It is not enough to introduce the patent culture and have patent centres in universities. There is a need to address transnational research where "innovation is taken to proof at the concept stage and preferably by the innovator himself. We also need more industries spinning off from universities and institutions," said Dr Vijay Chandru, chairman and CEO of Strand Life Sciences.

He was addressing the valedictory meeting of the three-day national symposium on 'Innovation in biotechnology: entrepreneurial opportunities and IPR' organised by the Bangalore University and M Visvesvaraiah Institute of Technology in the city today. Dr Chandru gave a brief glimpse of how computers can be a useful tool in biotechnology through data mining tools and modelling.

Over 800 students from across the country attended the meet which had academicians like G Padmanabhan, Khincha and other expert address them. The topics varied from plant biotechnology, contract research, stem cells, issues in patenting, pharmaceutical opportunities, etc. The need for more innovation an incubation centres was stressed upon as also the need to strengthen hardware expertise in developing biotech products.

Students also took part in debates on patent. The symposium was sponsored by the DST and the state ITBT while industry partners included FICCI, Able, etc.