A joint review meeting to assess the progress of the Industrial Biotech Parks at Ghatti Kathua and Handwara was convened by CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Science and Technology Department. The high-level meeting at CSIR–IIIM, Jammu brought together senior officials and technical experts to assess the current status of the project and discuss its future roadmap, with a strong emphasis on innovation, industrial use, and startup facilitation. The meeting was attended by Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR–IIIM Jammu and Chairman IIIM-TBI, and Babila Rakwal, JKAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Science and Technology Department, along with scientists, project consultants, and stakeholders associated with the development of the biotech park. During the detailed review, discussions focused on the physical progress of infrastructure, installation of facilities, and commissioning timelines.

Director CSIR-IIIM, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, highlighted the importance of integrating research with market-driven applications, particularly in areas such as tissue culture, fermentation technology, and bio-based product development. He underlined that the park should serve as a bridge between scientific institutions and industry, enabling startups to move from laboratory research to scalable commercial production.

Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Science and Technology Department, Babila Rakwal, reviewed the implementation framework and stressed the need for timely completion of remaining works, efficient coordination among executing agencies, and proper documentation of progress. She also emphasised the importance of data collection and policy-oriented reporting, stating that accurate and comprehensive information from the project would be crucial for future planning and decision-making at the government level.

Officials noted that while a significant portion of civil and structural work has been completed, certain components and equipment installations are still in progress. The commissioning of the facility is expected to be undertaken in phases, with some sections likely to become operational earlier depending on the readiness of utilities and equipment. A major focus of the deliberations was the utilisation model of the biotech park. Participants discussed how the facility should be structured to support research and prototyping. Emphasis was laid on ensuring that the park does not remain a purely infrastructure-based project but evolves into a functional hub for startups, entrepreneurs, and industry collaborations.

The meeting also discussed the financial and execution structure of the project, including funding patterns and agency participation. Concerns regarding timelines, procurement of remaining equipment, and readiness of operational units were raised, with a consensus that clear milestones must be adhered to in order to avoid delays. The role of the park in supporting skill development, student exposure visits, incubation programmes, and R&D collaborations was also discussed. Officials suggested that structured engagement with universities and research institutions would help build a strong pipeline of innovators and entrepreneurs. The meeting concluded with a consensus that the Industrial Biotech Park at Ghatti Kathua holds significant potential to become a key driver of biotechnology-led industrial growth in the region, provided its implementation is aligned with clear timelines and strong institutional coordination.