In a move aimed at scaling India’s biotech ecosystem, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has announced the establishment of Regional BIRAC Centres across the country. These centres will be launched in collaboration with state governments to boost startup support and biomanufacturing capabilities in different regions.
The announcement was made during a high-level review meeting of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in Delhi. The initiative is part of a broader vision to strengthen India’s biotechnology infrastructure and drive innovation-led economic growth.
Bio E3 Cells to Foster Innovation, Employment, and Sustainability
The ministry will also support the rollout of Bio E3 (Economy, Environment, Employment) Cells in various states, following the successful launch of the first such cell in Assam. These cells are designed to foster regional biotech development by offering tailored support to entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors.
Dr. Singh emphasized that these cells will function as support hubs for startup incubation, skill development, and scale-up infrastructure, and will work closely with both public and private stakeholders.
Tripartite Collaboration to Drive Biomanufacturing Growth
The Minister called for the development of a tripartite model involving research institutions, startups, and industrial R&D to accelerate biomanufacturing. He also directed DBT to create core R&D facilities equipped with modern biomanufacturing capabilities for pilot testing and commercialization of technologies.
The strategic vision includes attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in bio foundries and strengthening global collaborations through possible international BIRAC centres.
India’s Rising Global Biotech Profile
India currently ranks third globally in biotechnology publications, with nearly two-thirds of the research output originating from the Department of Biotechnology. This underscores the country’s growing influence in the international biotech landscape.
Minister Singh highlighted the importance of leveraging India’s strengths in biotech R&D and creating early linkages with industry through a Public-Private-People (4P) model. He also encouraged the adoption of regenerative technologies as a new frontier in biomanufacturing.
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Advancing the Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision
The initiative aligns with the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, aiming to position India as a global leader in biotechnology. By connecting regional innovation with national and global biotech value chains, the effort is set to create significant economic, scientific, and employment impact.
Senior officials including Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of DBT, and Shri Jitendra Kumar, MD of BIRAC, participated in the review, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to rapid and inclusive growth in the biotech sector.
