Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has launched India’s High-Performance Biomanufacturing Platforms under BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy, marking a significant step in positioning the country as a global hub for biotechnology-led growth. Speaking at an interactive meet with industry stakeholders at the India International Centre, Dr. Singh highlighted that India now hosts 21 of the 121 bio-companies worldwide, a notable achievement for a nation that was once a follower in the biotechnology sector.
Dr. Singh added that India is now among the first movers in institutionalizing biomanufacturing policy, reflecting the country’s leadership in shaping the global biotechnology landscape.
The initiative aims to strengthen India’s self-reliance in critical sectors by providing world-class infrastructure and tools for startups, small and medium enterprises, industries, and academic institutions. Spread across 21 advanced bio-enabler facilities, these platforms will support research and commercialization in areas such as microbial biomanufacturing, smart proteins, functional foods, sustainable agriculture, carbon capture, marine biotechnology, and next-generation cell and gene therapies.
Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), described the launch as a “pioneering step” that would accelerate India’s leadership in the global bioeconomy and enable sustainable solutions across multiple sectors.
Dr. Singh noted that India’s bioeconomy has grown from USD 10 billion to nearly USD 100 billion, with a target of reaching USD 300 billion in the coming years. Biotech startups have also surged from just 50 a decade ago to over 13,000 today, supported by nearly 100 incubators under BIRAC. He emphasized that biotechnology, much like IT in the 1990s, is set to become a defining driver of India’s growth in the coming decades, contributing to innovation, reducing import dependence, and strengthening the country’s strategic position globally.
The newly announced facilities include pilot-scale plants for specialty chemicals, fermentation hubs for functional foods and drug intermediates, GMP-grade setups for gene delivery vectors, and advanced platforms for monoclonal antibodies, enzymes, and mRNA-based precision medicines. Dr. Singh stressed the importance of strong communication and outreach to engage youth and industry stakeholders, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mention of the BioE3 Policy in his Independence Day address as a testament to its national significance.
Industry leaders and researchers highlighted the role of government-backed facilities in advancing frontier technologies such as CAR-T cell therapy, mRNA platforms, marine biofoundries, and synthetic biology. While early-stage support from DBT and BIRAC has been crucial, they noted that long-term success would require global collaborations, clinical validation, and private investment.
Dr. Singh urged companies to move beyond replication and focus on next-generation technologies, including advanced CAR-T therapies, innovative treatments for neurological disorders, and marine biotechnology.
Union Minister also emphasized closer academia-industry collaboration and effective communication to ensure that innovations are validated and reach the market. The event saw active participation from DBT and BIRAC officials, scientists, and industry representatives.
