Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, announced that India has launched its first engineering biology graduation program as part of efforts to build a self-reliant biotechnology ecosystem and prepare a skilled workforce for future healthcare, industrial, and scientific advancements.
Speaking at the launch of the roadmap “Building India as a Leading Bioeconomy Powerhouse by 2035,” The Minister highlighted that engineering biology would become a pivotal subject for the next phase of India’s bio-economic growth, much like the role computer science played in the digital revolution.
The Minister stated that IITs have started submitting proposals for interdisciplinary programs in collaboration with medical institutions, reflecting the growing integration of engineering and life sciences.
Emphasizing the growth of biotechnology in India, Dr. Singh stated that the country’s bio-economy has expanded from approximately $10 billion in 2014 to around $95 billion today and is projected to reach nearly $300 billion by 2030. India is now home to over 11,000 biotechnology start-ups, reflecting the sector’s rapid expansion.
He stated that policies such as BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) have given momentum to India’s biotechnology ecosystem. This has fostered innovation in areas like synthetic biology, AI-driven biological research, and bio-manufacturing.
Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, stated that India has one of the fastest-growing bio-economies in the world, with an annual growth rate of 15–18 percent. He further noted that approximately 100 bio-incubators and over 10,000 biotechnology companies have been established in the country.
NITI Aayog member Prof. Govardhan Das stated that the objective of this roadmap is to expand India’s bio-economy to approximately $700 billion by 2035. To achieve this, initiatives such as a proposed ₹50,000 crore bio-economy growth fund, a robust talent pipeline, and advanced bio-manufacturing infrastructure will be leveraged.
Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that the coming decade would be crucial for India’s global standing in biotechnology. He noted that investments in research, the development of a skilled workforce, and new technologies would help create high-value jobs and establish India as a leading biotechnology powerhouse.
(PIB)
