The ninth edition of Bangalore Bio, India's premier Biotechnology event organized by the Department of Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, Vision Group on Biotechnology and MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Co was inaugurated today by Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charges) for Science & Technology and Earth Science, Prime Ministers’ Office & Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions – Government of India, Shri B.S. Yeddyurappa, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Karnataka. Shri Katta Subramanya Naidu - Hon’ble Minister for IT & BT, Information, Excise and BWSSB, Government of Karnataka released the ‘BioSpectrum India Life Sciences Resource Guide 2009’ during the inauguration.

The event was a grand success with the focal theme, ‘Biotechnology beyond boundaries – the promise of India’.

The THREE-day long event, held at Hotel Ashok Lalit consisted of Multi-Track Conferences, an International Trade Show, BioPartnering, CEO Conclave, Bio IP Zone, Bio Excellence Award and a host of other events. Among others the highlight of the event was the inaugural keynote address by Nobel Laureate Dr. Richard J. Roberts at the Opening Plenary of the Conference on day 2.

With global recession glooming the world economy and outlook, Bangalore Bio 2009 has led the way to recovery by being recession proof. While the conference was truly reaching ‘Beyond Boundaries’, the speakers echoed each others words. While industry honchos clearly stated that for the growth of the Biotech industry, it was critical that governmental regulations and testing standards had to be relaxed. They also felt that governmental support and financial aid was required to provide the much needed impetus. If India has to be the world leader in Biotechnology, we have to develop innovative & cost effective biotech services. Another sentiment that was echoed was relating to wasted talent and the brain drain. They appealed to NRIs to come back home and continue research for the country and its progress.

Bangalore Bio has continued its growth track in spite of various challenges and hurdles due to the global economic meltdown. 685 Delegates from across the globe participated in the six focused tracks and 22 conference sessions. 115 Indian and International speakers participated in these conference sessions. 340 Delegates participated in the Bio-Partnering session and around 5000 business visitors visited during the 3 days.

BioPartnering, the first of its kind initiative by MM Activ and Technology Vision Group (TVG), the world leaders in Partnering received a resounding response. Out 1500 requests that came only 610 business meetings could be accommodated through this initiative due to time constraints, which is quite phenomenal.

The Exhibition at Bangalore Bio attracted 106 National and International organizations showcasing their innovation including, 12 organizations from Germany and exhibitors from UK, Australia and Singapore as well.

Bangalore Bio 2009 played host to a large delegation from Germany, UK & Australia. There was also participation from several other Countries like France, Spain, Italy, Holland, US, Canada, Cuba, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Iran & UAE. Entrepreneurship Day on the first day of Bangalore Bio 2009 consisted of Entrepreneurship Showcase, Panel Discussion and Entrepreneurship Clinic addressed by 23 Speakers & Panelists. It received high acclaim from the young researchers and start-up companies. 78 Young Researchers participated and presented their innovation in the Poster Session.

Bio–Excellence award, instituted by the department of IT-BT & ST, Govt. of Karnataka, identified and awarded biotech companies that have shown dynamic and significant leadership and outstanding contribution to their fields of biotech activities. This year companies from 4 sectors of Biotechnology namely - Healthcare, Agri-bio, Industrial Bio-tech and Bio-tech Services were recognized for their contribution to the industry. The parameters for evaluation were Technology, Thought Leadership, Significant Contribution, and Turnover. Around 5000 business visitor visited during the 3 days of Bangalore Bio 2009.With the astounding response that Bangalore Bio 2009 received, it is only stating the obvious that Bangalore Bio is here to stay and will be a greater success in 2010.

Tradeindia was the on-line media partner of Bangalore Bio. Amongst the huge audience of exhibitors and visitors, tradeindia.com generated immense response. Keen visitors stepped in to the Tradeindia booth to know about the portal's products and services. Our representatives distributed Tradeindia CD Roms, and yellow bags to the visiting buyers. With an aim to make new visitors, both national and international, Tradeindia distributed CD ROMs at the leading trade fair.The spacious attractive yellow bags served as carrying bags for many of the visitors. .