Government to Establish Regional BIRAC Centers to Boost Startups and Biomanufacturing
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Synopsis
The Indian government is establishing regional BIRAC centers to enhance the biotech startup ecosystem and biomanufacturing capabilities, promoting innovation and collaboration across states.
Key Takeaways
- Creation of regional BIRAC Centers to support startups.
- Focus on biomanufacturing and biotech innovation.
- Collaboration with states to harness local biotech potential.
- Implementation of Bio E3 cells for economic growth.
- India aims to be a global leader in biotechnology by 2047.
New Delhi, March 28 (NationPress) The Union government on Friday declared plans to establish regional BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) Centers across India aimed at propelling startups and biomanufacturing.
During a high-level meeting with the Department of Biotechnology, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that this initiative will roll out in partnership with various States and will leverage the biotech capabilities present in different regions of the country.
Singh highlighted the necessity for thorough mapping of states according to their biotech capabilities and instructed the department to collaborate with them in setting up Bio E3 (Economy, Environment, and Employment) cells.
These specialized cells are designed to offer essential support for innovation, entrepreneurship, and the expansion of biotech initiatives.
"Promote startups in biomanufacturing and biofoundries, attract FDI, and provide mentoring and incubator support," Singh remarked.
The MoS emphasized that the Tripartite arrangement—a collaboration between research infrastructure, startups, and industrial R&D—is the future of India’s biotech sector.
He also reiterated the government's dedication to cultivating a biotech revolution across states through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and technical aid. Furthermore, he noted that several States have shown interest in establishing biotechnology parks, thereby further enhancing India's bioeconomy.
Singh directed the Department of Biotechnology to “forge early industry linkages and pursue a 4P Model (Public-Private-People Partnership) to expedite biotech expansion.”
He welcomed proposals to set up BIRAC Centers on a global scale to attract advanced biomanufacturing technologies and investments.
Pointing out that India ranks third globally in biotech publications, with nearly two-thirds of research papers originating from the Department of Biotechnology, Singh remarked, “This indicates India’s ascending influence and leadership in the global biotech landscape.”
With these strategic directions, Singh reinforced the government’s vision to elevate India as a worldwide leader in biotechnology, ensuring that biomanufacturing, research, and innovation propel the nation’s economic and scientific advancement, achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
