Hyderabad: BioAsia, which is one-of-the-biggest technology and bio-business platform for life science organizations in Asia, started at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) in the city of Hyderabad, India, on January 28, 2013, with much pomp and grandeur.

The first day of the event alone saw close to 500 delegates participate from 45 countries. The inauguration ceremony took place in the presence of eminent personalities from across the globe.

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The 10th edition of BioAsia, which features the theme 'Technologies.Business.Next', has grown manifolds and enhanced its reach across the world by attracting the top officials from biopharma, biotech and health regulatory agencies from 15 countries including prominent names like US, UK, South Africa, Sweden, Czech Republic, South Korea, Malaysia, Jordan, Republic of Lithuania, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Philippines to name a few.

Mr N Kiran Kumar Reddy, the honorable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh inaugurated the three-day event in the presence of Ms Carmen Vela Olmo, honorable Minister of State for R&D and Innovation, Government of Spain; Mr InKyo Kim, president, Gangwon Technopark, South Korea; and Dr George John, senior advisor, Government of India, Department of Biotechnology. Over 500 delegates including regulators, from close to 50 countries are participating in the landmark 10th edition of BioAsia.

Mr Reddy in his inaugural speech said, "With dedication to innovation and research, Asia is progressing rapidly towards establishing itself as a major hub of biotechnology. The industry is at the threshold of tremendous growth and India is swiftly emerging as an important player in the sector globally."

Mr Shakthi Nagappan, CEO, BioAsia, said that, "We are overwhelmed to witness such an enthusiastic participation. The discussions, debates, developments and decisions during these three days will help in the driving the growth of biotech and lifesciences sector. These will also play a significant role in understanding and tapping the multi-billion dollar potential of biosimilars and biologics for the benefit of the healthcare industry."

In a special address, the representative of Spain, the partner country for BioAsia 2013, Ms Olmo said that, "For Spain, participating in this well established forum focusing on biotechnology has been considered a priority in order to give continuity to our joint bilateral efforts with our Indian counterparts. The Spanish delegation comprising of leading research institutes, companies and technology centers has firm interest in India at the forefront in diverse fields of biotechnology and its applications and we are confident that BioAsia will offer a great networking platform to all the participants."

Mr Manni Kantipudi, CEO, GVK Biosciences, said that, "BioAsia has grown significantly over the last five years. It has evolved to be one of the top conferences in Asia that is shaping the industry. We are excited to be the principal sponsors of this mega event."