Gujarat Biotechnology University should expand biotechnology centres: Minister

Describing the convocation of Gujarat Biotechnology University Gandhinagar as “not merely a ceremony, but a testament to Gujarat’s growing scientific stature”, Modhwadia said the university was born from a vision articulated by the PM Narendra Modi, who viewed biotechnology “not simply as a sector, but as a national capability.”As 94 MSc Biotechnology students graduated, Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU) also honoured academic excellence through five gold medals across all five biotechnology specialisations – animal, medical, plant, industrial and environment – reflecting GBU’s growth as the first dedicated biotechnology university from 26 students graduating in its first convocation last year.

Subeer Majumdar, Director General of GBU, emphasised that within a short span, GBU has built a strong international faculty base, secured more than 70 competitive research grants worth nearly Rs 40 crore and established impactful collaborations with leading global institutions such as the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

Majumdar said GBU’s unique research-driven model, backed by the Government of Gujarat, is shaping highly skilled biotechnology professionals who contribute to India’s scientific advancement.

Presiding over the ceremony, Shanghvi described the university as “a bold experiment where research forms the foundation, industry relevance is built into the structure, and values remain non-negotiable.”

He noted GBU’s significant achievements within a short span, including the award of nearly 70 extramural research grants in just three years — a milestone that, he said, reflects the emergence of a disciplined and robust research culture on campus.

P Bharathi, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, highlighted that GBU hosts the highest number of GAT-B qualifiers from a single campus in India, attracts students from across the country and is supported by faculty with global academic and research experience. Sudhir Vaid, Chairman of the Advisory Council of the university and Managing Director, Concord Biotech Limited, spoke about the rapidly expanding influence of biotechnology in transforming food systems, sustainable materials, energy solutions and healthcare delivery.

This year’s class included 94 MSc Biotechnology graduates across the five specialisations: Medical Biotechnology (20), Industrial Biotechnology (20), Plant Biotechnology (16), Animal Biotechnology (19) and Environmental Biotechnology (19). Gold Medals were awarded to: Waman Nachiket Somnath (Animal Biotechnology), Sheikh Mohammed Atique Mohammed Siddique (Environmental Biotechnology), Radikar Madhura Damodhar (Industrial Biotechnology), Aniket (Medical Biotechnology) and Jayshree Pawar (Plant Biotechnology).

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