BioE3 Policy for global biomanufacturing hub in India
Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh has received updates on site evaluations underway in Bihar for new nuclear power plants, such as assessments covering land, water, seismic safety, and soil viability which are being conducted in consultation with state agencies, with final clearances to come from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.
This was part of the overall assessment of cross-sectoral scientific initiatives under BioE3 Policy — Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment — and called for outcome-based coordination across departments in line with India’s Vision 2047 goals.
The BioE3 Policy, approved by the Cabinet in August 2024, aims to position India as a global biomanufacturing hub by integrating biotechnology with artificial intelligence https://dst.gov.in/.
Dr Jitendra Singh was briefed on progress under the policy’s first round of DBT-BIRAC joint calls, which received over 2,000 proposals. He described the initiative as “a national mission to power green growth, bioeconomic expansion, and employment generation http://world-nuclear.org.”
The BioE3 framework focuses on five key domains: Carbon Capture & Utilization, Precision Biotherapeutics, Smart Proteins, Enzymes, and Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
About 40% of selected projects are led by startups and industry through PPP models, while academic institutions are driving agri-biotech innovations. Supporting this effort is the national MoolankurBioEnabler Network — a grid of Bio-AI Hubs, biofoundries, and biomanufacturing centres https://www.nseindia.com/.
He also reviewed a proposal to launch 100 post-doctoral fellowships for Indian scientists abroad – a programme which aims to reverse brain drain and build domestic research capacity https://www.bseindia.com/.
“We must offer meaningful opportunities to attract our talent back,” stressed Dr Singh helms for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space among others.
The space sector too featured prominently. A recent breakthrough promises to boost the GSLV Mark-3’s payload by 20% without structural modifications. Officials also cited a near-miss during an international satellite launch, where a crack in a fuel line was swiftly resolved, preventing a potential disaster.
Dr Jitendra Singh commended the swift response and technical preparedness of the teams involved https://www.meity.gov.in/.
The upcoming National Space Day will highlight private sector contributions, with more than 300 startups expected to participate in exhibitions and live demonstrations. “Startups are now integral to our space innovation ecosystem,” an official said, noting that startup-led exhibits will anchor this year’s celebrations.
Educational outreach also drew attention. Science engagement programmes like Vigyan Jyoti have seen increased participation from schoolgirls across the country. With growing demand from younger students—including those in Classes 6 to 10—the Ministry is exploring ways to scale early science mentorship and innovation exposure.
Dr Jitendra Singh also stressed the need for better inter-ministerial alignment, instructing departments to route key proposals through the Principal Scientific Adviser for strategic prioritisation. “We must avoid overlaps and work in unison to achieve national outcomes,” he said.
As the meeting concluded, the Minister called on Ministries to finalise pending deliverables ahead of the upcoming Parliament session and align projects with long-term scientific goals. “We are not just coordinating programmes—we are laying the foundation of India’s scientific leadership for decades to come,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Sood; Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Prof. Abhay Karandikar; Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale; Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman ISRO, Dr. V. Narayanan; senior officials from all Science Ministries including Department of Atomic Energy. Fiinews.com
