Fourth Asian Conference on Biotechnology and Development, February 12-13, 2009, Kathmandu, Nepal

Partnerships for overcoming challenges in technology transfer

ExperiencesExperiences@ICRISAT@ICRISAT

Kiran K SharmaGenetic Transformation Laboratory

k.sharma@cgiar.org

Kiran K SharmaKiran K SharmaGenetic Transformation LaboratoryGenetic Transformation Laboratory

k.k.sharma@cgiarsharma@cgiar.org.org

International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid TropicsPatancheru 502 324, Andhra Pradesh, India

This presentationThis presentation

Technology transfer bottlenecks

Commercialization of public goods

Public-Private sector Partnerships@ICRISAT

Agri-Science Park@ICRISAT

Hybrid Parents Research Consortia (HPRC)Bioproducts Research Consortium (BRC)Agbiotech Innovation Center (AIC)Agri-Business Incubator (ABI)

Platform for Translational research on Transgenic Crops (PTTC)

Conclusions

Major challenges Major challenges in agriculturein agriculture

Find solutions for important constraints to crop productivity.

Develop new technologies that raise the yield in low potential areas.

Create opportunities for diversificationin agricultural value-chains.

Technology Development & Transfer@ ICRISAT

Technology Development & Transfer@ ICRISAT

ICRISAT is a public sector institute dedicated to:

Developing international public goods in orphan but nutritious crops for the poor

Developing in-house technologies under public domain

Facilitating the public use of third-party technologies

Initiating effective public/private/NGO/Farmer partnerships

Emphasizing technology transfer through a non-profit approach

Agri-Technology TransferBottlenecks

• R&D in the public sector has tended not to interface with private enterprise (disconnected from broader market developments and demands)

• Lack of emergence of more iterative relationships between Research-- technology development -- tech. transfer -- technology use

• Agricultural development must address the problems of rural poverty and land degradation through technological and institutional changes (that draw on the creativity of science in the public/private sectors to genuinely enfranchise the poor)-(commercialization)

Why commercialize?Why commercialize?Why commercialize?

1. In the past, there was free access to non-propriety conventional technologies from the public sector (Dwarfing genes for wheat and rice that led to Green Revolution).

2. At present, agri-biotechnologies are increasingly proprietary and owned mainly by private sector.

3. Public sector institutes in developed countries are protecting biotechnology with patents.

4. Sharing biotechnologies from North to South and South to South is essential for helping the poor.

Technology TransferTechnology TransferSolutionsSolutions

Develop strong relationships (between Research -technology development-tech. transfer-technology use).

Focus on human resource development in modern technologies.

Create congenial environment for encouraging R&D in Biotechnology and Agricultural fields through the development of infrastructure and incentives.

Interface public and private sectors for enhanced synergies in technology development and deployment.

Agenda for Agenda for institutional changeinstitutional change

1. Need to devise R&D arrangements that are:

• Client-responsive

• Consensual in priority setting, planning and implementation

• Well integrated into market and entrepreneurial sector activity

• Include sustained financial and political support

• Driven by the goal of poverty-focused, sustainable development

2. Include value of “Innovations Systems Framework” in institutional change and development.

Institutional changeInstitutional changePublic sector contextPublic sector context

The public sector must continue to invest in R&D while seeking alliances with the private sector.

Engage in policy and regulatory issues that protect and promote the agenda of weaker sections of society.

The public sector must devise ways in which it approaches this task while considering its own Research-for-Developmentgoals.

How to negotiate new partnerships that ensure that all stakeholders including the poor stand to gain?

Public-Private Partnerships@ ICRISAT

Public-Private Partnerships@ ICRISAT

Creating synergies through private

sector partnerships

• Ability to reduce the risk in commercialization of Agri-technologies and improve its impact.

• Substantial capital flow for commercializing agricultural technologies.

• Goodwill in the local community and society for creating wealth and employment.

AgriAgri--Science Park @ ICRISATScience Park @ ICRISATA convergence of agricultural partnerships, A convergence of agricultural partnerships,

innovations and products for the poorinnovations and products for the poor

Enhancing the development, promotion and utilization of technologies from ICRISAT and its research partners

Goal: To help achieve ICRISAT’s mandate to “develop agriculture in the SAT” and thereby reduce poverty and hunger, as well as protect the environment.

