Union Minister of Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on July 07, 2025 called for wider public engagement in India’s biotechnology sector, asserting that every citizen has a stake in the country’s growing bioeconomy. Speaking during the national celebration of World Bioproduct Day — themed The BioE3 Way- the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030.
The event was organized by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), along with its allied agencies BIRAC and iBRIC+, and featured a unique initiative titled Voices Across the Cities: A Synchronized National Hourly Dialogue Series. Over eight hours, various institutions across Indian cities held theme-based discussions covering marine biomass, forest resources, agri-residue innovation, and industrial bioresource valorization — showcasing the regional strengths and diversity of India’s bioproduct landscape.
Calling the initiative a “beautiful hybrid model,” Dr. Singh described it as more than just a science outreach — a movement to make biotechnology accessible to all. He highlighted the significance of involving students, startups, and industry leaders in building a sustainable biotech ecosystem. “Starting a startup is easy; keeping it going is the challenge,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of early-stage industry collaboration and financial support.
Dr. Singh shared that India’s biotech startup ecosystem has grown exponentially from just 50 startups a decade ago to nearly 11,000 today, thanks to supportive government policies and institutional collaboration. He also pointed to the newly launched BioE3 Policy, which aims to align environmental sustainability with economic growth and equity, setting the foundation for India to lead in sustainable biomanufacturing.
“Biotechnology is no longer confined to labs. It’s now linked with livelihoods — from biodegradable packaging and eco-friendly personal care to rural employment and green jobs,” the Minister noted. He emphasized that the upcoming industrial revolution will be led by bioeconomy, and India is already paving the way.
Touching on challenges faced by young biotech scholars, Dr. Singh spoke of the mismatch between societal expectations and personal aptitude. He praised the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a “game-changer” for allowing flexibility and promoting curiosity-driven learning.
Criticizing past policy frameworks, particularly in agriculture, for being modeled after western practices, he urged greater appreciation of India’s native biodiversity and traditional knowledge. “Foreign scientists come to India for resources we often overlook. We must recognize and value our own strengths first,” he added.
DBT Secretary and BIRAC Chairman, Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, also addressed the gathering, outlining the steps underway to implement the BioE3 Policy. These include pilot-scale manufacturing support, region-specific innovation missions, and efforts to bridge the gap between research and commercialization.
The Minister also emphasized the need for stronger public outreach through local languages and relatable formats on social media, showcasing real-life success stories. “To attract young talent, we must link biotechnology with livelihoods and market opportunities — not just academics,” he said.
Throughout the event, discussions emphasized that biotechnology’s benefits extend beyond cities — into India’s fields, coasts, forests, and industries. Dr. Singh proposed including voices of farmers, fisherfolk, and rural stakeholders in future editions. “Let them tell us their needs — and let science respond,” he urged.
