, regardless of educational background. He highlighted Doda’s rich reserves of organic produce, medicinal plants, and crops like rajmash as strong foundations for future startups, assuring full administrative support to young innovators. The programme concluded with the distribution of prizes for idea pitching, slogan writing, and logo design competitions. The proceedings of the event were conducted by Dr Vidushi Abrol while as Dr. Saurabh Saran, Head CSIR-IIIM Incubation Centres presented the formal vote of thanks.

 

MoU Signed Between IIIM-TBI and M/s Crop-Domain Pvt. Ltd. to Strengthen Innovation Collaboration on 8th January, 2026

 

CSIR-IIIM Technology Business Incubator hosts Mission YUVA awareness event-‘Innovative X 1.0’ at Biotech Park Kathua on 8th January, 2026

IIIM-TBI entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/s Crop-Domain Pvt. Ltd. on 8th January 2026 to strengthen innovation-driven collaboration. The MoU focuses on joint efforts in research and development, technology validation, product and process development, and commercialization support. This partnership is expected to promote entrepreneurship, facilitate industry–academia linkages, and accelerate the translation of innovative agri-biotech solutions into market-ready products.

 

Dr Jitendra Singh lauds CSIR-IIIM TBI for organizing AI-Driven Innovations in Drug Discovery and Agriculture from 12th to 14th Nov., 2025

The three-day Conference-cum-Workshop on “AI-Driven Innovations in Drug Discovery and Agriculture (AI-D2A 2025)” successfully concluded i.e. November 12–14, 2025. at the BIRAC-BioNEST Incubator, Industrial Biotech Park, Ghatti, Kathua. The event was organized under the aegis of CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, BIRAC–BioNEST Incubator (IIIM-TBI & IBTP, Kathua) and CSIR–Jigyasa.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space and Vice President CSIR, in a special video message, commended the Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu & Chairman, IIIM-TBI, and the entire team for thoughtfully organising an event aligned with a futuristic theme — artificial intelligence-driven innovation in drug discovery and agriculture. He noted that holding such a forward-looking event at the BIRAC-BioNEST Incubator Centre in Kathua adds special significance, as the border district serves not only Jammu & Kashmir but also Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. Dr. Singh further said, “I must also compliment the organizers for bringing together 75 experts and participants from 14 institutions across the country. I am told that at least 20 local participants have returned home far more informed, motivated and inspired than before.” He added that the participation of 11 distinguished experts added tremendous value to the three-day proceedings, and emphasized the importance of organising such events outside major metros. “Statistics show that out of 1.7 lakh start-ups in India today, nearly 49–50% emerge from tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Kathua, being a smaller town, holds immense unexplored potential. The new BIRAC-BioNEST Incubator Centre will serve as a major boost and a strong motivator for youth in the region. I am confident CSIR-IIIM will continue to organize similar workshops and educational events,” he said.

Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM & Chairman, IIIM-TBI, said that CSIR-IIIM BioNEST Incubator, a premier research institution with strong capabilities in drug discovery, pre-clinical development, genetic improvement of medicinal and aromatic plants, and entrepreneurship promotion, is committed to integrating AI across these domains to nurture innovation. Dr Ahmed reiterated that under the guidance of and mentorship of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, and Department of Space, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, and Vice President CSIR, Dr. Jitendra Singh, CSIR-IIIM TBI will continue organizing skill development programs and advanced vocational trainings at the BIRAC-BioNEST Incubator to empower youth and make the centre fully functional.

The final day of the conference began with an insightful talk by Dr. Karan Nathwani from IIT Jammu on “AI is Ubiquitous,” where he emphasized that future technology will belong to those who can harmonize AI with human creativity. This was followed by live demonstrations on drone detection using acoustic and vision sensors, and weed detection through deep learning models, which greatly engaged participants due to their practical relevance in agriculture and environmental monitoring. Dr. Amit Nargotra, Convener of the Conference-cum-Workshop, expressed gratitude to all speakers, mentors and participants during the vote of thanks. The 3 day conference hosted 11 distinguished domain experts, including Dr. P. C. Panchariya, Prof. Shandar Ahmad, Dr. M. Karthikeyan, Prof. Prabha Garg, Prof. Andrew Lynn, Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dr. Gitanjali Yadav, Dr. Richi Mahajan, Dr. Anju Sharma, Dr. Karan Nathwani and Dr. Saurabh Saran. They delivered talks on AI models for genomics and transcriptomics, AI-driven cheminformatics for anticancer drug discovery, multidimensional AI strategies for therapeutics, and machine learning frameworks for predicting molecular interactions.

