The Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses (CASMB), in collaboration with The Biotech Research Society, India (BRSI), proudly instituted the prestigious 'Startup Award' in 2024. This award aims to recognize and encourage small entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional techno-commercial success in the field of biotechnology.

The award carries a cash prize of INR 50,000, along with a memento and certificate, made possible through the generous contribution of Prof. Smita Lele, former Director of the Institute of Chemical Technology, Marathwada Campus, Jalna, and an esteemed advisor of CASMB.

This year, the Startup Award was conferred upon Innotech Interventions, a DPIIT-recognized company founded in 2016 by Dr. Priyangshu Manab Sarma. Based in Guwahati, Assam, Innotech Interventions is a pioneer in developing bio-electrochemical systems for treating produced water in the oil and gas industry. The company is also at the forefront of large-scale production of bacterial strains for the biological restoration of hydrocarbon-contaminated land and water bodies.

Through its proprietary technology, Dr. Sarma’s team has significantly reduced treatment times, enabling successful execution of projects worth over INR 5.5 crore. These innovative solutions underscore the company's commitment to addressing environmental challenges in the energy sector.

The award was presented on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, during the XXI Convention of BRSI, held at the Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Pune.

CASMB and BRSI extend their heartfelt congratulations to Innotech Interventions and its founder, Dr. Sarma, wishing them continued success and many more groundbreaking achievements in the future.