Professor M. Radhakrishna Pillai was Director (2005 to 2020) of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, a national research institute of the Government of India in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State, India. Professor Pillai is one of India’s well-known cancer and virus disease biologists. A fellow of all the Science and Medical Academies of India and the Royal College of Pathologists, London, Dr. Pillai has led large international and national research programs on vaccine trials, disease pathogenesis and drug development including patented novel photosensitizers now awaiting cancer clinical trials. Professor Pillai successfully launched new start-up industries by establishing a technology & business development incubator — BioNest in Kochi, Kerala. Funded by the Government of India in association with the state government, BioNest serves to accelerate the commercialization of new technologies, nurture emerging ventures, and assist new enterprises to forge appropriate links with other biotech companies, academia, and government. BioNest has currently incubated 30 start-up companies. Professor Pillai’s detailed profile can be seen at www.mrpillai.com