Context:
• At the Second Foundation Day Celebration of the Biotechnology Research & Innovation Council (BRIC), Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology inaugurated the NHP-ABSL-3 Facility at BRIC–National Institute of Immunology (NII).
• The Minister highlighted that India has entered the next industrial revolution — driven by biotechnology, under the BioE3 Policy and visionary reforms by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Key Highlights:
- Policy and Institutional Framework:
- India has a dedicated Biotechnology Policy (BioE3), placing the country among the global leaders in bio-innovation.
- The merger of 14 autonomous biotechnology institutions under one umbrella — BRIC — represents a landmark reform for coordinated research and innovation.
- BRIC now works in synergy with BIRAC, IITs, medical institutions, and private industry to accelerate biotech-led innovation.
- Launch of New Initiatives:
- BRIC–BIRAC Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program launched to nurture young biotech entrepreneurs.
- Design for BioE3 Challenge received 510 applications (431 from BRIC institutes), reflecting robust participation by young researchers.
- Announcement of BRIC Bio-Enterprise Innovation Park on a 200-acre campus in Faridabad to promote innovation-led entrepreneurship.
- Achievements and Impact:
- India’s bioeconomy expanded from USD 10 billion to USD 130 billion, projected to reach USD 300 billion in the coming years.
- BRIC Achievements (past 3 years):
- 3,190 publications, 107 patents, 13 technologies commercialized.
- 2,578 PhD scholars and 678 post-doctoral fellows contributing to R&D.
- Translational Research Milestones: Hemophilia gene therapy, vaccine development, biosafety facilities.
- India’s global reputation transformed from a healthcare recipient to a provider of preventive healthcare solutions.
- Vision and Future Outlook:
- Biotechnology is set to become the key driver of India’s Fourth Industrial Revolution.
- Integration across biotech, medical research, agriculture, and data science promotes a synergized innovation ecosystem.
- The Minister emphasized that “The road to Viksit Bharat will pass through the corridors of DBT.”
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Policy: BioE3 – India’s Exclusive Biotechnology Policy.
On 24th August, 2024, the Union Cabinet under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi approved BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy, a framework that creates a convergence between biotech, engineering and digitalization for building a more equitable and sustainable future through Biomanufacturing..
Relevant Mains Points:
- GS Paper 3 – Science & Technology / Economy:
- Biotechnology identified as a strategic driver of economic growth and innovation in India’s industrial revolution.
- The BRIC consolidation reform enhances resource optimization and policy coherence.
- BioE3 aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 through indigenous biotech R&D and entrepreneurship.
India’s shift to a biotech-powered economy supports sustainable development in healthcare, agriculture, environment, and industrial manufacturing.