New Delhi: In a major push towards advancing India’s biomanufacturing sector, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh urged states to establish BioE3 Cells as part of the country’s biotechnology revolution. Speaking at the Centre-State Partnership Conclave on the BioE3 Policy at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, Dr. Singh emphasized the need for strong Centre-State collaboration to accelerate India’s bioeconomy and achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The BioE3 Cells, to be set up at the state level in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), will act as knowledge hubs to ensure policy coordination, technology adoption, and effective implementation of the BioE3 Policy. These cells will leverage each state’s unique resources, such as marine biodiversity, Himalayan bio-resources, and region-specific agricultural and medicinal plants, to foster biotech innovations.
Dr. Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for approving the BioE3 Policy within the government’s first 100-day agenda. He highlighted key government initiatives such as Mission Mausam, increased funding for space start-ups, and the National Research Foundation (NRF), which aim to boost India’s technological and scientific progress.
To mark the occasion, Dr. Singh released a booklet on the establishment of BioE3 Cells for Biomanufacturing Implementation, outlining a structured approach to catalyzing biotech growth through Centre-State partnerships. He stressed that the policy will integrate emerging technologies, sustainable biomanufacturing practices, and innovative research across states, creating a cohesive national strategy for biotechnology development.
Reiterating PM Modi’s “Whole of Government” approach, Dr. Singh urged states to move away from working in silos and collaborate across industry, academia, and entrepreneurship. He cited the success of IN-SPACe and BIRAC in fostering public-private partnerships and emphasized the need for a similar approach in biotechnology.
India’s Biotechnology Achievements and Future Goals
Dr. Singh highlighted India’s recent strides in biotechnology, including:
- Development of India’s first indigenous DNA vaccine by the Department of Biotechnology during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Breakthroughs in gene therapy at CMC Vellore.
- Successful development of the antibiotic ‘Nafithromycin’.
- Government allocations for Bio Foundries and Biomanufacturing in the latest Union Budget, reflecting a shift towards a science-driven economy.
He reiterated that India remains open to private sector collaboration, similar to the space and nuclear sectors, to boost biomanufacturing and biotech start-ups.
Showcasing Centre-State Collaboration in Biotech
Dr. Singh also highlighted successful Centre-State partnerships, such as:
- State-led conservation initiatives, including cleaning Loktak Lake and Dal Lake with central funding.
- Fecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTP) set up during the Kumbh Mela, demonstrating how biotechnology can address environmental and public health challenges.
- Pairing states with similar challenges under the Department of Administrative Reforms, ensuring shared learning and problem-solving.
Industry Leaders and Experts Join the Conclave
The conclave witnessed participation from top biotechnology experts and industry leaders, including:
- Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, who spoke on the opportunities in biotech for Viksit Bharat.
- Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Advisor, DBT, who summarized the key deliberations of the event.
- Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Founder, Biocon, who joined the conclave virtually.
- Mr. R. Subramani, Founder, Fermbox Bio, Bangalore, who shared insights on industry-led biotech advancements.
- Dr. Jitendra Kumar, MD, BIRAC, who discussed BIRAC’s role in building industry linkages and facilitating the establishment of BioE3 Cells.
The conclave provided a crucial platform for states to deliberate on biotechnology initiatives, ensuring that these efforts are aligned with state-specific strengths while contributing to India’s broader biotech ambitions. With the establishment of BioE3 Cells, India is set to transform its bioeconomy and emerge as a global leader in sustainable biomanufacturing and biotechnology innovations.
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