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Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is the Chairman and Managing Director of Biocon Limited, a leading biotechnology company based in Bangalore. Her journey into the field was influenced by her father, Rasendra Mazumdar, who was the head brewmaster at United Breweries. He encouraged her to study fermentation science and pursue a career as a brewmaster.
She followed his advice and attended Federation University in Australia, where she studied Malting and Brewing. In 1974, she was the only woman enrolled in the brewing course and graduated at the top of her class, earning a Master Brewer degree in 1975.
In 1978, she founded Biocon India with a seed capital of Rs. 10,000, starting the company in the garage of her rented house in Bangalore. Under her leadership, Biocon evolved from an industrial enzymes manufacturing company into a fully integrated biopharmaceutical enterprise, focusing on diabetes, oncology, and autoimmune diseases. Mazumdar-Shaw was quick to recognize the market potential for statins, cholesterol-lowering drugs, which soon accounted for over 50% of the company’s revenue.
In 2004, she established the Biocon Foundation, the corporate social responsibility wing of Biocon. The Foundation focuses on health, education, and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas of Karnataka that lack adequate healthcare facilities.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s pioneering work in biotechnology has earned her numerous accolades. She has been honored with national awards, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan from the Government of India. Internationally, she has received several prestigious awards, such as the Othmer Gold Medal (2014) for outstanding contributions to science and chemistry, and the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Life Sciences & Healthcare (2002).
What is Bio-Technology?
Biotechnology (BT) is a multidisciplinary, research-oriented science that explores the potential of plants, animals, and oceans to address a wide range of human challenges. Scientists in this field are investigating solutions to diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and AIDS. They are also exploring alternatives to fossil fuels and developing ways to genetically modify grains, vegetables, and fruits to sustain our growing global population.
Biotechnology goes beyond biology, encompassing related disciplines such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, immunology, cell and tissue culture, physiology, and computer science.
For example, scientists have discovered that the fruit extract of the Jatropha plant, which grows easily in India, contains components similar to diesel oil. German and Indian researchers have shown that mixing 20-25% Jatropha oil with regular diesel allows vehicles to operate efficiently. This raises the question: could a higher percentage of Jatropha oil be used to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and save billions in foreign exchange?
In India, advancements in genetic modification have led to the development of BT Brinjal, a genetically modified eggplant that is approximately 4-5 times larger than the traditional variety. Similar work is being done on tomatoes. If these innovations can be refined and made more reliable, they could significantly alleviate food shortages. Additionally, Indian scientists have enhanced cotton strains, positioning India as one of the world’s leading cotton producers. One Indian scientist has even developed HIV testing kits that are now exported to several African countries.
The potential of biotechnology is immense, not only for India but for the world.
The mapping of the human genome has revolutionized this sector, leading to rapid advancements in research. The first biotechnology product from genetic engineering was human insulin, used to treat diabetes. Traditionally, insulin was extracted from the pancreas of pigs or cattle, but some diabetics were allergic to it. Biotechnology provided a solution by producing human insulin through genetic engineering.
Biotechnology is divided into several key areas:
• Bio-Pharma: Focuses on the development of vaccines, drugs, therapeutics, diagnostics, and veterinary medicine.
• Bio-Agri: Involves plant tissue culture, nutraceuticals (food supplements), bio-pesticides, bio-fertilizers, medicinal crops, and genetically modified crops and foods.
• Bioinformatics: Encompasses data banking, management, and analysis.
• Bio-Services: A rapidly growing and exciting field where international companies outsource molecule development, clinical research, contract manufacturing, and research.
Biotechnology also plays a crucial role in producing antibiotics, enzymes, vitamins, vaccines, plastics, and new fuels. It is used in toxic waste disposal through bacteria, pollution control, and a variety of advanced techniques such as cell or tissue culture, cloning, fermentation, cell fusion, embryo transfer, and recombinant DNA technology.