The workshop offered intensive hands-on sessions on Python programming fundamentals, machine learning workflows, data processing and model evaluation. Participants developed predictive models for detecting potato leaf disease using image data and screening compounds targeting human diseases, helping bridge theoretical learning with real-world application. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from 75 young researchers and students from 14 institutions, including SKUAST Jammu, University of Jammu, NIPER Mohali, Punjab Agricultural University, CSIR-CSMCERI, CSIR-IGIB, ACBR (University of Delhi), Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology Patiala, University of Horticulture and Forestry Solan, Savitha Dental College & Hospital Chennai and Govt College for Women Thiruvananthapuram. In a significant step toward supporting local youth, 20 participants from Kathua—including students from GDC Kathua and UIET (JU Kathua Campus)—were offered complimentary registration. The conference was also live-streamed on CSIR-IIIM's social media channels, drawing strong virtual engagement. AI-D2A 2025 was inaugurated on 13th November, with Dr. P. C. Panchariya, Director, CSIR-CEERI Pilani, as chief guest, and Dr. Surinder Kumar Atri, Principal, GMC Kathua, as guest of honour. The valedictory session and prize distribution marked the conclusion of AI-D2A 2025.

The event was organized under the patronage and supervision of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, with support from the scientific and administrative teams of CSIR-IIIM and the organizing committee including Er. Abdul Rahim, Dr. Asha Chaubey, Dr. Shashank Singh, Dr. Dhiraj Vyas, Dr. Sumit Gandhi, Dr. Qazi Naveed Ahmed, Dr. Rajkishor Rai, Dr. Prasoon Gupta, Dr. Amit Nargotra, Dr. Parvinder Pal Singh, Dr. Bhahwal Ali Shah, Dr. Saurabh Saran, Er. Shaghaf Ansari, Rajesh Gupta, Zahoor Wani, Ram Singh and Monika Gupta. The valedictory session proceedings were conducted by Dr. Vidushi Abrol, followed by a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Amit Nargotra.

 

Conference-cum-Workshop on AI driven Innovations in Drug Discovery begins at BIRAC-BioNEST Incubator, Kathua

CSIR-IIIM TBI, 12th November 2025
A 3 day Conference-cum-Workshop on “AI-Driven Innovations in Drug Discovery and Agriculture (AI-D2A 2025)” commenced here today at BIRAC-BioNEST Incubator, Industrial Biotech Park, Ghatti, Kathua, under the aegis of CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, BIRAC–BioNEST Incubator and CSIR–Jigyasa. Dr. P.C. Panchariya, Director, CSIR–CEERI Pilani, inaugurated the event as Chief Guest while as Dr. Surinder Kumar Atri, Principal, GMC Kathua was the guest of honour. Dr. Panchariya while addressing the delegates underscored the transformative potential of AI in advancing drug discovery and agricultural research. He highlighted how AI-driven innovations can accelerate scientific breakthroughs, optimize processes, and contribute to sustainable development in healthcare and agriculture. He also shared the CSIR-CEERI’s path breaking achievements in making of semi-conductor devices, electronic tongue, adulteration detection sensors for dairy and edible oils. Dr. Atri, the guest of honour, mentioned that AI is being used in various areas of medicine, such as radiological diagnosis, assisting physicians in decision making. He said that he is looking forward to closer integration with CSIR-IIIM, Jammu and BIRAC-BioNEST incubator at Kathua, to explore and develop these areas further.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR–IIIM & Chairman, IIIM-TBI Jammu, stated, “This event is designed to promote every type of innovation in this area. AI-based tools are now becoming an integral part of drug discovery and agricultural practices”. He added that CSIR-IIIM, a premier R&D institution with strength in the drug discovery and crop improvement, has adopted the integration of AI tools to fasten the research, improvement of varieties of medicinal and aromatic plants besides the capacity building and said, “the conference provides a unique opportunity for skill development, capacity building, and entrepreneurship promotion among all stakeholders”. “Hosting it at the Biotech Park makes it even more significant—not just for participants, but also for the surrounding community—motivating them to engage with science and technology,” he said. Dr. Zabeer Ahmed also thanked the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, and Department of Space, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, and Vice President CSIR, which was essential in building the Industrial Biotech Park at Kathua and making it fully functional.
It is noteworthy that just last month Union Minister Dr, Jitendra Singh had launched the BioNEST Incubation centre as well as vocational training programs at this centre. A spokesperson informed that a total of 75 participants from all over India have registered for the workshop and 15 participants from GDC Kathua and Jammu University, Kathua Campus were provided free registration for the course. Earlier, Organising Secretary, Dr. Amit Nargotra, Principal Scientist & Group Leader Discovery Informatics Lab, NPMC Division, underlined the potential of AI in transforming drug discovery and agriculture, stressing that the conference aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and skill development. He highlighted, “The AI–D2A conference serves as a platform to nurture innovation, facilitate collaboration, and create opportunities for students, startups, and researchers, while showcasing India’s growing capabilities in AI-driven biotechnology and agriculture”.
Organisers said that AI-D2A 2025 would feature technical sessions, keynote talks, interactive discussions, hands-on workshops and practical demonstration sessions through next three days. The sessions will focus on the use of AI tools to accelerate drug discovery, enhance crop productivity, and develop data-driven agricultural models. AI-D2A 2025 will offer a dual experience — conceptual sessions on AI applications in biological research, along with practical training modules demonstrating how machine learning can assist in molecular design, compound screening, and Agri-data analytics. Day one of the conference featured sessions on AI models for genomics and transcriptomics, AI-driven cheminformatics for anticancer drug discovery, multidimensional AI strategies for therapeutics, and machine learning frameworks for predicting molecular interactions.
The conference is being live-streamed on CSIR–IIIM’s social media platforms, ensuring wider participation from students, researchers, and professionals unable to attend in person. The virtual sessions have already witnessed strong engagement, reflecting the growing interest in AI applications in science and agriculture. The conference-cum-workshop has been organized under the patronage and overall supervision of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, with support from HoDs of Scientific and Administrative Divisions of CSIR-IIIM and members of organizing committee, including the convener Dr. Amit Nargotra, Dr. Saurabh Saran, Er. Abdul Rahim, Dr. Asha Chaubey, Dr. Shashank Singh, Dr. Sumit Gandhi, Dr. Qazi Naveed Ahmed, Dr. Rajkishor Rai, Rajesh Gupta, Zahoor Wani, Ram Singh, Dr. Prasoon Gupta, Dr. Parvinder Pal Singh, Dr. Bhahwal Ali Shah, Er. Shaghaf Ansari and Monika Gupta. The proceedings of the inaugural event were conducted by Dr. Vidushi Abrol and Dr. Saurabh Saran presented the formal vote of thanks.

