Nirmala Sitaraman to inaugurate tomorrow dhaRti incubation centre at IIT Dharwad

The Indian Institute of Technology in Dharwad has established the Dharwad Research and Technology Incubator (dhaRti) and BioNest Incubation Centre, an initiative that will position Dharwad as North Karnataka’s first major hub for Biotechnology, Deep Technology and NewGen Technology Innovation, said a release.

This will mark a transformative milestone in India’s innovation journey by taking world-class research and entrepreneurship infrastructure beyond metropolitan regions. This initiative stands out for its unique funding model. The incubation ecosystem is being made possible through the combined support of ₹5.29 crore under the MPLADS scheme contributed by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and ₹5 crore from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).

Ms. Sitharaman will inaugurate the dhaRti Foundation and dhaRti BioNEST Incubation Centre on IIT Dharwad campus on Saturday.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi will be present.

The dhaRti Foundation has set an ambitious roadmap to support more than 100 start-ups and research projects in the coming years, enabling pilot deployments in healthcare, agriculture, deep tech, new generation technology and sustainability, while training over 500 professionals.

Its long-term goal is to establish North Karnataka as an internationally recognised hub for biotechnology deep tech and NewGen technology innovation, employing and nurturing local talent, said the release from IIT Dharwad Director Venkappayya Desai.