Bio-NEST IASST

On May 13, 2026, BioNEST–IASST conducted an Entrepreneurship Awareness Program at Pub Kamrup College, Baihata Chariali, Guwahati. The session, attended by 2nd and 4th-semester students and faculty members, featured an interactive talk by the Manager (I&O), BioNEST–IASST, on entrepreneurship development and start-up challenges.

DBT-Birac | Department of Biotechnology, India | Department of Science and Technology, Government of India | Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology | Ashis K. Mukherjee | ẞålå Âs Îs | Fahrina Akhtara | Pub Kamrup College Friends

With the objective of encouraging entrepreneurial thinking among young students and guiding them toward career paths in entrepreneurship, BioNEST – IASST organized an Entrepreneurship Awareness Program at NEPEDS College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khetri, Assam, on April 29, 2026.
The event saw participation from 50 students of the 7th and 8th semesters in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Ms. Fahrina Akhtara, Manager of BioNEST – IASST, addressed the students, sharing valuable insights into entrepreneurship, the steps involved in pursuing it, and the ways in which BioNEST – IASST supports startups throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
The program concluded with a session by Ms. Tribeni Das from Brace – IASST, who introduced the students to various internship opportunities available at IASST, with special emphasis on programs for students from SC/ST communities.

Department of Science and Technology, Government of India | Department of Biotechnology, India | DBT-Birac | Ashis K. Mukherjee | ẞålå Âs Îs | Devasish Chowdhury | Mojibur Khan | Tribeni Das | Fahrina Akhtara

On April 24, 2026, BioNEST-IASST conducted an Entrepreneurship Awareness Program at Assam Don Bosco University, Tepesia, Guwahati, to encourage students to explore entrepreneurship as a rewarding career option and contribute to economic growth.
The program saw active participation from 69 students and faculty members from science departments, who showed strong interest in entrepreneurial opportunities.
Ms. Fahrina Akhtara, Manager of BioNEST – IASST shared insights into the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the role of incubators like BioNEST-IASST in supporting startups. The event concluded with Ms. Tribeni Das, representative of BRACE-IASST, highlighting IASST’s initiatives for SC/ST and underprivileged communities, along with a special internship program for SC/ST students.

Department of Science and Technology, Government of India | Department of Biotechnology, India | DBT-Birac | Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology | Assam Don Bosco University | Ashis K. Mukherjee | Devasish Chowdhury | ẞålå Âs Îs
Fahrina Akhtara

BioNEST – IASST invites early-stage startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators to apply for incubation at its state-of-the-art facility.

If you are working on promising ideas in biotechnology, healthcare, environmental science, or allied sectors, this is an excellent opportunity to access advanced infrastructure, expert mentorship, and a collaborative research ecosystem.

Take your innovation from concept to impact with the support of BioNEST – IASST.

Apply now or reach out to us to learn more about the incubation program.
Apply at: https://srasta-iasst.org/bionest/ApplicationFormIncubation.php
Contact us at: [email protected]
Visit our website at: https://srasta-iasst.org/bionest/
CMO Assam | DBT-Birac
Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology | Department of Science and Technology, Government of India | Department of Biotechnology, India | Ashis K. Mukherjee | Devasish Chowdhury | Mojibur Khan | ẞålå Âs Îs | Fahrina Akhtara | School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USTM | Assam Startup | Assam Don Bosco University | Gauhati University | Cotton University | Girijananda Chowdhury University | Royal Global University, Guwahati

A two-day workshop titled “Ethical Animal Handling and Best Practices in Animal Experimentation” was organized by BioNEST–IASST in collaboration with IASST Animal House Facility (AHF) and IASST Social Venture and Entrepreneurship Council (ISVEC) on March 19–20, 2026. The workshop aimed to promote ethical standards and humane practices in animal research. Dr. Asis Bala, an Associate Professor at IASST and incharge AHF, IASST, led the interactive sessions and demonstrations, emphasizing best practices in ethical animal handling. The workshop encouraged active participation, enhancing awareness and skills in ethical animal experimentation.
Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology | Department of Science and Technology, Government of India | CMO Assam | Department of Biotechnology, India | DBT-Birac | Dr Jitendra Singh | Abhay Karandikar | Ashis K. Mukherjee | ẞålå Âs Îs | Fahrina Akhtara | Devasish Chowdhury | Mojibur Khan

Greetings from BioNEST - IASST!!

