In 2010 the Virtual Biotechnology Center (NCB), established in 2005 by the Higher Council for Science and Technology, was integrated as a program in a newly established center “The National Center for Research and Development” (NCRD). Since its establishment, the program has promoted and accelerated the pace of development of biotechnology in the country. Through several R&D projects, the program has made significant achievements in the growth and application of biotechnology in the broad areas of agriculture, health care, animal sciences, environment, and industry.
The impact of the biotechnology related developments in agriculture, health care, environment and industry, has already been visible and the efforts are now culminating into products and processes. About 22 research projects have been funded through the program