New Delhi: According to Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, India’s bioeconomy has surged from $10 billion to over $130 billion in approximately a decade and is anticipated to reach $300 billion in the near future. During an event, Dr. Singh noted that India is already part of the next industrial revolution fueled by biotechnology. He highlighted that India is among the few nations with a dedicated Biotechnology policy, referred to as ‘BiOE3’. The minister praised the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for evolving into one of the most dynamic and integrated scientific ecosystems within the Indian government. Furthermore, he introduced the BRIC–BIRAC Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme. Dr.
Singh recalled that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the merger of 14 autonomous biotechnology institutions into a single entity, the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), marked a significant reform that enhanced coordination, innovation, and impact across the biotechnology sector in India. He emphasized that the integration under BRIC embodies the ethos of ‘synergized working’ in Indian science. ‘The age of silos is over. We have transitioned towards collaboration in biotechnology, medical research, agriculture, and data-driven science. BRIC now collaborates not only with other scientific departments but also with IITs, medical institutions, and the private sector to foster innovation,’ he remarked. Dr.
Singh asserted that biotechnology is pivotal to India’s advancement in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and noted that the recently introduced BioE3 Policy positions India as a leader in global bio-innovation. He stated that as the next phase of global economic growth will be driven by biotechnology, India will emerge as a leader rather than a follower.