Vision: To become the premier Agri-Science Park in South Asia.

Mission: To be a “hub” for public-private partnerships that enhances the development and commercialization of science-generated technologies and knowledge through market mechanisms.

Agri-Science Park @ ICRISAT ASP

Research Consortia

Agri-BusinessIncubator

(ABI)

Ag-biotech Innovation

Center (AIC)

NutriPlus*

Hybrid Parent Research

Consortium(HPRC)

Bio-productsResearch

Consortium(BRC)

ICRISAT-Private SectorSweet Sorghum-for EthanolResearch Consortium

(SSRC)

Three Consortia (HPRC)Comparative Advantages and Synergies in HybridsComparative Advantages and Synergies in Hybrids

• Sorghum, Pearl millet, Pigeonpea

• 50 PS Companies are members of one or more Consortia

– Sorghum: 20

– Pearl millet: 39

– Pigeonpea: 20

• Funds augments ICRISAT’s research on hybrids

• Synergy between Public and Private Sector Seed Company

ICRISAT’s ability to conduct basic research on hybrids

PS’s capacity to produce and market hybrid seed to farmers

• ICRISAT able to show impact on farmers’ fields thru partnerships

BioproductsBioproducts Research Research Consortium (BRC)Consortium (BRC)

To promote biopesticides for pest/disease managementICRISAT develops and shares microbial strains as biopesticidesPromote use of botanicals for eco-friendly pest management10 PS companies are members of BRCCatalyze use of biopesticides by farming communityR&D congruent with ICRISAT’s mission and mandate

Other PPP ConsortiaOther PPP Consortia@ ICRISAT@ ICRISAT

• Sweet Sorghum for Ethanol Research Consortium

• Sweet Sorghum Hybrid Parents Research Consortium

Tata Chemicals LimitedPraj IndustriesJADE Group, MexicoCMA, MexicoCHIBAS, Dominican Republic

AgBiotechAgBiotech Innovation CenterInnovation Center(AIC)(AIC)

Set-up to serve as a platform for housing Agbiotech and Agri-business companies to kick-start their ventures and bridging the

gestation period.

supported by the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh (Genome Valley)

Private sector partnerhips on AgBiotech ResearchFood and seed safety testingWater policy research and dialogueAflatoxin testing and food safetyBio-fuel & medicinal herbsForestry8 members so far

AgriAgri--Business IncubatorBusiness Incubator(ABI@ICRISAT)(ABI@ICRISAT)

supported by DST, Govt. of India, 2003supported by DST, Govt. of India, 2003

MissionMission“ Facilitate creation of competitive Agri-business enterprise through

technology development and commercialization”

ABI@ICRISATABI@ICRISATApproachApproach

Promote technologies developed by ICRISAT or jointly developed with collaborators or those developed by others.

Provide infrastructure on cost-basis, business plan development, and assist in obtaining financial assistance from Development Banks and Institutions.

Help with Business Start-up and Support.

ABIABI--ICRISATICRISATBenefits to entrepreneursBenefits to entrepreneurs

1. Production of goods and services close to the commercial scale.

2. Design and scale-up data can be collected from fairly large size operations, which enhance the confidence in further up-scaling the process/technology and minimizes the technical failures at commercial scale.

3. The goods and services produced can be used for market testing & market development.

4. The confidence level of financial institutions can be enhanced for seeking funds for commercialization/ expansion.

5. Infrastructure & special purpose plant/machinery created under ABI available on cost-basis.

Mantra of ABIMantra of ABI--ICRISATICRISAT

00

Farm Ventures

Biofuels Venture

Ag-Biotech

Ventures

Seed Ventures

Innovative Ventures

Improved well-being of the poor farmers of the

semi-arid tropics

00

Farm Ventures

Biofuels Venture

Ag-Biotech

Ventures

Seed Ventures

Innovative Ventures

Improved well-being of the poor farmers of the

semi-arid tropics

Clients of ABI Clients of ABI

S.No Clients Area of Business12345678910111213141516

Rusni Distilleries (I) Pvt. Ltd.

