A Rs 100-crore neutri/neutraceutical and phytopharmaceutical (N2P2) project would be developed in Mysore.

The Vision Group on Biotechnology headed by Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has recommended sector-specific biotech parks to be set up in tier 2/3 cities of the state and this project is one such to be developed in Mysore, Principal Secretary in the Department of Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science and Technology, Mr M.N. Vidyashankar, told PTI here.

Private partner for the development of this project has been selected following a tender process. The state Cabinet has given its clearance. The State Government’s major role in the project is to develop the R&D zone.

“M/s. JSS Mahavidyapeetha is the successful bidder for the project, estimated to cost about Rs 100 crore,” Mr Vidyashankar said.

He said the biotech sector faces talent shortage and to address this, the State Government has initiated the BT Finishing Schools project. As many as 12 educational institutions have been selected by a committee headed by Dr G. Padmanaban to establish such schools, covering Bangalore, Mysore, Manipal, Mangalore and Gulbarga.

“The BT Finishing School concept involves academics for six months and industry internship for six months. The students are assured of a job after they clear the one-year diploma course,” he said.

Students for BT Finishing Schools have been selected through an entrance test and interview conducted by the educational institutions. The course has commenced in September 2011. Regular monitoring is done by a high-level committee headed by Principal Secretary — Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science and Technology, Prof G. Padmanaban.

Courses and other day-to-day matters are steered by another committee comprising the educational institutions, it was stated.

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