Assam and DBT Sign Landmark MoU to Boost Biotechnology Under BioE3 Policy

New Delhi: In a significant move to strengthen India’s biotechnology sector, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Government of Assam have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy. This first-of-its-kind Centre-State collaboration aims to accelerate biomanufacturing, drive economic growth, and promote environmental sustainability in Assam.

The signing of this MoU follows extensive consultations and high-level meetings between DBT and the Assam government. A key milestone in this initiative was the Centre-State Partnership Conclave, chaired by Union Minister of Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, where states were encouraged to collaborate with DBT and establish State BioE3 Cells.

The BioE3 Policy, approved by the Union Cabinet on August 24, 2024, envisions making India a global leader in bio-based innovations. It focuses on developing sustainable biomanufacturing in key areas, including bio-based chemicals, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), biopolymers, enzymes, climate-resilient agriculture, functional foods, smart proteins, carbon capture, and precision biotherapeutics. Through this initiative, the Government of Assam will establish a State BioE3 Cell and implement the Assam BioE3 Action Plan, while DBT will provide technical guidance and facilitate partnerships. The collaboration highlights Assam’s commitment to leveraging its rich biodiversity and agricultural resources to create a robust biotechnology ecosystem.

The MoU was signed at DBT headquarters in New Delhi in the presence of key officials, including DBT Secretary Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Assam Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, and other senior representatives from DBT and the Assam government. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Gokhale emphasized the transformative potential of the BioE3 Policy, describing it as a game-changer that would drive job creation, economic opportunities, and environmental sustainability. He highlighted that Centre-State partnerships would play a crucial role in achieving these goals.

Dr. Ravi Kota noted that the Assam Cabinet has already approved the Assam BioE3 Action Plan and established a State-level BioE3 Cell. He stressed that Assam is actively engaging with key stakeholders to align its biotechnology roadmap with the state’s long-term development strategy.

This partnership is expected to boost employment, foster innovation, and create a resilient biotechnology ecosystem in Assam. The initiative marks a significant step in Centre-State collaboration, setting a precedent for other states to follow in integrating biotechnology with economic and environmental sustainability. With this MoU, India is taking a major stride toward positioning itself as a global leader in biotechnology while ensuring sustainable growth for future generations.