TNAU reaches out to innovators under PPP mode to optimise utility of its state-of-the-art Centre for Excellence in Biotechnology

Mr. Jindal
3 Min Read

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University has, in the recent months, been reaching out to innovators of unique products through its Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology (COXBIT) for optimising utility of research and product development through public-private partnership mode.

The 1.06 lakh-sq.ft. facility encompasses knowledge and cabin space which can be occupied by start-ups, student entrepreneurs and established companies for research and development activities.

The Centre featuring high-end infrastructure envisages development of super active enzymes / biomolecules, biobased products, hormones for fruit ripening, plant growth stimulants and similar bio-inputs for the commercial benefit of farmers. The common facilities also encompass a conference hall, cafeteria, internet, wi-fi, and instrumentation facilities, said N. Senthil, Director, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology that runs the facility.

On Wednesday, the COXBIT entered into a pact with a Coimbatore-based innovator Nivedita Arjunan, to facilitate research and development of natural ingredient-based perfumes to develop eco-friendly fragrances using botanicals, promoting innovation and value addition in the fragrance sector.

Earlier this month, the COXBIT tied up with Sherpa Biotech, a leader in imported button mushroom spawn and modern cultivation, to expand its research by focusing on IoT-based monitoring, stimulants, and smart watering technologies. This new initiative, according to R.Thamizh Vendan, Registrar and acting Vice-Chancellor, is expected to increase mushroom production and shelf life, while also promoting agricultural development through the application of modern biotechnologies.

Late last month, the COXBIT inked an agreement with Adamsindia AI Company, a leading company in agricultural technology development, for nurturing agricultural sector based on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technology.

Earlier during July, an MoU was signed with M/s. Yaazh Xenomics, Coimbatore, specialising in genomic research and DNA sequencing using Illumina, Nanopore, and Ion Torrent platforms. With over 100 research publications, the company also manufactures RT-PCR and biotech kits, supporting researchers, clinicians and students.

Tamil Nadu Legislative Estimate Committee under the chairmanship of S. Gandhirajan, MLA, while on a visit to TNAU last month, appreciated activities undertaken by the Centre such as digitization of insects, DNA barcoding, and guided audio tour. The insect museum with more than 50,000 preserved insects on various groups is visited with interest by school / college students and farming community.

The Assembly team witnessed demonstrations on low cost coconut dehusking machine, drone spraying of nutrients and pesticides, telescopic coconut harvesting machine, and plantrox app for pest and disease diagnosis.

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