Can you go for Bio-Technology?
If you are passionate about finding solutions to pressing global challenges—like developing alternatives to fossil fuels—and have a strong interest in research, biotechnology could be an ideal career path for you.
Is there a future in this field?
In our country alone we are looking for more food grains, domestically produced alternate fuel, cheaper medicines, etc. to mention just a few things. So the potential is enormous considering our huge population. The need is for young people who are committed and prepared to work hard to qualify with a Master’s degree / PhD in Bio-Tech.
Growth prospects are bright for the right people to scale up to higher echelons in a few years. The global market is expanding rapidly and so also career opportunities.
Once you qualify at Post-Graduate / Doctorate level, employment opportunities would be available in leading pharmaceutical / chemical / agriculture & allied industries e.g. Serum Institute of India, Biocon, Panacea Biotec, Mahyco Monsanto Biotech, Rasi Seeds, Venkateshwara Hatcheries, Novo Nordisk, Wockhardt, Aventis Pharma, Indian Immunologicals, etc.
Or with major Research facilities run by the governments / private enterprises e.g. ICAR, IISc, and TIFR. Teaching assignments are also available in some of the leading Universities in India.
Where to begin?
In Goa
After completing the 10+2 level, you can pursue a biotechnology degree at the following institutions:
• St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa
• Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Panaji
• Carmel College for Girls, Nuvem, Salcete
• Goa University: Offers an M.Sc. in Biotechnology with a specialization in Marine Sciences, supported by research facilities at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa.
Outside Goa:
• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi: Conducts a Combined Entrance Examination for admission to a 2-year M.Sc. Programme in Biotechnology and an M.Tech. Programme in Biotechnology, offered at Anna University, Chennai, and Jadavpur University, Kolkata.
• Participating Universities: Including Goa University, these programs require a Bachelor’s degree under the 10+2+3 pattern in Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences, Fishery Sciences, Engineering/Technology, Medicine (MBBS), or B.D.S. with a minimum of 55% marks. The entrance examination is typically held in May at 34 centers across the country.
• B.Tech in Biotechnology: After completing a 4-year B.Tech program, passing the CSIR-NET exam makes you eligible for a scholarship under the CSIR Scientist program.
• Bangalore University: Offers a B.Sc. in Biotechnology.
• BMS College of Engineering: Offers B.Tech and M.Tech programs in Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering.
• Pune University: Offers various programs in biotechnology.
Employment Avenues:
A postgraduate or doctoral qualification in biotechnology opens a wide range of employment opportunities in leading pharmaceutical, chemical, agricultural, and allied industries. Some prominent companies and organizations in this field include Serum Institute of India, Biocon, Panacea Biotec, Mahyco Monsanto Biotech, Rasi Seeds, Venkateshwara Hatcheries, Novo Nordisk, Wockhardt, Aventis Pharma, and Indian Immunologicals. Additionally, you could pursue a career in major research facilities run by the government, such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
India’s biotechnology sector is still in its early stages, so the opportunities are vast. To maximize your career potential, pursuing a doctorate is highly recommended, as the demand for advanced expertise is high and the field presents significant challenges and opportunities.
Alternatively, you could pursue an MBA, as many companies are seeking management professionals with a strong understanding of biotechnology.
Another attractive option is to take up a teaching position as a lecturer and eventually become a professor at one of the leading universities in India or abroad.
Salary Prospects:
Starting salaries in biotechnology typically begin at around ₹10,000 per month. With experience, you could see your salary increase to ₹20,000 within two years and to ₹45,000 – 60,000 within four years. For those with a strong commitment to contributing to this field, growth prospects are excellent. You could potentially rise to a division head level within five years.
As the global biotechnology market expands, career opportunities will increase, both in India and internationally. Scientists in India, who typically earn around ₹6 lakhs per year, may be eligible for salary packages ranging from $80,000 to $100,000 in the United States.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024