Dr. (Mrs.) Renu Parmar Advisor, (Industrial and VSI) Planning Commission, Government of India, New Delhi, visited Biotech Park, Lucknow on August 13, 2009. Prof. B.N. Dhawan, former Director, Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) and Chairman of Finance Committee and Member of the Advisory Committee, Biotech Park was also present. A brief presentation on activities and aims and objectives of the Park, its linkages with other local institutions and current activities was given by Dr. P. Gupta, Scientist, Biotech Park. Mr. Bijay Singh, Administrative Officer, Biotech informed about the share of grants received from Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India and State Government for setting up the Biotech Park.

Dr. Renu S. Parmar proceeding for visit to Biotech Park facilities

Dr. Parmar visited tissue culture and biofertilizer unit being run in collaboration with industries; molecular biology and analytical laboratory, solvent extraction plant, green house and other facilities of the Park.

Dr. Renu S. Parmar looking at the net pot plants in primary hardening facility of Biotech Park	Dr. Renu S. Parmar interacting with Dr. B. Vatsya of Hindustan Agribiotech at Biofertilizer facility of Biotech Park

She also visited the units set up by entrepreneurs in the Park. She expressed keen interest and made queries about research and products being developed and to be developed by them and gave useful suggestions.

Dr. Renu S. Parmar interacting with scientist of H.H. Biotech, a tenant company at Biotech Park	Dr. Renu S. Parmar interacting with the scientists of Natural Wellness India – a company at Biotech Park

A meeting with entrepreneurs of the Biotech Park was arranged. During the course of meeting the entrepreneurs informed about their activities and plans. They appreciated the setting up of the Park by DBT and various schemes launched by DBT to assist start-up biotech industries.

Dr. Renu S. Parmar at Analytical Laboratory of Biotech Park	Dr. Renu S. Parmar interacting with entrepreneurs of Biotech Park

They said it would be helpful if the requirement for the recognition of the units for DSIR for getting government grants is relaxed since the park itself has DSIR recognition. Dr. Parmar suggested that park can take up such issues with the government. She gave valuable suggestion to the entrepreneurs.

Dr. Parmar appreciated the infrastructure developed and facilities established at the Park are in running condition. She said that Park should encourage entrepreneurs to set up innovative research and development facilities at Park. The entrepreneurs and Park should work in coordination and support each other.