Space Bio Symposium to examine India’s space biomanufacturing strategy and emerging space bioeconomy; leading scientists, industry leaders and international experts to deliberate on AI, global health, precision medicine and biomanufacturing

As India advances its human spaceflight ambitions and looks towards the opportunities emerging from the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, the intersection of space exploration and biotechnology is opening up a new frontier for scientific research and commercial innovation. This will be among the areas of focus at the Health and Biotech Conference at the 29th edition of Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2026, scheduled to be held from November 17 to 19 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru.

A key highlight of this year’s programme will be the Space Bio Symposium, which will spotlight India’s space biomanufacturing strategy and the evolving space bioeconomy. Bringing together perspectives from government, space, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, academia, startups and investment, the symposium will explore the opportunities emerging from human spaceflight, orbital infrastructure and commercial innovation, with the aim of shaping a collaborative roadmap to position India at the forefront of this emerging field.

The symposium will feature perspectives from experts including Dr. A. S. Kiran Kumar, George Weinmann of HabSpace and Dr. Chaitanya Giri of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Home, Information Technology, Biotechnology and E-Governance, Government of Karnataka, said:

“Biotechnology is entering an exciting phase, with advances in artificial intelligence, precision medicine and biomanufacturing creating new possibilities across healthcare and life sciences. The emerging intersection of space and biotechnology presents another frontier for scientific research and innovation. Karnataka has a strong biotechnology ecosystem, supported by its research institutions, startups and industry. Through Bengaluru Tech Summit, we want to bring these communities together, encourage collaboration and create opportunities to translate cutting-edge research into solutions with real-world impact. Our focus is on strengthening Karnataka’s position as a leading destination for biotechnology innovation and investment.”

The Health and Biotech Conference, curated by Dr. P. M. Murali, Jananom, Chair of the Health and Biotech Conference Committee, and Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed of C-CAMP, Co-Chair of the Committee, will bring together startup founders and investors; founders and CEOs of biotechnology, healthtech, medtech, genomics and diagnostics companies; scientists and researchers; and leaders from research and development, manufacturing, global health, public health, regulation and policy for discussions across the three days.

The programme will bring together leading voices from India’s biotechnology and global scientific communities. Speakers include:

• Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw – Executive Chairperson, Biocon Ltd. and Chairperson, Vision Group on Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka.
• Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale – Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
• Dr. Kalaivani Ganesan – Scientist F, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
• Dr. Sowmya Swaminathan – Chairperson, M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation.
• Thomas Bomhoff – Vice President – Sustainability and External Engagement, Novonesis.
• Dr. Murali Ramachandra – CEO, Aurigene Oncology Ltd.
• Dr. Velislava Petrova-Chamova – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Bulgaria.
• Sabrina Lykkegaard – Science and Innovation Attaché, Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK).

Key Themes at the Health and Biotech Conference

The conference will explore the intersection of emerging technologies, healthcare and life sciences through the following themes:

• AI for Affordable Innovation
• AI and the Future of Global Health
• Space Bio Symposium
• The Silicon Harvest: Transforming Agriculture with AI
• BioE3 – Positioning India as a Global Biomanufacturing Hub
• From Precision Medicine to Health Equity

These discussions will bring into focus the role of technology and scientific innovation in improving healthcare access, advancing precision medicine, transforming agriculture and strengthening India’s biomanufacturing capabilities.

Disruptive Arena – Biotech Startup Pitching Session

Making its debut at BTS 2026, the Disruptive Arena will feature a curated showcase of invited biotechnology startups with high-potential innovations across healthcare, life sciences and emerging technologies. Selected founders will pitch their solutions to venture capitalists, industry leaders and ecosystem experts, gaining feedback and opportunities to build connections and advance their innovations towards validation, partnerships and commercialisation.

Health and Biotech Pavilion

The exhibition at BTS 2026 will feature a dedicated Health and Biotech Pavilion showcasing companies from the healthcare, biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceutical and allied sectors. The Startup Expo will also have a dedicated pavilion for health and biotech startups, providing emerging companies with an opportunity to showcase their innovations and connect with industry stakeholders.

Organised by the Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka, in association with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026 will be held under the theme ‘AI & Beyond’. The 29th edition will bring together leaders from technology, biotechnology, research, industry, startups and government to discuss emerging opportunities, foster collaboration and showcase innovation.