Guwahati, Nov 5: Assam Agricultural University (AAU) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Assure Biovention Private Ltd, marking a milestone as the first startup incubated by the university.
Co-founded by Professor Bidyut Kumar Sarmah, Director of the DBT-Northeast Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology, and prominent entrepreneur Binod Hazarika, proprietor of Woodcraft, Nagaon, Assure Biovention is set to drive agricultural innovation in the region.
Assure Biovention will focus on mentoring students, researchers, and entrepreneurs from the Northeast and beyond, fostering excellence in agricultural and biotech ventures. The startup aims to scale and commercialize various technologies developed by AAU, including biofertilizers, biopesticides, tissue-cultured plantlets, and mushroom spawn production. This partnership is expected to play a crucial role in advancing agricultural development in Assam, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting regional innovation.
Dr. Popy Borah, Senior Scientist at the Assam Rice Research Institute (ARRI) in Titabar, and Dr. M.V. Deshpande, a retired scientist from the National Chemical Laboratory in Pune, will collaborate with Assure Biovention to enhance organic agriculture. Additionally, Dr. Sumita Acharjee, Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology at AAU, will contribute to academic initiatives.
The MoU was signed by AAU Registrar Tapan Kumar Gohain and Professor B.K. Sarmah, in the presence of the university’s Vice Chancellor, Deans, and Directors. Dr. Bidyut Chandan Deka, Vice Chancellor of AAU, congratulated all involved, expressing optimism for the company’s mission. He lauded Assure Biovention’s dedication to mentoring and supporting farmers and entrepreneurs in advancing organic agriculture through innovative agri-technologies.
