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India is making significant strides in advancing its national development by emphasising the integration of cutting-edge technology and digital transformation. The Union Cabinet approved two key initiatives that highlight the country’s ambitions: the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the ‘BioE3’ Policy by the Department of Biotechnology.
These initiatives are designed to bolster India’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem and promote sustainable practices, aligning with the nation’s vision for a technologically advanced and environmentally responsible future.
The ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme unifies three existing umbrella schemes into a single central initiative with an outlay of ₹10,579.84 crore (US$1.28 billion). It aims to improve fund utilisation and synchronise sub-schemes across three key areas: S&T Institutional and Human Capacity Building, Research and Development, and Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment.
The primary objective of ‘Vigyan Dhara’ is to strengthen India’s S&T infrastructure by fostering well-equipped R&D labs across academic institutions and promoting research in critical areas such as sustainable energy, water, and access to international mega facilities.
The scheme also emphasises the importance of collaborative research through international bilateral and multilateral cooperation, contributing to a robust R&D base in the country. Additionally, ‘Vigyan Dhara’ aims to build a critical human resource pool to support the S&T landscape, with a particular focus on enhancing the participation of women in this field, ultimately striving for gender parity in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).
Moreover, the scheme aligns with the broader goals of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and is designed to support the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. By promoting innovations at all levels, from school education to higher education, and fostering collaboration between academia, government, and industry, ‘Vigyan Dhara’ is poised to play a pivotal role in driving technological advancements and ensuring that India remains at the forefront of global innovation.
Complementing the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme is the ‘BioE3’ Policy, which focuses on fostering high-performance biomanufacturing in India. This policy is designed to accelerate technology development and commercialisation by establishing biomanufacturing and Bio-AI hubs, as well as Biofoundries. These hubs will serve as centres of excellence, driving innovation in biomanufacturing processes and facilitating the production of bio-based products, ranging from medicines to materials.
The ‘BioE3’ Policy prioritises regenerative bioeconomy models of green growth, which are crucial for addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, including climate change mitigation, food security, and human health. By promoting sustainable and circular practices, the policy supports India’s ‘Net Sero’ carbon economy goals and aligns with the ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ initiative.
Furthermore, the policy emphasises the importance of expanding India’s skilled workforce, fostering job creation, and ensuring that the country remains competitive in the global bioeconomy.
The ‘BioE3’ Policy also lays the groundwork for India’s future as a leader in high-performance biomanufacturing by focusing on strategic sectors such as high-value bio-based chemicals, biopolymers, enzymes, smart proteins, functional foods, precision biotherapeutics, climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture and utilisation, and marine and space research.
Critical for developing bio-based solutions that can address national and global priorities, they ensure that India is well-positioned to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Together, the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme and the ‘BioE3’ Policy reflect India’s commitment to harnessing technology and innovation for national development. By investing in advanced scientific research, fostering a resilient biomanufacturing ecosystem, and aligning with global standards, India is paving the way for a sustainable, innovative, and technologically advanced future.
These efforts not only reinforce the nation’s strategic goals but also position India as a global leader in the digital and biotechnology sectors, setting the stage for accelerated green growth and a robust economy in the coming decades.