 

MoU signing between CSIR-IIIM BioNEST Bioincubation Centre with Promising Start-ups

 

 

Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates BioNEST Incubator at Industrial Biotech Park, Kathua on the occasion of “BioInnovation Connect @Kathua” (Oct 27, 2025)

In a landmark step toward promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the biotechnology sector, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, and Vice President CSIR, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated North India’s first BioNEST Incubator at the Industrial Biotechnology Park, Ghatti, Kathua. The event, Bioinnovation Connect @ Kathua, was organised by CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), TBI Jammu and witnessed a large gathering of scientists, innovators, industry experts, and students.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh during launching of BioNEST Incubator at Industrial Biotechnology Park, Ghatti, Kathua on Oct 27, 2025.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Jitendra Singh described the occasion as “a historic day for Kathua and the entire Jammu region”, marking the beginning of a new era of scientific enterprise, self-reliance, and economic growth. He said that the BioNEST Incubator will offer a unique platform for the youth to transform innovative ideas into viable business ventures. The facility aims to nurture startups in biotechnology, agriculture, healthcare, and allied sectors, ultimately strengthening the local economy.

Dr. Singh highlighted that when the concept of biotech incubation began in 2014, India had only ten such centres. The Kathua Biotech Park became the 11th, with its foundation laid in 2014-15. After its formal inauguration in 2022, the government’s focus shifted toward making the facility fully functional through the creation of a self-sustaining innovation ecosystem. The newly launched BioNEST (Bioincubators Nurturing Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies) will play a key role in providing infrastructure, mentorship, and technology support to budding entrepreneurs.

The Minister informed that the Kathua facility will be capable of incubating 25 startups annually, helping India’s growing network of more than 11,000 biotech startups. With advanced facilities for distillation, fermentation, plant tissue culture, enzyme production, and genetic process platforms, the centre will enable youth to explore opportunities in biotechnology and agri-entrepreneurship.

Dr. Singh emphasized that Kathua’s strategic location, strong connectivity, and rich biodiversity make it ideally suited to become a biotechnology hub in North India. He urged young innovators to utilize schemes such as Mudra Yojana for collateral-free loans and to take advantage of opportunities offered under the National Education Policy (NEP) for interdisciplinary learning. He encouraged students to evolve from being job seekers to job creators.
Appreciating the efforts of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, the Department of Biotechnology, and BIRAC, Dr. Singh praised their collaboration in establishing the facility. He said such partnerships exemplify “the spirit of cooperative federalism” and demonstrate the government’s commitment to fostering research-based growth.

