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India is on track to become a global leader in biotechnology with the launch of the BioE3 Policy, a groundbreaking government initiative poised to transform the nation’s bioeconomy through cutting-edge technology and innovation. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised that this policy is not just a milestone for India’s biotech sector but a crucial element in positioning India as a powerhouse in the fourth industrial revolution, integrating cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices.
The BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Employment, and Environment) Policy is a forward-looking initiative that underscores the nation’s vision for a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous India. This policy aims to transition from traditional industrial methods to high-performance, regenerative bio-manufacturing, which is anticipated to drastically reduce carbon footprints and promote environmental sustainability.
Dr Singh highlighted that India’s bioeconomy has seen exponential growth, expanding from US$ 10 billion in 2014 to over US$ 130 billion in 2024, with a target of $300 billion by 2030. This growth trajectory signals India’s potential to lead the global biotech industry.
A key feature of the BioE3 Policy is its focus on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across various sectors, including bio-based chemicals, smart proteins, and precision biotherapeutics. By establishing advanced bio-manufacturing facilities, bio-foundry clusters, and Bio-AI hubs, the policy aims to accelerate the development and commercialisation of bio-based products.
These hubs will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between laboratory research and large-scale manufacturing, facilitating collaborations among startups, SMEs, and established companies.
Furthermore, the BioE3 Policy places significant emphasis on ethical biosafety and aligning with international regulatory standards, ensuring that India’s biotech innovations are globally competitive. The integration of AI in bio-manufacturing is expected to drive breakthroughs in gene therapies and food processing, marking India as a leader in biotech innovation.
In addition to its technological advancements, the policy is designed to create substantial employment opportunities, particularly in tier-II and tier-III cities where bio-manufacturing hubs will be established. These hubs will not only harness local biomass resources but also contribute to the economic development of these regions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
The BioE3 Policy is a testament to how effective science and technology policies can drive national development and sustainability. By investing in bioeconomy, India is setting a global benchmark for integrating technology with environmental and economic goals.
Dr Jitendra Singh also chaired a pivotal bilateral meeting on US-India Civil Nuclear Commerce at Prithvi Bhavan, reinforcing the deepening cooperation between the two nations in science, technology, and clean energy. This collaboration is crucial for securing global supply chains, especially in semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy technologies.
A key highlight was the announcement that an Indian astronaut from the Gaganyaan Mission will soon join the International Space Station, marking a milestone in Indo-US space cooperation. Dr Singh also emphasised the Green Hydrogen Mission as central to India’s strategy to decarbonise industries and drive clean technology innovation.
The meeting emphasised India’s push for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in its clean energy strategy. Dr Singh highlighted the “Anusandhan” National Research Foundation’s role in innovation, paralleling the US NSF, and reaffirmed India’s commitment to boost non-fossil energy and reach net-zero emissions by 2070.
The meeting concluded with both nations reiterating their commitment to strengthening cooperation in emerging technologies, particularly in areas that enhance economic growth, national security, and global technological leadership. This partnership continues to set a benchmark for international collaboration in science and technology.
India’s bold initiatives in biotechnology, clean energy, and digital innovation underscore its commitment to becoming a global leader in sustainability and economic growth, positioning itself at the forefront of a digitally-driven, innovation-focused future.
