Pharmaceutical Industry-Academia Conclave


The Indian Pharmaceutical Association (Karnataka Branch), Faculty of Pharmacy M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences and Karnataka Drugs & Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association organised a one day event on 9th April 2022 in the Ramaiah Medical College auditorium, Gnanagangothri Campus in Bangalore. Indian Pharmaceutical Association National President Dr. T.V Narayana graced the occasion as the chief guest. 

Dr. Premnath Shenoy, IPA President – Karnataka Branch welcomed the gathering and briefed on the themes of the conclave namely — Industry- Academia partnership, Incremental innovation and Start-ups. He opined that industry and academia are two pillars of the economy and both must come together to promote economic growth. In his inaugural address Mr. Harish, President of KDPMA stated that industry-academia partnership is the need of the hour, and appreciated the event to be a unique and would foster collaboration for mutual benefit. Speaking on the occasion, Research Professor Dr. V. Madhavan elaborated on the need for ensuring proper internship to be imparted to graduating students to make them employable and industry ready. Dr. S. Bharath, Dean- Faculty of Pharmacy welcomed the delegates and introduced National IPA President Dr. T.V.Narayana to the delegates. Dr. T.V. Narayana in his presidential address, traced the history of pharmacy colleges and pharmaceutical industry in India and was of the opinion the profession of pharmacy is second to none. He stated we are leaders in generic medicines and elaborated on IPA and its activities and benefits to students. The event was conducted by Dr Khalid Ahmed Khan, Assistant Drug Controller, Govt. of Karnataka & Hon. Secretary of IPA KTK branch. The inaugural event was concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. R. Deveswaran, Professor and Head, Drug Design and Development Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy. 

The resource persons for the technical sessions included eminent personalities from pharmaceutical industry entrepreneurs, leading academicians etc. Mr. Rajesh Kshirsagar, COO, Micro Labs Ltd spoke on incremental innovations, Mr. Ramesh D, Associate Director, Patient Safety, AstraZeneca dwelled on clinical trials, PV and opportunities for pharmacists. Mr. Saif Mekhri, Promoter & Director, Bio-gen Extracts gave his views on roadmap to entrepreneurship based on his personal experience. Ms. Jayashree, Senior Scientific Officer, KatraPhyto spoke on recent trends in herbal research, Mr. Sachin K, Start-up ecosystem enabler & Entrepreneur made an interesting talk on the process of commercialising research projects and Dr. Sangamesh Puranik, Founder and CEO, Masanga Laboratories highlighted the importance of IPR.

MoU’s were signed between 10 companies and 5 leading colleges in Karnataka. Panel discussion was held on Industry-Academia Partnership – the way forward”. Mr Sunil Attavar, Chairman and MD of Group Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Prof Mallya PV, Director, Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy, Dr Ramesh, Dean-Pharmacy Faculty, Adichunchunagiri University and Dr. Khalid Ahmed Khan participated in the discussion. Dr Premnath Shenoy moderated the session.

In the valedictory function, Prof. Prakash Mallya, Director Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy summarised the topics covered in the technical session and gave his expert views.

Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Raina, Honourable Vice Chancellor of Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences graced the valedictory function and addressed the gathering and congratulated the organizing committee for such an event being conducted for the benefit and students, colleges and industry. He thanked the contribution of pharmaceutical industries and pharmacists for the timely manufacture and availability of the COVID-19 vaccines and life saving medicines during pandemic and saving lives of people. He urged the industry and academia to take the MoU’s forward for mutual benefit. 

The event was a great success with over 450 delegates including students, faculty, industry personnel, entrepreneurs and academicians from across the state of Karnataka.