Oct 09: Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Noida, hosted the North Zone events of ‘Voice for BT’ and ‘BEST Innovative Ideas 2026’, initiatives of the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises. Vibhu Bansal of Amity University Noida emerged as the winner of the ‘Voice for BT’ Award, whereas Shyam Sunder of Dr. B. Lal Institute of Biotechnology, Jaipur, won the ‘BEST Awards’ Competition. Both the winners were awarded a cash prize of Rs 20,000 each.
Voice for BT’ contest witnessed participation from 18 colleges across the Northern region, and 9 teams participated in the ‘BEST Innovative Ideas 2026’ competition. The events aimed to promote biotechnology awareness, encourage scientific communication and foster entrepreneurship among students.
Sharing his views on the occasion, Jury Member Mr. Rajagopal Manohar, Head of TS & Innovation, MEIA, Novonesis, said,
“Innovation in biotechnology requires a strong connection between scientific research and its practical application. Students must think beyond the laboratory and understand the technological, regulatory and commercial considerations involved in bringing an idea to market. Initiatives such as ‘BEST Innovative Ideas’ help young innovators gain valuable exposure to industry expectations and the complexities of commercialisation, preparing them to transform promising concepts into solutions with real-world impact.”
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, said,
“Amity University always encourages its students to become entrepreneurs and contribute to the country’s economy. Initiatives such as ‘Voice for BT’ and ‘BEST Innovative Ideas’ provide students with valuable opportunities to develop their ideas, strengthen their communication skills and explore entrepreneurial pathways in biotechnology. By fostering innovation, creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset, we aim to empower young talent to contribute meaningfully to India’s scientific advancement and economic growth.”
Jury Member Ms. Shreya Malik, Program Head – Life Sciences, Wadhwani Innovation Network, Wadhwani Foundation, opined,
“Young innovators need not only strong technical knowledge but also entrepreneurial thinking, mentorship and an understanding of market needs. Programmes such as ‘BEST Innovative Ideas’ encourage the students to explore the potential of their ideas, learn from the experts and develop the confidence to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions.”
Encouraging the participants, Dr. Chanderdeep Tandon, Additional Pro Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, said,
“Biotechnology has immense potential to address some of the most pressing challenges facing society, from healthcare and agriculture to environmental sustainability and industrial development. Such initiatives nurture scientific curiosity, build confidence and encourage young researchers to explore the entrepreneurial possibilities of their work, thereby strengthening India’s biotechnology ecosystem.”
Prof. (Dr.) Pooja Vijayaraghavan, Director, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Noida, said,
“The programmes provided a platform for students to articulate their perspectives on biotechnology, present innovative concepts and interact with eminent academicians and industry experts.”
On this occasion an overview of ABLE initiatives was presented by Mr. G S Krishnan, Hon. President, ABLE.
BEST Programme, is designed to encourage entrepreneurship among Biotechnology students. Final year Graduate, Post-Graduate and Doctoral Biotech Students are eligible to participate in this Programme. Broad topics for innovative ideas will be provided to the participating students well in advance. A total of 7 teams shortlisted and participated from different colleges for the program, wherein each team comprised of three students who presented their ideas to the jury. Top 2 teams from each zone will be competing in the final round to be held in Bangalore.
‘Voice for BT’, is India’s only Inter-Collegiate Public Speaking Competition, which provides an opportunity to the students to express their views on various topics of Biotechnology. The competition is open for final year students of B.Tech/BE- Biotechnology, Food technology and Chemical engineering students as well as first year postgraduate students. Eminent scientists, academicians and industry leaders form the jury to evaluate the participants. Top two winners from each region qualify for the national -level final to compete for the All India Winners’ position.
