The Supra Integration and Incubation Center (Si2C), the first government-sponsored agency in Taiwan dedicated to promoting the nation’s biotechnology industry, was formally inaugurated Nov. 1, according to Si2C organizer the Science and Technology Advisory Group of the Executive Yuan.
“The primary purpose of our center is to allocate resources to the nation’s biotech industry and pharmaceutical companies, so that they can develop new and innovative biotech products,” said Soo Whai-jen, managing director of the Si2C.
In addition, Soo added, the Si2C will provide Taiwan’s biotech companies with legal counsel, help them with patent applications, and offer them technical assistance.
STAG Vice Convener and Minister without Portfolio Cyrus C. Y. Chu said that with the establishment of the Si2C, the government set up all “four pillars” needed to develop a complete value chain for the nation’s biotech industry.
The other three pillars, Chu said, are creating the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration, a task accomplished in 2009; setting up the NT$60 billion (US$2.03 billion) Biotech Venture Capital; and underwriting research investments in genetic translation and rapid prototyping production of medical devices.
These efforts are part of the government’s 2009 plan to double the biotech industry’s output value in four years, according to the STAG.
“Erecting these four pillars is only the first step,” Chu said. “The government still needs to respond to the needs of industry and help firms overcome many difficulties.”
Soo, a former researcher and executive for Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. and Shire PLC, both in the United States, assumed his present position after he was strenuously recruited by STAG.
STAG said it is also working to have Shaw T. Chen, deputy director of U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Drug Evaluation, join the Si2C team as soon as possible. (HZW)
Write to Aaron Hsu at pj1210meister@mail.gio.gov.tw