Dear All,

BioNEST IASST is organizing a Two-Day Workshop on ‘Ethical Animal Handling and Best Practices in Animal Experimentation’ jointly with Animal House facility of IASST and IASST Social Venture & Entrepreneurship Council (ISVEC) on March 19 and 20 of 2026 at BioNEST - IASST, Guwahati from 10 am onwards.
Outcome of the workshop: At the end of the workshop, participants will have the understanding and the know-how on Ethical framework and hands on training in animal handling.
Who can attend: UC, PG students and PhD research scholars
No. of seats is limited (allotment on a first come first serve basis).
Workshop registration includes: Registration fees for this workshop includes refreshments, lunch, a registration kit, and a participation certificate.
Registration Fee: Rs. 4,000/- only (Registration is purely based on first cm first-serve basis)
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/WeBq4xj1qAy7DAr37
Last date for registration: March 16, 2026, by 5:00 pm
For any queries, please write to us at [email protected] or contact Dr. Asis Bala at [email protected]

Department of Biotechnology, India | DBT-Birac
Dr Jitendra Singh | Abhay Karandikar | Ashis K. Mukherjee | ẞålå Âs Îs | Fahrina Akhtara | School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USTM | Cotton University | Gauhati University | Guwahati Biotech Park | Mizoram University Bionest | Bionest Bioincubator | CSIR-NEIST BioNEST | BioNEST IIT Guwahati | Assam Down Town University | Assam Don Bosco University

On January 2, 2026, BioNEST – IASST hosted an exposure visit for 31 members of the P.G. Department of Life Sciences, Digboi College (Autonomous), Tinsukia, Assam. This group included students, teachers, and staff. The purpose of the visit was to provide students with hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of biological sciences, biodiversity, instrumentation, and the startup ecosystem, as well as entrepreneurial opportunities in the biotechnology sector.

During the visit, students had the chance to interact with the Manager of BioNEST, where they presented their startup ideas. They explored the facility and learned about various entrepreneurial opportunities, including the different machinery and infrastructure available at BioNEST - IASST.
Department of Biotechnology, India | Dr Jitendra Singh | DBT-Birac | Abhay Karandikar | CMO Assam | Ashis K. Mukherjee | ẞålå Âs Îs | DIGBOI COLLEGE | Fahrina Akhtara

BioNEST–IASST hosted an exposure visit on December 15, 2025, for higher secondary school students organized by Samagra Shiksha Nagaland under the Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan, in line with the guidelines of the Government of India, Ministry of Education.

The visit included around 35 participants, comprising 27 students from 13 government schools across Nagaland, accompanied by faculty members. The objective of the visit was to familiarize students with scientific innovation, incubation facilities, and the entrepreneurship ecosystem through firsthand experience.

During the visit, students explored the BioNEST–IASST facilities, learned about ongoing research activities, and gained meaningful insights into startup initiatives supported by the incubation center. The experience was highly motivating and encouraged students to envision future careers in innovation and entrepreneurship. BioNEST–IASST looks forward to hosting more such initiatives and continues to promote scientific awareness among students across the region.
Department of Biotechnology, India | DBT-Birac | Dr Jitendra Singh | Abhay Karandikar | Department of Science and Technology, Government of India | Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology | | CMO Assam | Himanta Biswa Sarma | Ashis K. Mukherjee | ẞålå Âs Îs | Fahrina Akhtara

On December 11, 2025, BioNEST – IASST hosted an exposure visit for 31 Class XII students and 6 faculty members from Dahi Higher Secondary School, Darrang, Assam. The visit provided students with hands-on experience in scientific innovation and the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Students toured BioNEST – IASST’s facilities, learned about ongoing research, and interacted with incubatees. Demonstrations of laboratory equipment showed how innovative ideas become practical solutions.
The visit inspired students to explore opportunities in innovation and entrepreneurship. BioNEST – IASST looks forward to similar engagements and is committed to promoting scientific awareness in the region.

Department of Biotechnology, India | DBT-Birac | Dr Jitendra Singh | Abhay Karandikar | Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology | CMO Assam | Ashis K. Mukherjee | ẞålå Âs Îs | Fahrina Akhtara

BioNEST-IASST and KIIT-TBI jointly organized a grant writing session on the 25th Call of the Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme on November 18, 2025.
The session offered comprehensive guidance on drafting a competitive BIG proposal, navigating the application process, and understanding the essential components of the submission. Participants actively engaged in discussions and took the opportunity to clarify their queries related to the application procedure.

Department of Biotechnology, India | Dr Jitendra Singh | KIIT - Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology | School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USTM | of advanced study in science and technology | Fahrina Akhtara

BioNEST–IASST, Guwahati invites aspiring applicants for the 25th Call of the Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) to participate in a virtual Grant Writing Session scheduled for November 18, 2025, from 3:30 p.m onwards.

The BIG Grant Writing Session, jointly organized by BioNEST–IASST and KIIT–TBI, Bhubaneswar, aims to guide prospective applicants in preparing a strong and competitive BIG proposal. The session will cover the following key topics:

• Effective strategies and approaches to successful grant writing
• Understanding and navigating the various components of the BIG application
• Addressing applicant queries

Interested candidates may register for the virtual session through the following link:
🔗 Registration link: https://forms.gle/4ommjP8ykG7rkf8x5

For grant writing assistance from BioNEST–IASST, Guwahati and to obtain the Letter of Intent (LoI), please click the link below :
https://forms.gle/T3gK9ZQugkWh5Ve79

Department of Biotechnology, India | -BIRAC | Dr Jitendra Singh | of Advanced Study in Science and Technology | ẞålå Âs Îs | School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USTM | Assam Startup | Assam Don Bosco University | Assam Down Town University | Cotton University | Mizoram University Bionest | Bionest Bioincubator | CSIR-NEIST BioNEST | Guwahati Biotech Park |