The National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) was first set up under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Energy on 20 September 1983. After the establishment of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) on 30 December 1991, BIOTEC became one of the NSTDA centers, operating outside the normal framework of civil service and state enterprises. This enables BIOTEC to operate more effectively to support and transfer technology for the development of industry, agriculture, natural resources, environment, and the social and economic well-being of Thai people.