FROM VENTURA COUNTY TO INDIA: BIOTECH TRADE MISSION PROMOTES GROWTH AND INNOVATION
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. – The Ventura County Biotech Trade Delegation reaches a significant milestone as it wraps up its successful visit to India. Initiated by Ventura County District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell and organized in collaboration with BioScience Alliance Founder and Chairman Brent Reinke, EDC Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Director Dr. Ray Bowman and EDC SBDC Trade Specialist Simona Filip Racek, CGBP, this mission profoundly strengthens ties between Ventura County’s thriving biotech sector and India’s rapidly expanding biotechnology market.
The mission was made possible with support from the U.S. Commercial Service Offices in Ventura County, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development and the Organization of Women in International Trade Orange County.
India’s rapidly growing biotech industry presents a unique and promising opportunity for Ventura County’s biotech sector. The country’s advancements in medical devices, regenerative medicine, personalized healthcare and robust pharmaceutical production capacity align seamlessly with Ventura County’s remarkable ability to innovate within the bioscience sector. With stops in New Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, the trade mission leverages these synergies, promoting the Conejo Valley and greater Ventura County region as a hub for biotechnology innovation and a prime destination for foreign direct investment.
Participants engage directly with key stakeholders, industry leaders and government officials in India’s biotech sector, fostering new partnerships and enhancing trade relations. These interactions are crucial for understanding India’s biotech regulatory and trade policies, connecting with R&D leaders and exploring opportunities with venture capitalists investing in the Indian bioeconomy. The mission also identifies potential Indian companies interested in purchasing U.S. products, establishing R&D partnerships and expanding into the U.S. market, reinforcing Ventura County’s role as a gateway for international business.
Highlights from the trade mission include:
- Three roundtable conferences with key industry leaders and government officials in India’s biotechnology sector, are organized by the U.S. Commercial Service offices in New Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad;
- An exclusive meeting with the U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, discussing the regulatory environment for U.S. life science companies, Indian companies’ interest in the U.S. market and the impact of ‘Made in India’ requirements;
- A special reception invitation from the U.S. – India Business Council (USIBC) honoring the U.S. – India Cancer Moonshot Dialogue in New Delhi;
- A visit and strategic collaborative discussion with the executive leaders of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), the innovation arm of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India;
- A cultural visit to the Akshardham Temple in Delhi, the world’s largest Hindu temple;
- Site visit and discussion with executive leaders at Biocon Limited, India’s largest biopharmaceutical company in Bengaluru, are organized by the U.S. Commercial Service Bengaluru;
- Site visit and discussion with executive leaders at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, a leading multinational pharmaceutical company based in Hyderabad, India, are organized by the U.S. Commercial Service Hyderabad;
- Meeting and strategic discussions with key industry leaders and venture capitalists, including representatives from Indian Angel Network (IAN), BioAngels and Transcell Biologics.
During the mission, the EDC SBDC plays a crucial role by providing strategic guidance and coordinating communication with the three U.S. Commercial Service offices, Supervisor Gorell’s office, Ambassador Garcetti’s office, local industry leaders, government officials, participants and all key organizers. EDC SBDC’s support helps ensure that participating companies are thoroughly prepared, gain critical insights into market dynamics and regulatory landscapes and develop well-informed entry strategies in this promising market. Furthermore, the EDC SBDC continues to offer technical support to participants, helping them leverage the partnerships fostered during the mission.
This trade mission exemplifies Ventura County’s expanding influence in the global biotech industry. By opening new international markets and fostering strategic partnerships, the region’s biotech sector continues to strengthen its global presence. The Ventura County biotech industry is now more closely connected to one of the world’s fastest-growing biotech markets, paving the way for future collaborations and sustained economic prosperity.
Trade Mission Leaders:
- Jeff Gorell – Ventura County Supervisor, Second District
- Brent Reinke – Founder and Chairman of The BioScience Alliance
Trade Mission Participants:
- Amgen – Kathy Sherman, Associate Vice President, Director, State Government Affairs & Policy and International Government Affairs & Policy
- Photothermal Spectroscopy Corp (PSC) – Roshan Shetty, CEO
- FOMAT Medical Research – Nicholas Focil, CEO
- Afecta Pharmaceuticals – Ravi Achar, COO
- E-Control Systems, Inc. – Ashutosh Vighne, Director
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact Tracie Schneider, EDC’s Communications & Marketing Manager, at Tracie@edcollaborative.com.
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About Economic Development Collaborative
The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established in 1996 to foster business growth, economic prosperity and a high quality of life for all. Today, EDC is a regional asset for economic vitality across the greater Ventura and Santa Barbara county region, giving businesses, community partners and civic leaders the resources they need to succeed. By leveraging public and private funds, the EDC has become a key player in delivering business consulting, funding and strategic initiatives that support the regional economy.
