About:

Mizoram University Bio-Incubator Nurturing Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies (MZU BioNEST) is a biotechnology incubator to assist start up enterprises in accelerating development and commercialization of new technologies by providing incubator space and state of the art “Plug & Play” laboratories. It is sponsored by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and hosted by Mizoram University

Establishment of the centre:

This first bio-incubator in Mizoram was sanctioned in 2019 and was operationalized in 2020

Main Functions:

Mizoram University BioNEST is a bio-incubator funded by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) a not-for-profit Section 8, Schedule B, Public Sector Enterprise, set up by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. This first bio-incubator in Mizoram was sanctioned in 2019 with an initial support upto 5 years till 2024. Administrative approval for incorporation as a not-for-profit Section 8 Company is sought from the university authorities and is under process.

The centre is designed to provide infrastructure and scientific support to researchers, investors and entrepreneurs looking to transform innovations in life sciences, medical technology and environmental sciences into viable and successful enterprises.

Funded by BIRAC and hosted by Mizoram University – a central university ranked 76th in the National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) announced on June 2023, Mizoram University BioNEST strives to drive sustainability and impact through Open, Responsible and Inclusive Innovation by integrating the efforts of academia, industry and government.

Spread over 10,000 Sq.ft of space, the MZU BioNEST bio-incubator has dedicated laboratories for Animal Cell Culture, Mycology and common laboratory facilities with a capacity to house 40 incubatees. These laboratories are equipped with CO2 Incubators, BOD incubators, Rotary Evaporators, UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, Modular Cold Room, and High Speed Cooling Centrifuge.

Moreover, BIRAC has granted the centre an additional fund for strengthening the Food Processing Support Unit to include modern processing and packaging machines.

Coordinator:

• Dr. H. LALHRUAITLUANGA, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology

Co-Coordinators:

• Prof. N. SENTHIL KUMAR, Professor, Department of Biotechnology
• Prof. LALNILAWMA, Professor, Department of Extension Education & Rural Development

Staffs:

• LALRUATSANGA, Chief Executive Officer
• Dr. LALLAWMSANGA, Scientific Officer
• LALTHAFALA, Technical Assistant

Vision and Mission of the cell/centre:

The major functions of Mizoram University BioNEST are:

• Foster social entrepreneurship initiatives in the area of natural resources, environment, rural livelihood.
• Creation of state-of-art infrastructure and intellectual resources. IPR and social entrepreneurship environment for budding entrepreneurs.
• Providing training programs in emerging technologies for the personnel in the incubatees.

Objectives of the cell/centre:

Funded by BIRAC and hosted by Mizoram University, Mizoram University BioNEST strives to drive sustainability and impact through Open, Responsible and Inclusive Innovation by integrating the efforts of academia, industry and government.

Spread over 10,000 Sq.ft of space, the MZU BioNEST bio-incubator has dedicated laboratories for Animal Cell Culture, Mycology and common laboratory facilities with a capacity to house 40 incubatees. These laboratories are equipped with CO2 Incubators, BOD incubators, Rotary Evaporators, UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, Modular Cold Room, and High Speed Cooling Centrifuge. The complete list of available equipment is provided. Moreover, BIRAC has granted the centre an additional fund for strengthening the Food Processing Support Unit to include modern processing and packaging machines.

MZU BioNEST focuses on bio-resource prospecting and technology development. With support from BIRAC and the network of sister bio-incubators in East and North-East India, we strive to develop and scale-up sustainable technologies for inclusive growth of the region.

Our main sources of incubatees are:

• Sourcing of incubatees through Competitive Events (Business Plan Competition & Hackathon)
• Sourcing of incubatees through collaboration with State Government Agencies (EDC, MYC, MISTIC & LESDE)
• Special Incentives for University Faculty, Students and Research Scholars
• Community-linkage development through in-situ incubation programmes

Our main sources of revenue are:

• Rental Charges from Incubatees
• Rental Charges from Pre-Incubatees
• Consultation Fees
• Royalty from sales in case of Social Enterprises
• Equity Share of Private Enterprises
• Revenue from usage of laboratory and equipment

In the next 5 years, the bio-incubator aims to expand to

• 30 Incubatees with atleast 5 BIG Grantees
• 20 student startups
• Packaging Unit
• Bio-Prospecting Lab
• Food Processing Unit
• Expansion from Equity & Royalty

Functions of the cell/centre:

The activities of the bio-incubator can be summarized as below:

1. Translation of Ideas into Science
2. Incubation Programme
3. Training & Development
4. Mentoring & Technology Transfer
5. Contract Research
6. Infrastructure Support
7. Making startups in initial stages to be investor ready
8. Out-reach programme

At present, there are 15 incubatees, 3 pre-incubatees and 5 supported units. The pre-incubatees and supported units are in the various stages ranging from TRL-1 to TRL-3. 

Contribution of the cell/centre: in quality related aspects of the university

A brief summary of the activities during the period April 2022 – March 2024 is tabulated as below

• No. of products technologies developed: 05
• No. of products/technologies commercialized: 03
• No. of events conducted: 48
  • Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes: 16
  • Workshops: 9
  • Webinars: 8
  • Training Programmes: 12
  • Entrepreneurship Competition & Hackathons: 03
• No. of Jobs created: 53
• Amount of Grant generated for Start-ups: Rs. 194.7 Lakhs

Grant Received: 

Contribution of the cell/centre in academic related aspects of the university Activities of the Cell/Centre: