Outlining the department's strategy for the biotech sector's growth, Bhan said the government would allocate its resources in a targeted manner, selecting the areas that had built up competence levels. Besides Bangalore, the department will focus on other cities such as Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Lucknow for uniform development of the biotech sector. "We will invest in those states and cities where the ingredients of the biotechnology enterprise are present," Bhan stated.

Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural session of the conference, Bhan told about 300 delegates from India and abroad the new policy would provide the framework for the functioning of research and business institutions. It will also spell out trade and investment guidelines for the emerging sector. "A group of experts will also be set up to suggest models for public-private partnerships in the biotech sector. The biotechnology department will invest in the creation of innovation centres within the existing academic and research institutions," Bhan said.

Delhi University will be the first centre to receive the funding. Five such centres will be established across the country in as many years.