Earlier, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM & Chairman, BioNEST Incubator Jammu, briefed about the park’s facilities, including phytopharma drug extraction, micro-propagation, and central instrumentation units. He informed that six startups have already been enrolled and will receive incubation and training support.

The event also featured an Innovation Showcase Walkthrough, Startup and Investor Interactions, Industry-Farmer Interface, and signing of MoUs with academic and industrial partners, marking a new milestone in transforming Kathua into North India’s biotechnology innovation hub.

 

IIIM-Technology Business Incubator BioNEST Bioincubation Centre supported by BIRAC, DBT conferred with the prestigious ‘Bharat Incubator Award 2025’ at the 4ᵗʰ Bharat Entrepreneurship Summit 2025, New Delhi.

The Technology Business Incubator (TBI) BioNEST Bioincubation Centre supported by BIRAC, DBT of CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, has been conferred with the ‘Bharat Incubator Award 2025’ at the 4th Bharat Entrepreneurship Summit held at the NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi. The Bharat Entrepreneurship Summit is a flagship event every year organized by the Entrepreneurs Association of India (EAI). This national-level recognition highlights the IIIM incubator’s outstanding contributions towards fostering innovation, supporting startups, and promoting entrepreneurship in the Jammu & Kashmir region.

Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM and Chairman of IIIM-TBI, said that CSIR-IIIM is relentlessly working round the clock to support startups in key sectors such as agri-tech, nutrition, healthcare, Phytopharma, Aroma and Biotechnology etc. “This award stands as a strong validation of our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and accelerating economic growth in the Jammu and Kashmir region” he said. Dr Ahmed credited the achievement to the visionary leadership of Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science and Technology & Vice President CSIR. “Changing mindsets and utilizing local resources are the keys to startup success in Jammu & Kashmir,” he emphasized.

Earlier during the ceremony, Dr Saurabh Saran, Sr Principal Scientist, CSIR-IIIM and Principal Investigator of IIIM-TBI, highlighted that CSIR-IIIM currently operates three incubation centres (i) BioNEST Incubator at CSIR-IIIM, Jammu (ii) BioNEST Incubator at Industrial Biotech Park, Kathua & (iii) Atal Incubation Centre at IIIM Branch, Srinagar. He informed that these centres have supported over 125 startups, with more than 20 successfully launching products into the market. Dr Saran also shared the vision of TBI focus on thematic areas such as the Aroma Mission, Phytopharmaceuticals, and livelihood-linked innovations. The event was graced by Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Minister of Industries, Food Supplies, Environment, Forest, and Wildlife, Government of NCT Delhi, as the chief guest.

 

IIIM-TBI Showcases Innovation at 4 th Board of Governors (BoG) Meeting at CSIR-IIIM Jammu

On August 7, 2025 - M/s IIIM-Technology Business Incubator (IIIM-TBI) successfully convened the 4 th Board of Governors (BoG) meeting , underscoring its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the biosciences sector. Chaired by Dr. Zabeer Ahmed , Director, CSIR-IIIM, the high-level meeting served as a platform for strategic review and forward planning, bringing together distinguished members from industry and academia.

Among the esteemed BoG members present were Ms. Ritu Singh Kuwarani , Chairperson, FICCI-FLO J&K-renowned for her visionary leadership and dedication to women's empowerment and sustainable development- Dr. Anil Wali , CEO, BiocytiH Foundation; and Mr. Ram N. Kumar , Founder of NirogStreet, alongside other dignitaries. The agenda focused on evaluating IIIM-TBI's progress and framing a strategic roadmap for future growth and innovation-led development.

In his welcome address, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed reflected on the evolution of IIIM-TBI into a vibrant and inclusive incubation ecosystem. He emphasized the incubator's pivotal role in supporting deep-tech and bio-based startups by providing mentorship, infrastructure, regulatory guidance, and business strategy support. Highlighting the incubator's impact, he shared that since inception, 125 startups have been incubated across resident, virtual, and non-resident categories, with 28 startups progressing to the product development stage , and five successfully commercializing innovations in Agriculture, Nutraceuticals, and Healthcare .

Dr. Ahmed spotlighted several key achievements, including the launch of product two-prototypes Hapifert and ColpoMeg by HAPICO Industries , inaugurated by Hon'ble Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh , and the unveiling of Pahari Kikkar Honey by M/s Pahari Amrut on World Bio-Product Day . He also shared insights into ongoing initiatives such as startup expos, ideathons, roadshows, and industry networking programs.

