India’s bioeconomy has grown from just USD 10 billion in 2014 to USD 165.7 billion in 2024, and it is poised to reach USD 300 billion by 2030, according to Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh.

Speaking at an event marking one year of the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy, the Minister said that India’s biotechnology sector has made rapid strides over the past year under the policy, achieving several key landmarks.

Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), along with its stakeholders, has set up new institutions, launched joint research initiatives, and forged national and international partnerships in a short span of time.

Among the notable achievements, the Minister highlighted the inauguration of India’s first Biomanufacturing Institute at Mohali, the establishment of Bio-Artificial Intelligence hubs, biomanufacturing hubs, and biofoundries across the country, and the launch of more than a dozen joint research calls covering advanced areas such as cell and gene therapy, climate-smart agriculture, carbon capture, and functional foods. DBT has already received over 2,000 proposals under these categories.

Furthermore, he pointed to a memorandum of understanding signed between DBT and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for cooperation in space biotechnology and biomanufacturing, as well as a joint working group to identify priority projects. Earlier this year, three DBT-backed experiments were carried out on the International Space Station by Gaganyatri Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla.

At the state level, DBT has initiated centre-state partnerships, including an MoU with Assam to establish a BioE3 Cell with an action plan for the state. On the global front, India’s missions in 52 countries have shared inputs on the BioE3 policy, with DBT and the Ministry of External Affairs working on follow-up actions.

As part of the event, Dr. Singh also launched the BioE3 Challenge for Youth—a nationwide call to young innovators under the theme “Design Microbes, Molecules and More”. The initiative, explained by DBT Secretary Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, invites school students (Classes 6–12), university students, researchers, faculty, startups, and Indian nationals to design safe-by-default biological solutions addressing challenges in health, agriculture, environment, and industry.

The challenge will be announced on the first of every month, beginning in October 2025, with the top 10 winning solutions each receiving a cash award of INR 1 lakh, along with recognition and mentoring support. In addition, 100 selected awardees will be eligible for funding of up to INR 25 lakh, provided in two tranches through BIRAC, to convert their ideas into proof-of-concept solutions. These projects will also gain access to facilities and incubation support at BRIC+ institutions across India. The programme aims to empower grassroots innovators, foster youth-led change, and strengthen India’s journey towards a sustainable and self-reliant bioeconomy.

In addition, the Minister launched the country’s first National Biofoundry Network, involving six institutions to help scale up proof-of-concept developments, enhance indigenous biomanufacturing, and create employment opportunities.

Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said that through the BioE3 policy, India has taken a strategic step towards building a green, clean, and prosperous nation by leveraging biotechnology to advance public health, safeguard the environment, and address climate change, thereby contributing to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.