Business Development Unit

• Green Climate Fund Knuckles Project Discussion with ICRAF and IBMBB, University of Colombo – 2022

Dr. Fergus Sinclair visited IBMBB on December 13th, 2022, with the ICRAF and Knuckles Project teams, which included Dr. S. Premakmara, Mr. Chandana Edirisooriya, and Dr. Sirimal Premakmara, to discuss the establishment of a genomics center in Sri Lanka based on the Knuckles Project. Prof. Prasanna Galhena, along with Prof. Sameera Samarakoon, and the rest of the IBMBB staff, which includes Dr. Ruwandi, Mr. Kanchana, Mr. Mendis, Ms. Nethu, Dr. Hasitha, Ms. Joanne, and Mr. Mishal, were part of the meeting. The key areas for submission of the proposal and an expression of interest to enhance genomic exploration in Sri Lanka were discussed. As a leading institution in Sri Lanka for the Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology with extensive experience, a solid project idea was established for the betterment of Sri Lanka.

• Exploring the Industrial Partnerships – “Research, Innovation and Product Development” – 2022

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, and LOLC Advanced Technologies PVT LTD on November 24, 2022. The event took place at the University of Colombo, College House Premises with gracing of the Vice Chancellor Senior Prof. H.D. Karunaratne, Director of IBMBB Prof. Prasanna Galhena, Prof. Sameera R Samarakoon, Director of UBL Cell Prof. M.N. Kaumal, Dr. Kanishka Senathilake, Ms. Arani Ranasinghe, and Mr. Mishal Faizan were representing the institution. LOLC Adavaced Technologies was represented by Mr. Danesh Abeyrathne the CEO of LOLC Advanced Technologies, Procurement Manager Mr. Randika Jayasinghe and Deputy Manager international Sales and Marketing Mr. Sahan Mendis.

IBMBB is a renowned institution that conducts cutting-edge research in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology with subject-matter experts on staff. The goal of this partnership between LOLC Advanced Technologies and IBMBB is to create locally accessible, scientifically useful products. These programs aim to generate cutting-edge innovations that can  satisfy the present socioeconomic need by producing new, enhanced products. LOLC Advanced Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is a business set up to explore sustainable business opportunities in the market with the augmentation of science and technology. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of LOLC Holdings PLC. It explores technology and innovation aligned with the country’s vision and aims to infuse local value addition. It further provides opportunities for local scientists to work on exciting projects and encourages a spirit of discovery and innovation, which are abundant in Sri Lanka.

• Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Department of Food Sciences Visit to IBMBB – 2022

The Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Livestock, Fisheries, and Nutrition, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, visited IBMBB, University of Colombo, on October 27, 2022. The field visit was organized for 42 students from the 3rd year based on a module conducted on the title of “Biotechnology in Food Science. They were exposed to the different types of labs, research, and equipment available at IBMBB by the academic staff and PhD students. The session was planned and executed by the Business Development Unit with help of other Academic and Non- Academic Staff.

• IBMBB Virtual Open Day – 2022

IBMBB had its virtual open day on October 14, 2022, with the participation of more than 100 students and researchers. The event was conducted through the Zoom platform. led by Prof. Prasanna Galhena, Prof. Shiroma Handunnetti, Prof. Jagathpriya Weerasena, Prof. Sameera Samarakoon, and Prof. Sisira Pathirana, along with the esteemed panel of academics from IBMBB, were present to introduce the MSc programs and the short courses to the participants. Additional innovative and industrial talks were given by Dr. Geethani (Head of Laboratories, Lanka Hospital Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Tennakoon (Head of Research and Development, Link Natural Products Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Chamendra (Founder, FADNA Food and Nature Pvt. Ltd.), and Dr. Muditha (Head of Research, John Keells

• Nexus Between academy and industry; Product launch jointly organized by Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, and FADNA Tea Pvt. Ltd.

Innovative product development is one of the major focuses of the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology, the University of Colombo catering to the emerging national needs in the field of functional foods and related products.

Long collaborative commitment with FADNA Tea (Food & Nature (Pvt) Ltd) and the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology was a great success which led to the development of new products which were launched to the market on the 23^rd of August 2022 at the College House, University of Colombo. This occasion was graced by Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan, Senior Rural Development Specialist, World Bank, Sri Lanka as the chief guest along with Senior Professor H. D. Karunaratne, Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo, Senior Professor Udith Jayasinghe, Vice Chancellor, the University of Wayamba as a special guest, Deans and Directors of the University of Colombo, Heads of Departments, Media representatives, Registrar and Bursar, University of Colombo, Research teams and Staff members of IBMBB.