Dr. Saurabh Saran , Principal Investigator of IIIM-TBI, He emphasized the incubator's alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and detailed key focus sectors: lavender cultivation under the Purple Revolution (Aroma Mission-III) , Floriculture Mission-II , Phyto-pharmaceutical Mission-III , Biopharmaceuticals and drug discovery (e.g., dendritic cell-based cancer therapies), Industrial Microbiology and Fermentation (enzymes, probiotics, biofuels), Herbal and Ayurvedic products , and Food-based technologies , such as fermented and functional foods.

The meeting featured product showcases from M/s Adoptive Biotech Pvt. Ltd., M/s Vela Nutrition Pvt. Ltd., and M/s Pahari Amrut Pvt. Ltd. , giving participants a glimpse into the vibrant pipeline of biotech and wellness innovations supported by IIIM-TBI. The meeting also featured product showcases by start-ups, offering the Board valuable insight into the innovative technologies being developed within the incubator.

Dr. Vidushi Abrol , Business Manager, IIIM-TBI, presented the day's agenda and highlighted the growing role of the incubator in developing industry linkages, strengthening branding and marketing for startups, and expanding visibility and outreach.

In her remarks, Ms. Ritu Singh Kuwarani commended IIIM-TBI as one of the most impactful incubators in India , praising its structured ecosystem, inclusive vision, and commitment to empowering grassroots and women-led enterprises. She highlighted its alignment with national priorities in innovation, entrepreneurship, and rural development .

Echoing her sentiments, Dr. Anil Wali and Mr. Ram N. Kumar , along with other BoG members, lauded the institute's visionary leadership , translational research approach , and focus on sustainable, innovation-led economic growth .

The meeting also saw active contributions from Er. Abdul Rahim , Chief Scientist & Head, CSIR-IIIM (Br. Lab), Srinagar and Vice-Chairman, IIIM-TBI; Dr. Anil Katare ; Sh. Ajay Kumar , CoF&A; Sh. Rajesh Gupta , AO; and Dr. Shifali Chib , among others, who shared valuable insights on strengthening the ecosystem.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Vidushi Abrol , who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all board members for their meaningful contributions and reaffirmed the shared commitment to advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic impact through the BioNEST Incubation Centre at CSIR-IIIM Jammu .

 

IIIM-TBI and IIT Jammu Join Hands to Drive Start-up Growth and Regional Innovation

On August 3, 2025 - In a significant move to strengthen India's innovation and entrepreneurship landscape, CSIR-IIIM's Technology Business Incubator (IIIM-TBI), IIT Jammu, and three dynamic start-ups-Biogreen Projects, Evlogia Eco Care, and Crop Domain-formalized a Tripartite MoU .

Aligned with the vision of Startup India, Stand-Up India , and guided by the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Hon'ble Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh , this alliance aims to translate cutting-edge research into impactful, market-ready solutions.

This tripartite alliance reflects IIIM-TBI Jammu's mission to bridge advanced research with real societal benefits," said Dr. Zabeer Ahmed , Director, CSIR-IIIM & Chairman, IIIM-TBI Jammu. Echoing this vision, Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur , Director, IIT Jammu, emphasized, "The initiative will accelerate the innovation pipeline and ensure faster commercialization of technologies."

The collaboration will focus on several key areas, including collaborative R&D and product development, incubation and mentorship for start-ups, lab-to-market acceleration, skill-building through workshops, employment generation, and commercial scale-up in biotechnology, agri-innovation, and sustainability .

As part of this initiative, three innovative start-ups are in the spotlight. Biogreen Projects is working on 100% compostable bioplastics, Evlogia Eco Care is pioneering eco-friendly leafy straws and biodegradable tableware, while Crop Domain is developing climate-smart agri-bio solutions. Together, they represent the spirit of sustainable innovation and the transformative potential of this alliance.

The event also featured contributions from Dr. Saurabh Saran (Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-IIIM & PI, IIIM-TBI), Dr. Arvind (CEO, I3C, IIT Jammu), with coordination by Dr. Vidushi Abrol (Business Manager, IIIM-TBI).

Through this partnership, IIIM-TBI and IIT Jammu are shaping a collaborative ecosystem where science and entrepreneurship converge-positioning Jammu as an emerging hub of innovation and sustainable growth.

 

IIIM-TBI & IIM Jammu ink MoU to Foster Interdisciplinary Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.