17

Bioseed Reserrch ( I) Pvt. Ltd.Ethanol from sweet sorghumBT cottonTransgenic vegetablesFermentorNew hybrids of maize & sorghumFermentor

Agriculture Associates of India (AAI) Commercial Extension & Agri-clinicsMekins Biotech Pvt. ltd Biopesticides-Tablets formulation

Gamma Agro processing Pvt. Ltd Food Irradiation technologyMatrix Agri-Sciences Pvt. Ltd BioproductsSpriha Biosciences New hybrids of pearl milletTata Chemicals Limited Sweet sorghum EthanolPraj Industries Sweet sorghum EthanolJADE Group, Mexico Sweet sorghum EthanolCMA, Mexico Sweet sorghum Ethanol

Sresta Natural bio products Organic Retail chainBK Environmental Innovation Pvt. Ltd

Seed works (I) Pvt ltd.Slesser TomHy-Tech SeedsHyglass Chemicals

Bio cutlery

Ongoing projects Clients who have graduated New incubatees

Sweet SorghumSweet SorghumA promising A promising biofuelbiofuel sourcesource

Ethanol production from stalks and/or from grain of sweet sorghum

A Flagship project of ABI:

• An opportunity to create additional livelihood for the SAT farmers.

• Exploit/enhance bio-energy product capabilities of dryland crops.

• Create community-based models using simple technology to meet energy needs.

ABI@ICRISAT & RUSNIABI@ICRISAT & RUSNIABI@ICRISAT & RUSNI

Agro Technology SupportProvided 4 Sweet Sorghum varieties NTJ-2 (ICRISAT/NARES) & SSV-84 (Indian Program) were selected for commercialization after prototype testing.ABI-ICRISAT facilitated Seed Multiplication at ICRISAT & through Kaveri SeedsProvided the consultation on package of practices

Business SupportFacilitated Government ClearancesAssisted in sourcing Equity Partners & Loans from BankProvided Office Space & Land for seed productionAssisted in conducting farmers’ fairsRusni to provide data on ethanol production parameters and financial support for services

Highlights of PPPHighlights of PPP

Production process is patented

Cost of the Projects US$ 5.3 Million

Equity is about 1/3 and debt loan is 2/3

Commence Operation from July 2006

Annual Turn over US$ 5 to 6 Million

Direct Employment 150

Indirect Employment to 20,000 farmers & Farm laborers

Sweet Sorghum area coverage of about 4000 hectares

Supported by other raw materials in lean seasons

Aakruthi Agriculture Associates of India (AAAI)

A start-up venture on extension with franchising modelActivities

Transfer of Scientific Agricultural Technology Promotion of Contract Farming Promotion of Seed Production Promotion of Seed and Bio Village ConceptPromotion of Crop DiversificationPromotion of Horticultural, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops

Promotion of INM and IPMPromotion of Soil and Water Conservation TechnologiesPromotion of sustainable Agriculture and Organic FarmingTransfer of latest technologies, AV Aids

Seed Business IncubationSeed Business IncubationPre production stage:

Business planTraining and capacity building on seed productionEscort services (liaison e banks, market yards and APSSDC)

Production stage:Foundation seed/certified seedQuality control Processing of seeds and storage access

Post production stage:Branding and post sales support

Intangible services:Accreditation and social recognitionRecognition in communication (web services, print and mass media)Profit and Return on investment with minimum risk

Launch of Seed Business Incubation at ICRISAT on 11 & 12th April 08

• Currently 45 progressive farmers participating

• Producing certified seed of OPVs• Seed being sold under a common

brand name

National Outreach on Co-business Incubation

ICAR-NAIP Business Planning & Development Units (Business Incubators)

STEP at Thapar Institute, Patiala

TNAU, Coimbatore

Global Outreach on Co-business Incubation

ABI at Agricultural Research and Extension Unit (AREU), Mauritius

FBI at Institute of International Agriculture (IIAM), Mozambique

National & International AlliancesNational & International Alliances

1st Annual ISBA, Conference, Feb. 27, 2009

2nd Global Forum for Business Incubation, Nov 6-10th

2006 (World Bank, FICCI, DST

Financial Assistance to Incubatees

Techno-entrepreneur Promotion program (TePP) Outreach Centre –

ABI-ICRISATTDB –DST Seed Funding

Promoting innovators in agribusiness through financial assistance from TePPprogram of DSIR & incubation support

