Biography of Dr. Florida Tilton: Founder of Biozone Research Technologies- Entrepreneur
Dr. Florida Tilton: Trailblazing Entrepreneur in Biotechnology
Dr. Florida Tilton is the founder of Biozone Research
Technologies and a prominent figure in the biotechnology field. In 2018, she
was honored with the All India Women Entrepreneur Award by the Delhi Management
Association, recognizing her significant contributions as a female entrepreneur
in India.
Dr. Florida Tilton is the Chairperson and Managing Director
of Biozone Research Technologies Pvt. Ltd. This company, initially founded as a
Bioscience skill development organization, has evolved into a
government-recognized laboratory specializing in contract research. Based in
Chennai, Biozone now offers a range of services including contract research,
academic and industrial training, publishing, and sustainable energy solutions.
Founding Biozone Research Technologies
Biozone Research Technologies Pvt Ltd. began as a Bioscience
skill development organization before transitioning into the Contract research
domain. Dr. Florida Tilton, the founder, shares insights into her journey and
the evolution of her venture.
Dr. Florida Tilton's Background
Dr. Tilton’s early life, influenced by her father’s military
career, exposed her to diverse places and fostered her entrepreneurial spirit.
Her professional journey began at the SPIC Science Foundation, where she spent
seven years as a Research Associate, nurturing her curiosity and passion for science.
She then led the Department of Biotechnology at Hindustan College of Arts and
Science in Chennai for four years, where she identified a critical gap between
academia and industry.
Journey to Entrepreneurship
Her entrepreneurial journey began after leaving her position
at Hindustan College, when two students sought her coaching. Driven by her
passion for science, Dr. Tilton established Biozone Research Technologies,
marking the start of her successful venture in biotechnology.
A Wealth of Experience
With nearly 25 years of experience in industrial research
and academia, Dr. Tilton has made significant contributions to Biotechnology
and Bioinformatics. She has shared her knowledge through lectures and workshops
at prestigious institutions like SRM University, Vels University, SSN College
of Engineering, VIT University, Loyola College, Alpha College, Sree Balaji
Medical College, Saveetha Dental College, and GRD College. Her dedication to
making biotechnology research accessible and understandable has earned her
widespread acclaim and recognition across the state.
The Visionary Entrepreneur
Dr. Florida Tilton, a trailblazer in the world of
biosciences, is at the helm of Biozone Research Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a
promising start-up based in Chennai. As a first-generation entrepreneur, she
has carved out a unique niche in the biotechnology industry. Her academic
journey began with a Post Graduate honors degree in Plant Biology, followed by
a Master of Philosophy in Plant Genetics from the University of Madras. Delving
deeper, she focused her doctoral research on Plant Molecular Biology and
Cancer-targeted phytotherapy.
Biography of Dr. Florida Tilton:Founder of Biozone Research Technologies /Investor/Startup/Success story of Florida Tilton/Florida Tilton life story
Inception of Biozone Research Technologies
The idea for Biozone emerged when Dr. Tilton, after leaving
Hindustan College, was approached by two former students seeking coaching. She
started Biozone in 2008, initially running it from her home in Chennai with
just two students.
Journey and Growth
Since its inception, Biozone has faced the typical
challenges of an entrepreneurial venture, including high investment costs and
slow returns. Despite these obstacles, customer satisfaction and recognition
have fueled the company's growth. Today, Biozone is a government-recognized
laboratory with several funded projects and clients across northeastern India.
Core Services of Biozone Research Technologies
Biozone Research Technologies Pvt. Ltd., based in Chennai,
excels in several key areas within the biosciences field. Their core services
include integrated research, analytical services, academic support, publishing,
and herbal products. The company places a strong emphasis on Research
Development, with its in-house R&D unit recognized by the Department of
Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) under the Ministry of Science and
Technology, Government of India. This division focuses on innovative discovery
solutions for the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries.
Biozone's business is structured around three primary growth
areas to provide lasting value to biotechnologists worldwide. They offer
tailored research services in Molecular Biology, Plant Tissue Culture, Herbal
Research, Animal Cell Culture, Bioinformatics, Microbiology, and Analytical
Services. Additionally, the Biozone Institute of Life Sciences provides
extensive training and academic services aimed at bridging the gap between
industry and academia. Their publication wing, BRT Publishers, produces the
International Journal of Bioscience Research (IJBR), an open-access,
peer-reviewed journal dedicated to biosciences.
A Growing Enterprise
Biozone Research Technologies Pvt. Ltd. began as a
bioscience skill development organization and has evolved into a recognized
government laboratory specializing in contract research. Dr. Tilton’s
leadership has been pivotal in this transition. Let’s hear more about her
insights and experiences as she reflects on her journey and the growth of her
venture.
Biozone's Mission
Under Dr. Tilton's leadership, Biozone Research Technologies
is dedicated to providing sustainable and long-term value for biotechnologists
worldwide, showcasing her commitment to advancing the field of biotechnology.
Challenges in the Life Sciences Industry
One of the most significant challenges in the life sciences
field is the high level of investment required coupled with slow returns on
that investment. Building and maintaining credibility with clients is another
major hurdle, as establishing trust and demonstrating the value of research
services are crucial for securing outsourced projects.
A Day in the Life
Dr. Tilton’s typical workday is a balancing act between her
roles as a scientist-entrepreneur, wife, and mother of two. Her day usually involves
meeting with clients, solving research-related problems, collaborating with her
team, and handling numerous phone calls. Juggling professional responsibilities
with family life is a constant challenge, but it is a crucial part of her daily
routine.
Parting Thoughts
Dr. Tilton encourages readers to pursue their dreams
relentlessly. Despite the challenges and obstacles, she believes that
perseverance and bravery in the face of difficulties will ultimately lead to
success. When you achieve your goals against the odds, the sense of
accomplishment and uniqueness is immensely rewarding.
A timeline with specific dates and brief explanations:
Early 1990s: Dr. Tilton completes her Post Graduate Honors
Degree in Plant Biology.
Early to Mid-1990s: Earns a Master of Philosophy in Plant
Genetics from the University of Madras.
Mid to Late 1990s: Conducts doctoral research in Plant
Molecular Biology and Cancer-targeted Phytotherapy.
Late 1990s to Early 2000s: Works as a Research Associate at
SPIC Science Foundation for approximately 7 years.
Early to Mid-2000s: Heads the Department of Biotechnology at
Hindustan College of Arts and Science for about 4 years.
2008: Founds Biozone Research Technologies Pvt. Ltd. in
Chennai, initially operating from her home with two students.
2018: Receives the All India Women Entrepreneur Award from
the Delhi Management Association.
Post-2018: Biozone transitions into a recognized government
laboratory specializing in contract research.
Present Day: Biozone Research Technologies continues to
thrive, offering diverse services and maintaining a robust R&D unit.
