Is India’s Bioeconomy Set to Hit $300 Billion Soon?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's bioeconomy is expected to grow to $300 billion.
- The country has a dedicated biotechnology policy, BiOE3.
- BRIC aims to enhance innovation and collaboration across sectors.
- Biotechnology is a crucial driver of growth in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
- Over 3,190 publications and numerous patents highlight BRIC's achievements.
New Delhi, Nov 10 (NationPress) India's bioeconomy, which surged from $10 billion to over $130 billion in approximately a decade, is anticipated to reach $300 billion in the near future, according to Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who made this statement on Monday.
During an event, Dr. Singh highlighted that India is already embracing the next industrial revolution fueled by biotechnology.
The minister pointed out that India stands out as one of the few nations with a dedicated biotechnology policy known as ‘BiOE3’. He praised the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for evolving into one of the most dynamic and integrated scientific ecosystems within the Government of India.
Furthermore, the minister introduced the BRIC–BIRAC Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme.
Dr. Singh reflected on the transformative reform achieved under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which involved merging 14 autonomous biotechnology institutions into a single entity—BRIC. This initiative has bolstered coordination, innovation, and impact across India's biotechnology domain.
The minister emphasized that the unification of institutions under BRIC embodies the ethos of “synergized working” in Indian science. “The era of silos has concluded. We have transitioned towards collaboration encompassing biotechnology, medical research, agriculture, and data-driven science. BRIC now collaborates not only with other scientific departments but also with IITs, medical institutions, and private enterprises to expedite innovation,” he stated.
Dr. Singh remarked that biotechnology has emerged as a pivotal force behind India's advancement in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Referring to the recently unveiled BioE3 Policy, he asserted that India has positioned itself among the global leaders in bio-innovation.
The minister proclaimed that as the next phase of global economic growth is anticipated to be biotechnology-driven, India will not simply follow; it will take the lead.
Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of DBT and DG of BRIC, underscored the accomplishments of BRIC institutions over the past three years—3,190 publications, 107 patents, 13 technologies commercialized, 2,578 PhD scholars, and 678 post-doctoral fellows actively contributing to the research network.
He also highlighted that BRIC is ranked number one in biological sciences in India, according to Nature’s Pringles Index.