The Center of Relevance and Excellence (CORE) in Agro & Industrial Biotechnology at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology was established as a national-level center during the first phase of the MISSION REACH 2020 program, envisioned by the former president and distinguished scientist Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The program was implemented by TIFAC (Technology, Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India, and CORE was created at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (erstwhile Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology) in the year 2000 based on the research expertise and training impetus.

CORE in Agro and Industrial biotechnology is a meeting place of innovation, industrial development, and intellectual human resource development. It emphasizes the tripartite linkage between academia, industry, and the government. CORE in Agro and Industrial Biotechnology synergizes the skills and research expertise across the Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology from different departments and schools, predominantly from the Department of Biotechnology.