Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Feb 24 : To mark the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) today, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences; and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh launched “SUJVIKA” AI driven Biotech Product Data Portal, developed in collaboration with Industry partners ABLE.
SUJVIKA is a Trade Statistics Digital Intelligence Platform that presents authenticated biotechnology product import data in a structured and accessible format. The portal provides sector-wise insights into biochemical products, industrial enzymes, and other biotechnology imports. It enables researchers, startups, and industry to identify high-value and high-volume imports, assess import dependency and prioritise indigenisation and R&D efforts. The portal also supports evidence-based planning and promotes public–private partnerships for strengthening domestic biomanufacturing.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said, the next industrial revolution will be biotechnology-driven and India is steadily moving towards building a $1 trillion bioeconomy by 2047 under the vision of Viksit Bharat. He said India has ensured that it will not remain a late entrant in emerging technologies and has positioned biotechnology as a key driver of future economic growth.
Dr Jitendra Singh was addressing the 40th Foundation Day celebrations of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) at the Civil Services Officers Institute (CSOI), Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The programme was attended by Dr Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT; Ekta Vishnoi, Joint Secretary, DBT; senior officials of DBT, BIRAC and BRIC; members of the scientific community; directors of institutions; industry representatives; and young researchers. The event featured pitch presentations by young scientists and DBT Directorates, a presentation on DBT’s 40-year journey, and the launch of the revamped DBT website and the “SUJVIKA” Bio Product Web Portal.
Congratulating the DBT fraternity on completing four decades since its establishment in 1986, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Department has grown into a premier organisation nurturing startups, strengthening academia–industry partnerships, building scientific infrastructure and enabling innovation for societal use. He said that while India had fewer than 100 biotech startups in 2014, the number has now crossed 11,000, reflecting a strong expansion of the ecosystem. During this period, India’s bioeconomy has grown from nearly USD 10 billion in 2014 to about USD 165.7 billion in 2024. The country is now ranked among the top biotech destinations globally and stands as one of the leading vaccine manufacturers in the world.
Referring to policy reforms, the Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, biotechnology has emerged as a central pillar of India’s development strategy. He recalled that the Union Cabinet approved the integrated BioE3 Policy- Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment, aimed at fostering high-performance biomanufacturing across the country. He said DBT, BIRAC and the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) are implementing this policy to strengthen indigenous capabilities and expand India’s bioindustrial base.
Earlier, Secretary DBT Dr Rajesh S. Gokhale described DBT as a driver of transformative change and outlined its evolution from building scientific capacity to fostering entrepreneurship and advancing the bioeconomy.
The programme was attended, among others, by Ekta Vishnoi, Joint Secretary, DBT; senior officials of DBT, BIRAC and BRIC; members of the scientific community; directors of institutions; industry representatives; and young researchers. The event featured pitch presentations by young scientists and DBT Directorates, a presentation on DBT’s 40-year journey.
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