The Kolkata-based The Chatterjee Group Lifesciences in collaboration with the government will set up a Rs 25 crore (Rs 250 million) Centre for Genomics Application in Delhi.

The institute will be an equal stakes joint venture between the government-owned Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology and TCG.

"The centre will undertake projects in medical genetics, population genetics and genotyping on specific targets. It will also house an incubation laboratory for start-ups in biotechnology," Sapan Bhattacharya, director of TCG Lifesciences, said.

"It aimed to cater to large pharmaceutical companies and medical genetics companies in the US and Europe," he added.

Both IGIB and TCG will invest Rs 12.5 crore (Rs 125 million) each into the project in the first phase. The facility is being set up in Maharani Bagh and will be spread over 60,000 sq feet.

While TCG will invest in infrastructure and operational management, IGIB will be putting in technical resources and equipment such as DNA sequences, genotyping machines and sythesising equipment. The project is slated to be completed in 2005.

At present, TCG Lifesciences is setting up a pilot facility in Okhla for market development and initiate commercial development. It will be inaugurated by R A Mashalkar, head of CSIR on May 11 to mark the Technology Day.

This will be a 15,000 sq feet research house with limited functions. CGA will move into the new operations once the actual facility becomes operational from January 2006.

The $10 million TCG Lifesciences is also planning various incremental investments in genomics research and development.