On 23rd July 2025 IIIM- Technology Business Incubator (IIIM-TBI), Jammu has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, to foster interdisciplinary research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional development. This strategic partnership brings together CSIR-IIIM's scientific leadership in natural product discovery, biotechnology, and drug development, and IIM Jammu's strengths in management education, business research, and innovation-led governance.

The MoU was formally signed by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, and Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM and Chairman IIIM-TBI in the presence of senior faculty members and officials from both institutions. The agreement establishes a broad framework for collaboration, aligning IIM Jammu's capabilities in strategic management, public policy, executive education, and entrepreneurship and CSIR-IIIM's expertise in scientific research, integrative medicine, and translational technologies with. Built on shared institutional values and a commitment to interdisciplinary excellence, the collaboration seeks to address complex societal challenges through a synthesis of technical innovation and managerial acumen. The partnership is designed to facilitate joint research projects and interdisciplinary studies, with a particular focus on innovation management and the commercialization of scientific outcomes into scalable, market-ready solutions-especially in the domain of herbal and natural products. The MoU envisions academic and student exchanges, faculty and scientist mobility for collaborative engagement, and joint organization of seminars, conferences, workshops, and policy roundtables to enhance knowledge dissemination.

Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, remarked that the MoU represents a significant step in bridging the gap between science and management. He noted that this collaboration between two premier institutions will not only drive innovation but also generate sustainable, socially relevant outcomes that will contribute to the development of the Jammu and Kashmir region and beyond. Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM and Chairman IIIM-TBI, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating that this MoU marks a pivotal milestone in bridging scientific innovation with management acumen. It will drive advancements in areas like pharma commercialization, sustainable agro- technologies, and biotech entrepreneurship, ultimately translating discoveries into societal benefits.

Also present on the occasion were Prof. Rajesh Sikka, Faculty, IIM Jammu, Er. Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist & Head, RMBD & IST; Dr. Saurabh Saran, Senior Principal Scientist and PI, IIIM-TBI; Dr. Suphla Gupta, Senior Principal Scientist; and Dr. Love Sharma, Scientist. CSIR-IIIM, Jammu; and Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Jammu. The MoU reflects a strong commitment to region-specific projects focusing on the bioeconomy, rural entrepreneurship, and sustainable healthcare through integrative approaches. An Advisory Board comprising the Directors of both institutions will monitor the collaboration's progress and provide strategic direction to ensure alignment with shared objectives. This strategic alliance underscores the commitment of IIM Jammu and IIIM-TBI to advancing India's innovation and knowledge economy, aligning with national priorities such as health innovation, startup incubation, and evidence-based policy development. The partnership reflects a collective vision that supports the broader goals of Viksit Bharat and positions both institutions at the forefront of interdisciplinary and impactful research.

 

On 23rd July 2025 , the Hackathon 5.0 was held as part of the 10-day Yuva Kaushal Karyashala 2.0 at CSIR-IIIM Jammu . The event saw 18 dynamic student groups (38 participants) showcasing their innovative and research-driven ideas .

Ideas ranged from Ginger Bug, Medibliss, Dia Blue Tea, Biohackers, Micofusion, Bio DAP, DIY Herbal Solutions, and many more - with students presenting prototypes and samples developed through their own research, creativity, and hands-on experiences during the training. The competition was judged by an esteemed panel of experts: Dr. Asha Chaubey , Senior Principal Scientist & Head, Fermentation & Microbial Biotechnology Division; Dr. Sumit G. Gandhi , Senior Principal Scientist & Head, Infectious Disease Division; Dr. Saurabh Saran , Senior Principal Scientist & PI, Technology Business Incubator (IIIM-TBI). The entire competition was coordinated by Dr. Vidushi Abrol , Business Manager, IIIM-TBI.

Awards were presented for the Best Ideas (1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd & Consolation) along with recognition of meritorious students based on overall performance, discipline, and active participation. The event was graced by the Director Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, CSIR-IIIM and Chairman, IIIM-TBI Jammu , who commended the creativity and passion of the participants, praised their innovative spirit, and motivated them to take these ideas forward as startups and self-sustainable ventures under the Viksit Bharat Mission ?

 

CSIR-IIIM Jammu Concludes Yuva Kaushal Karyashala 2.0 - 10-Day Hands-On Training Empowering Young Biotechnologists

On 23rd July 2025 - The BioNEST Bioincubation Centre , under the aegis of CSIR-IIIM Jammu , successfully concluded its 10-day flagship training program - Yuva Kaushal Karyashala 2.0 , held from 14 th -23 rd July 2025 .