Funding start-ups in agribusiness through TDB-DST Seed funds of ABI-ICRISAT

Outreach activitiesOutreach activitiesOutreach activities

Impacts generated by ABI(2004-2009)

Farmer beneficiaries :10,000Entrepreneurs supported :60Ventures incubated :10Technologies Exchanged :7Investment mobilized :US$7 mDirect employment generated :180

ICGV91114 farmers

“Platform for Translational Research on transgenic crops”An ICRISATAn ICRISAT--DBT InitiativeDBT Initiative

Mission of PTTCMission of PTTC

Translate transgenic science and technology and harness its products to meet the needs of agricultural growth

Principles1. Create and charter an entity with express purpose of

“translating” genetic engineering research into a practical, value adding technology

2. The entity must embody the requisite scientific and business skills that are appropriately balanced

-Squash-Papaya-Alfalfa

Status of Transgenic Crops in IndiaField Crops

Fruits Vegetables Other Crops

WheatRiceRagi

SorghumMustardMaize

BananaCitrus

MuskmelonPomegranateWater melon

Brinjal Bell Pepper

OkraCabbageCarrot

CauliflowerChilli

TomatoPea

Potato

ChickpeaPigeonpeaGroundnut

CassavaSoybean

SunflowerMulberryCottonCoffee

Cardamom

>30 transgenic crops under development

100+ Univ., Research Institutes & Companies engaged in transgenic research

Event Selection

Brinja

l

Corn

Groun

dnut

Okra

Caulif

low

er

Cabba

ge

Tom

ato

Rice

Potat

o

Under BRL-I Trials

Under BRL-II Trials

Ag Biotech Driven By Lengthy Product Development Cycle And Large Investment Process*

Year 0 1 2 4 6 8 93 5 7 10DiscoveryDiscovery Phase IPhase I Phase IIPhase II Phase IIIPhase III Phase IVPhase IV

Gene/Trait IdentificationGene/Trait Identification Proof of ConceptProof of Concept Early DevelopmentEarly Development Advanced DevelopmentAdvanced Development Regulatory SubmissionRegulatory Submission

• High throughput screening

• Model crop testing

• High throughput screening

• Model crop testing

• Gene optimization• Crop

transformation

• Gene optimization• Crop

transformation

• Trait development

• Pre-regulatory data

• Large scale transformation

• Trait development

• Pre-regulatory data

• Large scale transformation

• Trait integration• Field testing• Regulatory data

generation

• Trait integration• Field testing• Regulatory data

generation

• Regulatory submission

• Seed bulk-up• Pre-marketing

• Regulatory submission

• Seed bulk-up• Pre-marketing

$2-5M(5%)

$5-10M(25%)

$10-15M(50%)

$15-30M(75%)

$20-40M(90%)On Average:

Time to market: 8-10 yearsTotal expense: ~$100M

On Average:Time to market: 8-10 yearsTotal expense: ~$100M

Spen

ding

(Pro

babi

lity

of S

ucce

ss in

%)

* Numbers (time duration, spending, and probability of success) are all estimates. The actual for individual projects vary. Source: S.R. Rao-DBT

Challenges for Translational Research and Technology Development

Allocation of research resources across majorcommodity groups

PercentCereals 22.9Livestock 15.3Oilseeds 9.2Fruits 8.0Fibre 6.8Pulses 6.6Plantation crops 6.4Vegetables 5.9Commercial crops 4.8Fish 4.8Tubers 2.8Medicinal/ aromatic plants 1.8Condiments/spices 1.7Fodder crops 1.6Flowers/ ornaments 1.3

More Human resource on staples 1/3 or 1/4 or commercial crops than nutritionally important crops

Source: S.R. Rao-DBT

Problems in commercializationLack of proper understanding of issues related to:

Intellectual property rights

Regulatory aspects

Roadmap for lab to farmers’ field

Market demands

Public-private partnerships in R&D

Priority setting for Transgenic Plants

ChallengesChallengesDevelopment & Deployment of Development & Deployment of TransgenicsTransgenics

1. Failure to test the concepts on a large scale

2. Failure to translate concepts into commercial products

3. Barriers of IP/Trade/interest of private sector

4. Biosafety regulations/Food safety

5. Issues linked to risk assessment and risk management

6. Training & Capacity building

7. Partnerships for product development & deployment

8. Commercialization limitations, a serious barriers.

Translation of transgenic cropsTranslation of transgenic crops??

