#BioE3 #Bioeconomy #Biotechnology #Innovation #Biofoundry #YouthChallenge #AtmanirbharBharat #GreenGrowth #SustainableIndia #DBT #MakeInIndia
New Delhi: India’s biotechnology sector is on a rapid growth trajectory, with the country’s bioeconomy projected to reach $300 billion by 2030, Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh announced while marking one year of the BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment).
At a special event themed “One Year of BioE3: From Policy to Action”, Dr. Singh launched two landmark initiatives—the BioE3 Challenge for Youth and the National Biofoundry Network—to empower innovators and strengthen indigenous biomanufacturing.
A Decade of Transformation in India’s Bioeconomy
Dr. Singh highlighted India’s remarkable progress in the sector, noting that the bioeconomy has expanded from just $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024. With sustained innovation, robust policy support, and international collaborations, India is targeting a nearly two-fold jump to $300 billion by 2030.
“The last one year under the BioE3 policy has seen transformative achievements that underline biotechnology’s role in shaping India’s economic and sustainable future,” Dr. Singh said.
Key Achievements Under BioE3 Policy
The Minister outlined several milestones achieved since the launch of BioE3 in 2024:
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Establishment of India’s first Biomanufacturing Institute at Mohali.
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Creation of Bio-Artificial Intelligence hubs, biomanufacturing hubs, and biofoundries nationwide.
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Launch of over a dozen joint research calls in futuristic areas including cell and gene therapy, climate-smart agriculture, carbon capture, and functional foods.
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Receipt of 2,000+ proposals under DBT’s research initiatives.
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MoU between DBT and ISRO for collaboration in space biotechnology and biomanufacturing, with DBT-backed experiments conducted on the International Space Station.
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Centre-state collaborations, including an MoU with Assam to establish a BioE3 Cell with a state-specific action plan.
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International engagement, with 52 Indian missions abroad contributing inputs on the policy for global collaboration.
BioE3 Challenge for Youth
One of the highlights of the event was the launch of the BioE3 Challenge for Youth, designed to encourage innovation among school students, university students, startups, and researchers.
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Themed “Design Microbes, Molecules & More”, the challenge will be announced on the 1st of every month from October 2025.
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The top 10 winners each month will receive ₹1 lakh cash awards and mentoring support.
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Up to 100 selected awardees will qualify for ₹25 lakh in funding through BIRAC to build proof-of-concept solutions.
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Winners will also gain access to incubation support at BRIC+ institutions across India.
The challenge is anchored in the DESIGN framework: Define needs, build Evidence-first solutions, ensure Sustainability, promote Integration, plan Go-to-market strategies, and deliver Net-positive impact.
National Biofoundry Network
Dr. Singh also unveiled the first National Biofoundry Network, involving six premier institutions. The network will accelerate the scaling up of proof-of-concept developments, strengthen India’s indigenous biomanufacturing ecosystem, and generate new employment opportunities.
Expert Insights
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, emphasized that the BioE3 policy represents a strategic shift in how India leverages biotechnology for growth.
“Biology today converges with engineering, architecture, and space sciences, creating new opportunities in carbon capture, biodegradable plastics, organ-on-chip systems, and even space biology experiments. By combining this with tools like Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), India’s youth will gain access to transformative career avenues,” Prof. Sood said.
He added that the policy aligns with India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, enabling a green, clean, and prosperous nation driven by sustainable biotechnology solutions.
Conclusion
The government’s BioE3 initiatives are set to not only expand India’s bioeconomy but also position the country as a global hub for sustainable and inclusive biotechnology innovation. With strong support for youth-led ideas, cutting-edge research, and indigenous biomanufacturing, India is preparing to harness biotechnology as a key driver of its economic growth and environmental resilience.
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#BioE3 #Bioeconomy #Biotechnology #Innovation #Biofoundry #YouthChallenge #AtmanirbharBharat #GreenGrowth #SustainableIndia #DBT #MakeInIndia
