IE Biotech organises “Biobusiness”  

Biobusiness | Photo: Alisha D' Souza

Manipal: This year, IE Biotech organised a new event, called Biobusiness. It was a two-day event, held on 18th and 19th April, in the NLH building in MIT. The event was organised by the club members, as a means of integrating the worlds of business and biology.

Eliminations in the preliminary round were carried out by setting a task for the participants. A picture of a t-RNA (transfer-RNA) was shown, and a replica of the model was asked to be created using only thermocol sheets. Students were given fake currency, and their business strategies were thus tested. Six finalist teams competed in the next day’s event. Asked whether this event was helpful to the students, Shruti Gupta, 2nd year Biotech said, “Since we are comparatively a new branch, this event was like a new venture, showing us how to combine bio and business.” 

The Guest of Honor was the HOD of the department Mr Jayadev Bhatt. The event was judged by Dr VRC Murthy, professor and Mr V Thivaharan, faculty advisor. Dr VRC said, “Such events are needed to enhance their skills for the industry.” Roopali Dhingra, member of the organising team, 2nd year Biotechnology said, “This event has taught us how to become a Jack of all trades, while master of one. Being open to all branches, we were quite happy with the response.” In the deciding round, the teams were given a biological entity such as chlorophyll, carcinogen etc. A product containing this as a major element had to be defined through a PowerPoint presentation and a skit, explaining its launch and marketing as well. The products were not necessarily real, but had to be innovative. Participants Sweety Gupta and Bedoshri Sen Gupta, 1st year MIT said, “This is the first time we have attended an event like this. We enjoyed the effort.” 

Sub-edited by Sara Mohd Siddiqui