Mumbai: The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) is pleased to announce that the 3rd Annual BIO India International Conference will be held on September 12-13, 2012 at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai, India. BIO will partner with the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE), which represents Indian and Asian biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as well as leading investment banks and venture capital firms.

“BIO India returns to India for its third year to bring together biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies from North America, Europe and Asia to explore business opportunities with India’s emerging biotechnology sector,” said Alan Eisenberg, Executive Vice President of Emerging Companies and Business Development at BIO. “During this time of resurgence of growth in the Indian economy and the healthcare sector in particular, it is critical for Indian and International biotechnology companies to capitalize on opportunities available within India. Working with ABLE, we are committed to supporting the biotechnology industry in India by hosting this event that will connect U.S., European and Asian companies for potential deals and collaborations.”

BIO India will feature high-level keynote speakers, educational India-focused panels, networking opportunities, company presentations, and the BIO One-on-One Partnering™ system. BIO’s partnering system provides an interactive environment to intelligently search, contact and schedule private meetings with potential partners and investors.

Mr. Sam Pitroda, Advisor to the PM on Public Information Infrastructure and Innovation will address the conference. Mr. Pitroda is a visionary who has played a major transformational role in the Indian IT sector making it one of the major drivers of the Indian economy. His current mandate includes driving Innovation down to the small and medium enterprises to help inclusive and sustainable growth.

H. Thomas Watkins, President and Chief Executive Officer of Maryland-based Human Genome Sciences, will provide a keynote address at the conference. Mr. Watkins joined HGS in December 2004, and previously worked with Abbott Laboratories and its affiliates in the U.S. and Asia for nearly twenty years. Mr. Watkins is Chair of the Board of Directors of BIO and Chair of the Life Sciences Advisory Board of the State of Maryland.

“Biotech industry in India is growing at 24% for the past decade and for this to happen year on year, collaborations and partnerships are vital to do business. BIO India is the most preferred platform for partnering” said Dr. Panchapagesa Murali, President, ABLE. “

The 2011 BIO India Conference attracted more than 70 per cent Indian attendance, and featured presentations from top Indian, U.S. and European biotech companies. Through the BIO One-on-One PartneringTM system, delegates scheduled more than 500 partnering meetings in the two day event.

Through this conference and ongoing advocacy efforts, BIO aims to help the industry flourish within India's borders and help patients and citizens benefit from the promise of biotech. BIO brings to India more than ten years experience and expertise in biotechnology and pharmaceutical partnering. BIO is renowned for its successful partnering meetings held around the globe, including the industry’s largest partnering event – the BIO Business Forum at the BIO International Convention.