Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Feb 7: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh called on the States to establish “BioE3 Cells” as part of India’s biotechnology revolution, with the aim of realizing Bio-Vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047.
During the “Centre-State Conclave” on BioE3 Policy held at Vigyan Bhavan here, the Minister underlined the significance of strengthening Centre-State collaboration to advance India’s bioeconomy driven future growth.
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.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (I/C) for Earth Sciences, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership for approving the BioE3 Policy within the government’s first 100-day agenda. He mentioned other key initiatives, such as Mission Mausam, funding for Space Startups, and the National Research Foundation (NRF).
To ensure the success of the BioE3 Policy, Dr. Jitendra Singh urged states to establish ‘BioE3 Cells’ in collaboration with the Centre through the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). These 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 catalyze Centre-State partnerships to drive biotech innovations.
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; platform to usher collaborations with 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 emphasized 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 Biotech Sector for Viksit Bharat. Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Advisor DBT summarized 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.
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