BioAsia 2023: Innovation Zone gives promising startups global stage to exhibit their ideas

Hyderabad: BioAsia 2023, Asia’s largest life-sciences and healthcare conference has restarted its annual tradition of hosting a start-up showcase which provides a platform for promising start-ups in the healthcare and life sciences ecosystems.

The “Innovation Zone,” at the marquee life sciences event, organised by the Telangana government, will feature the “Startup Stage Pavilion” and the “Incubator Pavilion” that hatches innovation and investment opportunities. With its commitment to driving innovation, the over 75 short-listed startups are being given participation fee waivers in addition to a free display booth. The event aims to provide promising startups focused on pharma, biotech, life sciences, health-tech and med-tech sectors a global stage to exhibit their innovative ideas.

Over 400 applications received

The Innovation Zone BioAsia 2023 has received an overwhelming response from startups, receiving over 400 applicants from around the world, including some from Singapore, Thailand, the United States, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

The jury panel, comprising senior members from the government, incubators, PE/VC firms, and successful entrepreneurs, has shortlisted over 75 promising startups from the wide nomination numbers. These startups will be provided space to showcase their invocation at the exhibition. The scrutinisation of the applications was based on peculiarity, affordability, and the idea/product’s ability to fulfil the demand.

PE and VC firms, investment banks, and angel investors have been invited to the event and budding startups will be given the possible opportunity to network and explore potential collaborations. The participating startups will be provided access to all conferences and insightful sessions along with an opportunity to network with the industry leaders of global life sciences.

The startup stage is being organised in partnership with Tech Mahindra and BIRAC, the Government of India.

The profile of startups that will be participating in BioAsia 2023 is highly diverse, ranging from medical technology startups manufacturing innovative point-of-care cancer screening kits to futuristic bionic limbs, and from biotechnology startups formulating small molecule nanoparticles to focusing on the discovery of novel drug candidates.

Hyderabad among India’s top startup hub

Jayesh Ranjan, the principal secretary (I&C and IT), Government of Telangana, said the sheer number of startup deals and funding is a testimony that Hyderabad has ascended to the country’s top five startup hubs. “BioAsia has gained global repute through the impact generated by its 19 previous editions. Telangana is the proud home for this year’s “Innovation Zone,” which presents an enormous opportunity for distinctive startups,” he added.

“Hyderabad has already proved its competency as a robust IT hub and we have a lot of technology startups solving issues like simplifying biostatistical analysis, AI-based virtual triaging solutions, and deep tech bioprinters, among more innovative work in the field,” Mr. Ranjan said

Shakthi Nagappan, director of life sciences, Government of Telangana, and CEO of BioAsia, said, “In the past 20 years, BioAsia has been built as a platform that has contributed to the growth of not only the Indian but global life sciences industry. We are confident that startups seeking access to the Indian market, resources, and technology will find a home here. A significant opportunity awaits innovative startups in BioAsia 2023 Innovation Zone.”

BioAsia 2023 will be held in Hyderabad between 24 and 26 February.