All products were commercialized under the brand name of QofL which defines the Quality of Life incorporating nature’s goodness with modern science to serve new trends for beauty and wellness. All QofL brand products are developed based on natural ingredients and scientifically proven modesof delivery to enhance the quality of the life. With the launch of the newest range of diversified products, QofL transforms this concept into an innovative solution that helps people to satisfy their ever-changing needs to live a healthier and happier life.

Focusing on the three key aspects; wellness, performance enhancement, and beauty, the latest range comprises four products developed by a research group of IBMBB lead by Prof Sameera R Samarakoon: SATINY, a total hair solution; VERNOLAC a nutraceutical that enhances the quality of life for cancer patients, long-term research outcome by the IBMBB; BIO SHAPE a healthy weight management capsule improved by the IBMBB, and ORTHO-SHIELD a quick and long-lastingpain-relieving lotion specially designed for arteritis patients.

The partnership with the University of Colombo strengthens the nexus between the industry and the academia, benefitting consumers in accessing value-added product ranges that help in leading an active and happy lifestyle. Collaboration between the University of Colombo and FADNA Tea (Food and Nature (Pvt) Ltd) was supported by the University Business Linkage with the objective of transferring technologies derived from the University of Colombo into new products and services for the interest of the public. The University of Colombo being one of the leading universities in Sri Lanka has set up a platform for sustainable public-private partnerships as one of its key commitments toward the social and economic growth of the country.

• BMS Internships at IBMBB and BMS Short Projects – 2022

As a part of the Higher Diploma awarded by BMS, School of Science, Students has to complete a internship outside the organization and IBMBB facilitated that need by providing the adequate knowledge and working space. 39 students were there for the internship from 6^th of June to 24^th of June 2022. These students were trained and overlooked by the Academic and Academic Support staff at IBMBB. After completion of the program students were assessed by a spot test and presentations to grade the performance. Once that was concluded there was short research projects were offered to 5 students with 5 different supervisors to learn how to conduct a research project practically. The entire process was coordinated by the academic support staffs and business development unit together.

• Practical demonstrations at IBMBB for undergraduates of the University of Sri Jayawardenapura – 2022

Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardenapura, visited IBMBB, University of Colombo, from 22^nd to 25^th March 2022. The practical demonstrations were organized for 26 students and they were exposed The components covered during the demonstration series are as follows:

Methods of RNA – RNA extraction, CDNA synthesis, Real-time qPCR.

Methods for proteins -Protein precipitation, Estimation of total protein content, SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting

Apart from that the students were introduced to the labs, research, and equipment available at IBMBB by the academic staff and PhD students. The session was planned and executed by the Business Development Unit with help of other Academic and Non- Academic Staff.

• Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Department of Biotechnology Visit to IBMBB – 2022

The Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, visited IBMBB, University of Colombo, on January 11, 2022. The field visit was organized for 17 students from the 3rd year Biotechnology Specialization. They were exposed to Molecular Biological Techniques (DNA sequencing, Electroporation and Real Time PCR, Gene transformation techniques, radioisotope techniques etc.,), HPLC, FPLC and cell culture & immunology techniques. Apart from that the students were introduced to the labs, research, and equipment available at IBMBB by the academic staff and PhD students. The session was planned and executed by the Business Development Unit with the help of other Academic and Non- Academic Staff.

• MSc courses and short courses offered by IBMBB for 2021

BDU was involved in coordinating the preparation of advertisements/posters for MSc courses for 2021 intake and short courses offered by IBMBB in cell culture techniques and Advanced Immunology.

• Virtual Open Day- 2020

BDU coordinated and organized the virtual open day of IBMBB held on 9^th October 2020. All IBMBB academics were available to speak with guest students and researchers about ongoing research activities and post-graduate courses at IBMBB. Online visitors, who were interested in pursuing postgraduate courses and short courses, obtained information relevant to each course.

• Training on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)& Awareness

BDU was involved in conducting training in IPR & Awareness on 29^th July 2020.

• Patentable outcomes of IBMBB research projects

BDU was involved in completion of the prior art search,submission of the non-disclosure agreement, drafting local and international patent applications for Patentable outcomes of IBMBB research projects with assistance from the University Business Linkage Cell (UBL), University of Colombo.