The workshop brought together 50 students from leading institutions across Kathua, Jammu, Udhampur, and Patiala, including 34 participants in Industrial Biotechnology and 16 in Medical Microbiology (BSL-3) .

Over 10 days, participants received intensive hands-on training in Industrial Biotechnology and Medical Microbiology, with exposure to state-of-the-art CSIR-IIIM facilities such as the cGMP plant, GLP Animal House, Pharmacology & Fermentation & Microbial Biotechnology Division , and more. A field visit to Chatha experimental farms gave students practical insights into Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (MAPs) under the Aroma Mission and Purple Revolution .

The program also emphasized entrepreneurship and innovation. Sessions by Dr. Saurabh Saran (PI, IIIM-TBI) guided students on biotech startup opportunities, innovation pathways, branding, and industry partnerships .

A highlight of the program was delivered by Dr. Vidushi Abrol (Business Manager, IIIM-TBI) about the Idea Pitching Hackathon 5.0 , where 18 student groups presented innovative ideas before experts. Top three ideas were awarded, along with two meritorious student recognitions for outstanding performance.

The Valedictory Ceremony , graced by the Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, senior scientists, and dignitaries. In his address, he underscored the role of biotechnology-led innovation in Atmanirbhar Bharat . The Director emphasized IIIM-TBI's contributions to Industrial Biotechnology, Medical Microbiology, herbal formulations, biofuels, phyto-pharmaceuticals, immunotherapies, and food-based technologies . He encouraged students to leverage hands-on training and scientific exposure for career growth and commended IIIM-TBI as one of the most impactful incubators in India , appreciating its structured ecosystem, inclusivity, and support for grassroots and women-led enterprises .

Participants described the program as a rare opportunity for world-class scientific training , offering a platform to translate academic learning into real-world innovation .

? Yuva Kaushal Karyashala 2.0 not only strengthened technical competencies but also inspired young biotechnologists to innovate fearlessly and contribute meaningfully to India's knowledge economy.

 

 

IIIM-TBI is organizing Yuva Kaushal Karyashala 2.0 - a 10 day hands-on training program in Industrial  Biotechnology and Medical Microbiology , going to be held at CSIR-IIIM, Jammu from 14th to 23rd July 2025

 

Product Launch by IIIM-TBI Incubated Startup The IIIM-Technology Business Incubator, Jammu, celebrated World Bioproduct Day today with a simple yet impactful event aimed at promoting awareness of bioproducts and their role in sustainable development. The event brought together scientists, students, startups, and key stakeholders to highlight the critical importance of bioproducts in achieving a cleaner, greener, and more economically vibrant future. Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Chairman, IIIM-TBI,  emphasized the national importance of the BioE³ Policy-Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment. He noted that the policy provides a strategic framework for advancing high-performance biomanufacturing and scaling up bio-based innovations across India. Dr. Ahmed highlighted the unique advantage of the Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh region as a biodiversity hotspot-often referred to as the 'Bio-mass State of India' due to its rich reservoir of medicinal, aromatic, floral, and microbial biodiversity. "With sub-tropical zones in Jammu, temperate zones in Kashmir, and cold deserts in Ladakh, this region offers immense potential for bio-based innovations," he said.

 

IIIM-TBI celebrates "World Bioproduct Day, Pledges commitment to principles of BioE3 policy on 7th July, 2025

 

IIIM-TBI delivered a talk on "Entrepreneurial  Development in Biotechnology Awareness Programme" to promote awareness among the students and faculty of  SKUAST, Jammu on 25.06.2025

IIIM-TBI proudly announces the successful completion of its two-day online workshop titled " Biotechnology Insights: Techniques for Research and Innovation,"  held on  April 7th and 8th, 2025.  The workshop witnessed active and enthusiastic participation from  undergraduate and postgraduate students, research scholars, and faculty members  representing three esteemed institutions from North India:  DAV College Jalandhar, HMV College Jalandhar, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra.  A total of  50 participants  engaged wholeheartedly in the event, contributing to vibrant discussions during the  interactive technical sessions and Q&A rounds.  The sessions were delivered by expert scientists from  CSIR-IIIM , bringing valuable insights into the field of industrial biotechnology and its related skill-development programs & entrepreneurship. This workshop was thoughtfully curated to enhance understanding and encourage meaningful dialogue around the  vital role of microorganisms in industrial applications , with a strong emphasis on  real-world techniques, innovation, and research-driven  solutions relevant to everyday life.

