Induniv marks 40 years advancing Puerto Rico biosciences
Pharmaceutical and biosciences consortium Industry University Research Center Inc. (Induniv) marked its 40th anniversary with a ceremony honoring its founders and reaffirming its mission to strengthen Puerto Rico’s scientific ecosystem.
The event, held at the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust, also featured the official proclamation of BioScience Month.
“Celebrating these 40 years isn’t just about looking back but also reaffirming our commitment to the future of science in Puerto Rico,” said Iván Lugo, executive director of Induniv. “We’re grateful to each and every person who has been part of this journey.”
Founded in 1985 as a nonprofit organization linking industry, government and academia, Induniv remains central to the development of Puerto Rico’s biosciences sector. Its strategic priorities include workforce development, innovation, global competitiveness and public policy advocacy.
Chairman Rafael Defendini traced Induniv’s evolution from early academic symposia to the creation of the Innovation Forum, a three-day convention that led to its partnership with International Pharmaceutical Expo (Interphex).
“This event marked the beginning of our partnership with Interphex Puerto Rico, in which Induniv led the coordination of the educational program until 2015,” Defendini said.
The celebration highlighted Induniv’s long-running initiatives such as the IFPAC-Induniv Summit on Advanced Manufacturing, Life Sciences Month and efforts to promote STEM education.
Lugo noted that the organization represents the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) in Puerto Rico, coordinating studies, best practices and the island’s pavilion at BIO’s international convention for 22 consecutive years.
Induniv’s collaboration with the University of Puerto Rico has supported programs including the Industrial Biotechnology degree at UPR-Mayagüez, ABET certification at UPR-Bayamón and a doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences at the UPR School of Pharmacy.
In the past year, Induniv advocated for the elimination of the Health Department’s Registry of Drug Manufacturers and Distributors, which Lugo said has “achieved significant progress for the industry.”
The organization has also obtained government grants to expand cold chain logistics certifications and participates in the Reshoring Task Force created by Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón.
“INDUNIV directly contributes to the growth of the biosciences sector, which accounts for approximately one-third of Puerto Rico’s gross domestic product,” Defendini said. “Today, we celebrate that legacy with the certainty that there is still much to discover, share and transform.”
