Why in news?
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) unveiled a national network of high performance biomanufacturing platforms in September 2025. The initiative seeks to accelerate India’s bioeconomy and position the country as a leader in sustainable biotechnology.
Key features
- Biofoundry network: Twenty‑one bio‑enablers – ranging from research laboratories to industrial pilot plants – will collaborate to develop and scale up processes for producing bio‑based chemicals, materials and therapeutics.
- Focus areas: The platforms will work on microbial strains, probiotics, cell and gene therapies, enzyme production, biodegradable plastics and sustainable biofuels.
- BioE3 initiative: The programme falls under India’s “BioE3” policy (Education, Employment and Entrepreneurship) which aims to grow the bioeconomy to multi‑trillion‑dollar scale by 2047.
Significance
- Self‑reliance: Domestic production of vaccines, enzymes and bio‑inputs reduces import dependence and enhances health and food security.
- Environmental sustainability: Biomanufacturing uses renewable feedstocks and produces fewer pollutants compared to petrochemical processes, aiding the fight against climate change.
- Economic opportunities: The sector can create high‑skilled jobs, foster start‑ups and attract investment. Collaboration among academia, industry and government will spur innovation.
Challenges include ensuring regulatory clarity, securing long‑term funding and building a skilled workforce. Success of the platform network could make India a global hub for green biotechnology.
