Dr Jitendra Singh called on states to establish BioE3 Cells as part of India’s biotechnology revolution

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh called on states to establish BioE3 Cells as part of India’s biotechnology revolution, to realise Bio-Vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047. During the Centre-State Partnership Conclave on the BioE3 Policy, held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, Dr Singh emphasised the significance of strengthening Centre-State collaboration to advance India's bioeconomy.

He highlighted the need for state governments to leverage their unique strengths, resources, and economic priorities to propel India’s biomanufacturing sector forward. Notably, he pointed out the importance of marine resources, the Himalayan region’s resources, and other region-specific bio-resources that could help usher in a new biotech revolution.

The BioE3 Cells will serve as interconnected knowledge hubs, linking state and national stakeholders to facilitate the effective implementation of the BioE3 Policy. Established at the state level, these cells will act as central platforms for knowledge exchange, policy coordination, and technology adoption in the biomanufacturing sector.

On this occasion, Dr Singh released a booklet on the Establishment of BioE3 Cells for Biomanufacturing Implementation, which aims to catalyse Centre-State partnerships to drive biotech innovations. In releasing the booklet, he highlighted that the primary goal of the BioE3 Cells is to ensure biomanufacturing initiatives are closely aligned with each state’s specific priorities, resources, and strengths, while also staying connected to broader national objectives. He emphasised that by establishing a nationwide network of BioE3 Cells, the government aims to facilitate the integration of emerging technologies, innovative research, and sustainable biomanufacturing practices across regions, ensuring a cohesive and efficient approach to biotechnology development in India.

Reiterating PM Modi's "Whole of Government" approach, Dr Singh called for a strong Centre-State partnership to ensure the successful implementation of the BioE3 Policy. He stressed the need to stop working in silos and instead collaborate on various fronts, with clear demarcation between industry, academia, and entrepreneurship. He also referred to IN-SPACe and BIRAC as successful; platforms to usher collaborations with the private sector.

Furthermore, Dr Singh pointed out notable advancements in India’s biotechnology sector, including the indigenous DNA vaccine developed by the Department of Biotechnology during the pandemic, the development of the antibiotic ‘Nafithromycin’, and successful gene therapy trials at CMC Vellore. He also emphasised that India remains open to private-sector collaboration, aiming to replicate the successes seen in the space sector and nuclear energy.

Highlighting the government's commitment, Dr Singh referred to the allocation of resources for Bio Foundries and Biomanufacturing in the latest budget, which marked a shift from typical populist priorities to a focus on science and technology under PM Modi’s leadership.

Dr Rajesh Gokhale. Secretary Department of Biotechnology addressed the conclave on opportunities in the biotech sector for Viksit Bharat. Dr Alka Sharma, Senior Advisor DBT summarised the deliberations which took place throughout the day with states.

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Founder, Biocon joined the conclave through virtual mode. R Subramani, Founder, Fermbox Bio, Bangalore also marked his presence along with senior representatives from almost all states. Dr Jitendra Kumar, MD, BIRAC shared BIRAC’s effort towards building strong industry linkages, paving the way for the establishment of BioE3 cells.

PIB