India Establishes Itself as a Leading Biotech Innovation Center: Jitendra Singh
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Synopsis
Dr. Jitendra Singh announces that with 9,000 biotech startups, India is now a major global biotech innovation hub, showcasing rapid growth and advancements in the sector.
Key Takeaways
- India has 9,000 biotech startups.
- Ranked third in Asia-Pacific for bio-manufacturing.
- Bioeconomy projected to reach $300 billion by 2030.
- Integration of science and industry is vital for economic growth.
- New BioE3 Policy focuses on biomanufacturing.
New Delhi, Feb 26 (NationPress) With 9,000 biotech startups, India has positioned itself as a prominent global biotech innovation center, stated Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, on Wednesday.
This announcement was made during his review of research capabilities at the CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTECH) in Chandigarh.
Singh elaborated that the count of biotech startups in India has surged from merely 50 in 2014 to almost 9,000 today, reinforcing India's stature as a key player in biotech innovation worldwide.
He noted that India ranks third in the Asia-Pacific region and holds the twelfth position globally in bio-manufacturing, highlighting the growing significance of research in microbial genetics, infectious diseases, fermentation technology, environmental microbiology, and bioinformatics.
During his visit to the Institute, he also examined a microbe repository and received updates on ongoing research projects.
“Microbial technology is a vital component of biotechnology,” the Minister stated, emphasizing its expanding role in the upcoming industrial revolution.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the innovative New BioE3 Policy, which emphasizes biomanufacturing and bio foundries, and noted India's swift advancements in the biotech sector.
“India’s bioeconomy has experienced remarkable growth from $10 billion in 2014 to over $130 billion in 2024, with expectations to reach $300 billion by 2030,” he mentioned.
Additionally, the Minister connected via virtual means with the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) in Palampur to inaugurate several new facilities and engage in significant scientific discussions.
He participated in the EMBO Workshop on High Elevation Plant Adaptation in a Changing Climate (HEPACC) and the Industry, Farmer & Academia (IFA) Meet, inaugurated a New Tulip Garden in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, and launched products developed by agri-startups supported by the institute, promoting innovation in the agricultural sector.
“By merging scientific research, industry collaboration, and government policies, we can leverage the rich biodiversity of Himalayan states for economic gain,” Singh asserted. He added that this would also benefit farmers and enhance India’s scientific ecosystem.