Two- Days Online workshop on ' Biotechnology Insights: Techniques for Research and Innovation ' is organized by BioNEST Bioincubation Centre  IIIM-Technology Business Incubator (IIIM-TBI)

The National Startup Festival 2025 was inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Ji, highlighting CSIR IIIM-TBI as a frontrunner in startup incubation, biotech innovation, and drug discovery on 22nd Feb., 2025

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy & Space, and Vice President of CSIR, inaugurated the two-day National Startup Festival 2025 at the Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. The festival is being organized by CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) and IIIM-TBI, Jammu to promote and strengthen the startup ecosystem in the region.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Jitendra Singh commended CSIR-IIIM and IIIM-TBI for its efforts in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation through such events. He highlighted the significant growth of India's startup ecosystem, which has expanded from just a few hundred startups in 2014 to several thousand today, including numerous unicorns. He emphasized that many startups, which began as small initiatives, have grown into successful enterprises, generating employment and catering to both domestic and international markets.

Dr. Singh further underlined the rapid growth of the startup ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir , which has seen more than a tenfold increase in startups over the past five years, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370 . He also highlighted India's rise in the Global Innovation Index , climbing from rank 81 to 40 , attributing this success to youth-driven innovations and policies introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership since 2014 . He reiterated that these initiatives align with the vision of "Atma Nirbhar Bharat" and will be instrumental in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 . He also mentioned the BioE3 policy , introduced by Modi Government 3.0 , which has allocated ?1,000 crores for startups and ?2,600 crores for industrial hubs .

Dignitaries and Guest Speakers

The event was graced by Shri Satish Sharma , J&K UT Cabinet Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and ARI & Training Departments , and Padma Shri Prof. Vinod K. Singh , Chairperson of the CSIR Recruitment & Assessment Board (RAB) and Institute Chair Professor of Chemistry at IIT Kanpur , who attended as the Guests of Honour .

Shri Satish Sharma reiterated the commitment of the J&K Government to support young entrepreneurs in establishing their ventures. Prof. Vinod K. Singh praised CSIR-IIIM's initiatives in nurturing startup culture and self-employment opportunities .

Other distinguished guests included: Dr. Prabodh Kumar Trivedi , Director, CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow; Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany , Director, CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow; Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav , Director, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur; Dr. Manoj Singh Gour , Director, IIT Jammu; Dr. Jatinder Kumar , Managing Director, DBT-BIRAC; Dr. N. Zaheer Ahmed , Director General, CCRUM

Key MoUs and Startup Launches

During the event, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed , Director, CSIR-IIIM , announced significant collaborations:

Additionally, six new startups have been registered at the BIRAC Incubator at Industrial Biotech Park, Ghatti, Kathua : Vipragen Biosciences Pvt Ltd; JMD Herbal Pharmaceuticals; Avtar Health Care's; The Unati Agri-Allied and Marketing Multistate Cooperative Society Ltd., Jammu; The Jammu and Kashmir Dairy Cooperative Federation Ltd.; Kaushal Jammu Farm Producer Organizations, Jammu

Three new startup products from Hapico Industries Pvt Ltd., IGC Lassipoora Pulwama , incubated at CSIR IIIM-TBI , were also launched:

Startup Participation and Focus Areas

A total of 50 startups from across the country, including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Meghalaya , participated in the festival. These startups showcased innovations in diverse fields, including: Agriculture & Agri-Tech, Healthcare & Nutraceuticals, Technology-Based Innovations, Service-Oriented Startups, Consumer Products

The event aimed to empower local youth, students, women, and farmers from districts such as Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, Kathua, and Samba . On the first day alone, more than 700 participants from academia, research institutions, schools, colleges, universities, industries, policymakers, and civil society attended the event.

Organizing Committee

The festival was organized under the patronage of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) , with overall supervision by Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu , and his dedicated team, including: Er. Abdul Rahim, Dr. Asha Chaubey, Dr. Dhiraj Vyas, Dr. Shashank Singh, Dr. Sumit Gandhi, Dr. Naveed Qazi, Dr. Suphla Gupta, Dr. Saurabh Saran, PI, IIIM-TBI, Dr. Raj Kishore, Vikram Singh, Sr. COA, Ajay Kumar, CoFA, Dilip Gehlot, SPO, Rajesh Gupta, AO, Er. Ashwani Chopra

The National Startup Festival 2025 successfully showcased CSIR-IIIM TBI as a leader in startup incubation, biotech innovation, and drug discovery , reinforcing its role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region.

CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Technology Business Incubator celebrated “National Startup Day” by conducting Awareness Programs at three different Govt. Colleges from January 16th to 18th, 2025; under the visionary leadership of Director Dr. Zabeer Ahmed