Department of Biotechnology

Dr.B.S. Gowrishankar
Professor & Head
The research and developments in molecular biology, genetic engineering and in emerging technologies have made the field of Biotechnology an important tool for the socio-economic development. Biotechnology, an interdisciplinary area, derives benefits from the advancements made in the fields of Biology, Chemical Engineering, Electronics, Telecommunications, Instrumentation Technology and Material Sciences. Large scale application of Biotechnology in the areas of agriculture, environment, health care, animal science and
industry is expected to increase, attract foreign investment and provide job opportunities in India and abroad in coming years. Due to favorable patent laws, Indian biotech industries have great potential to grow. The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has predicted that the domestic biotechnology sector in India with a CAGR rate of 35.1% will reach $ 5 Billion mark by 2009-10.

Considering the importance of Biotechnology in the socio-economic development, and availability of expertise and well established infrastructure in related engineering disciplines namely, Chemical Engineering (established in 1974 and also having Master degree and PhD programs), Instrumentation and Electronics Engineering (established in 1979) and Computer Science and Engineering (established in 1986), required for creating center of excellence in the field of Biotechnology, SIT at Tumkur, started BE course in Biotechnology in the academic year 2006-2007 with an intake of 30 students. SIT is one of the few Institutes in India having well established related engineering departments and expertise to support Biotechnology. With the support of above departments, department of Biotechnology is set to provide excellent facilities for human resource development, and research and development in the field of Biotechnology including in the newer areas such as biomems, bioelectronics, biosensors, biomaterials and nano- biotechnology.

In order to encourage close interaction, share experience and augment resources, department of Chemical Engineering and department of Biotechnology are housed in a modern spacious building. Biotechnology department is spread over 20,000 square feet of built in area for classrooms, laboratories for course and research work, departmental library, computer room and seminar hall.

Mission

To provide competent, self-reliant trained manpower required to meet the challenges in research and development, and large scale application of Biotechnology in the areas of agriculture, environment, health care and industry for socio – economic development.

Short Range Goals

To develop facilities and infrastructure for providing excellent training in the field of plant, animal, microbial, environmental and food biotechnology.
To provide trained manpower in the field of biotechnology for research and development, scale–up, equipment design, process development and large scale production of products, and bio services.
Long Range Goals

To Establish pilot plants and scale up studies for bio-diesel from Jartopha and other promising vegetables oil.
To Establish the industrial enzymes preperation and utilization unit.