DEFENSE

By June this year, a new supercomputer will be launched by CDAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing). The supercomputer will solely run bioinformatics applications. “The blueprint for the new supercomputer has been finalized. The machine would have a computing capacity of 1.5 teraflops and would be integrated with the genome grid that is currently in progress,” Rajendra Joshi, coordinator with bioinformatics group of C-DAC said in a statement that THE FINANCIAL EXPRESS published on 7th February 2007. “The grid for bioinformatics provides computational capacity for handling enormous data for genome analysis, complex algorithms for molecular simulation. In the first phase, we have around 40 academic institutes that are connected to the grid. The next phase would involve the industry. The genome grid would be ready by December this year,” added Joshi. Bio informatics is a proven tool in the hands of researchers doing advanced R&D in biotechnology’s field. About 45 companies are there in this space, of which most are based in Southern parts of India. The majority of these companies focus on the development of bio informatics tools & products, whereas others are engaged in marketing. Companies like Mascon Lifesciences, SciNova Technologies, Helix Genomics, and Strand Genomics have approximately 5-8 products on their side. Furthermore, multinationals like Accelrys – Pharmacopeia’s subsidiary, and Tripos are directly present in India. Software biggies like the TCS (Biosuite) and Infosys provide bio informatics services whereas Sun Microsystems, Intel and IBM cater for hardware requirements to run these services. RNCOS report on “Bioinformatics Market Update (2006)” notifies that bioinformatics has tremendous scope to play a leader’s role in future developments in the fields of technology and science. In future, bioinformatics will make major contribution in biomedicine by suitably producing lead drugs (drugs for treatment in lesser cost and time) in greater quantity. The report “Bioinformatics Market Update (2006)” also addresses interesting issues critical for the success of businesses in bioinformatics. It covers market trends in the Indian bioinformatics industry, where the market will be after five years, opportunities that exist in Indian bioinformatics industry, driving factors for the Indian bioinformatics industry, challenges faced by bioinformatics industry, main players in the Indian bioinformatics industry.