How Can India Boost Its Bioinnovation Ecosystem Across States?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Importance of regional biotech ecosystems
- Collaboration with local stakeholders
- DBT’s role in mapping state biotech potential
- Focus on health technologies and performance science
- Aligning national priorities with regional capabilities
New Delhi, Oct 24 (NationPress) Enhancing the regional biotechnology ecosystem across various states is crucial for bolstering innovation and economic growth, emphasized Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology.
During a review meeting of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Singh evaluated current initiatives and future projects aimed at broadening India's bio-innovation framework.
He assessed a variety of new projects, ranging from biofoundries to regional innovation hubs, as well as the ongoing efforts to map states based on their biotechnology potential. These initiatives aim to fortify the nation’s bioeconomy through innovation, collaboration, and active local participation.
“It is essential to fortify local biotechnology ecosystems by capitalizing on regional strengths and enhancing collaboration with state governments and local stakeholders,” Singh remarked.
“India's biotechnology sector has matured into a vital component of national progress, making substantial contributions to the economy in healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and industrial innovation,” he stated.
The Minister highlighted that the government’s strategy is to position biotechnology as a facilitator of economic and social change by linking research institutions, startups, and state authorities within a cohesive innovation ecosystem.
Singh noted that the DBT’s research in human physiology, metabolic studies, and health technologies could play a significant role in advancing performance science in India, illustrating how biotechnology and sports can unite to cultivate a more robust and healthier nation.
He also emphasized the necessity for regional involvement in propelling the next stage of India’s bio-innovation initiative.
“The DBT has embarked on initiatives to map states according to their biotechnology capabilities and collaborate with them in establishing Bio E3 Cells, which are integral to the broader Bio E3 policy framework focusing on entrepreneurship, education, and empowerment in biotechnology,” the Minister of State stated.
He articulated that the aim is to align national goals with regional strengths, enabling states to recognize their unique opportunities within the biotechnology value chain and to cultivate these through targeted actions.