In a landmark step for India’s biotechnology sector, Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Wednesday launched the country’s first National Biofoundry Network (NBFN). The initiative aims to transform biotechnology into a major driver of India’s economy, environment, and employment (BioE3).
Comprising six premier institutions, the NBFN will help scale up proof-of-concept developments, accelerate indigenous biomanufacturing, and generate new jobs in biotechnology-led industries.
“India’s bioeconomy has grown from just $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024. Now, we are working towards an ambitious target of $300 billion by 2030,” Dr. Singh said, urging the youth to actively participate in the BioE3 Challenge for Youth, which seeks sustainable biotechnology innovations.
Beyond Research: Towards Jobs and Sustainability
Highlighting the vision of the BioE3 Policy, Singh emphasized that the initiative goes far beyond laboratories.
“It is not limited to research and innovation. It is also about jobs, start-ups, and sustainable development. We are putting in place a biomanufacturing ecosystem that can impact every citizen’s life—health, agriculture, energy, and environment,” he said.
Strengthening Talent and Global Collaboration
Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, welcomed the move, stressing the role of skilled manpower.
“Talent is an integral part of any technology. Without skilled people, no technology can truly be diffused. Through funding and institutes, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is building a robust ecosystem of trained professionals,” Sood noted.
At the state level, DBT has launched centre-state partnerships, including an MoU with Assam to establish a BioE3 Cell with a state-level action plan.
On the international front, India’s missions in 52 countries have shared inputs on the BioE3 Policy, with DBT and the Ministry of External Affairs working on follow-up collaborations.
A Future-Ready Biotech Ecosystem
With the launch of the National Biofoundry Network, India positions itself as a global biotechnology hub, driving innovation in healthcare, agriculture, energy, and the environment—while creating thousands of new opportunities for startups, researchers, and young entrepreneurs.