To promote an existing transgenic technology into a value added product of

commercial use

The model

Technologies fromIndian Research &

Academic InstitutesUniversitiesand ICRISAT

Technologies fromIndian Research &

Academic InstitutesUniversitiesand ICRISAT

FilterFilter

• Scientific Advisory Board• Evaluation Panel• Recommendations

•Traits• Events•Technology• Other

Projects PTTCPTTC

• Evaluate• Advance “events”• Advance traits• Development• Product Dossier

SelectSelect

Commercial Advancement

NARSSeed CompaniesFarmers

• Focus• Criteria• Need• Value•Biosafety

Public Sector Advancement

OObjectivesbjectives

Develop the physical infrastructure for transgenic research.

Act as a clearinghouse for technology inputs, transgenic research leads/ prototypes with proof of concept.

Evaluate the concepts, ideas, and technologies, and recommend advancement of the most promising (prioritize).

“Evolve” the technology to a point where a practical application can be demonstrated.

Transfer this “evolved” technology to the private and/or public sector for advancement to the farmer (e.g., financial negotiations).

Identify partnerships for sharing mechanisms and commercialization of the final “Product”.

ApproachApproach

Provide expertise and facilities for the production, assessment and commercializationof products through collaborative projects.

Networking for product testing, biosafetyassessment and IPR (institutions, industry, and the government)

Strengthen national, regional and international collaborations for R&D.

Provide & support training, consultations, extension services, and technology commercialization.

Exchange of materials and information.

Commercialization of high impact, high priority transgenic crops

Infrastructure and facilities for

Transgenic research

Consultancy & assistance in regulatory

approvals and IPRs

Genotyping & phenotyping

facilities

Contract Research on Tissue Culture & Transformation

services

High throughput transformation

facility

PTTC

Services offered Services offered by PTTCby PTTC

Partnerships: Hub & Spokes Model

Specialized Satellite Centers

National Facility for nutritional analysis

PTTCPTTCSpecialized Satellite Centers

Advanced Research Institutions

Specialized Satellite Centers

National Facility for toxicological testing NBRA

ICAR

Non-governmental organizations

Food Safety Testing Labs(Public & Private)

Public Testing Facilities

DBT

FacilitiesFacilities

40,000 sq. ft. of furnished office and laboratories spaceHigh-throughput transformation facilityMolecular biology labInsect rearing facilityPlant Pathology & Virology labAnimal Rearing facilityAnalytical lab6,000 sq. ft. of P2 greenhouses (15)3,000 sq. ft. regular greenhouses (8)10 ha of fenced fields for contained field trials• 5 ha of black soil• 5 ha of red soil

+ ICRISAT Laboratories & facilities

International Public Goods

(IPGs)

National Public goods(NPGs)

PTTC

Gl o

bal P

ubli c

Goo

ds (G

P Gs)

(wo r

ld-w

ide)

Products and Technology transfer

Human

resources Networ

king &

Collab

orati

ons

Indi

an p

artn

ersh

ips

Regional partnerships

IARCs/ARIs/Global Partnerships

A platform for the public goods

Looking aheadLooking aheadLooking ahead

PTTC will have the potential to evolve into a “leading edge” technology translational facility

It could serve as a global model for the utilization of transgenic technologies and their products (North-South & South-South)

ConclusionsConclusions

The Model of PPP at ICRISAT provides:

• R&D and commercial outlet for Agri-

technologies.

• Promoting start-up entrepreneurs in agri-

business.

• Ability to assess impact of technology transfer.

• Employment opportunities in rural communities.

• Additional resources for public research.

• ……….

Thank youThank youGovt. of Andhra Pradesh

Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India

Dr. William DarDr. MK BhanDr. SR RaoDr. P. BhatnagarDr. CLL GowdaMr. SM Karuppanchetty