DBT, BIRAC Launch 21 High-Performance Biomanufacturing Platforms Across India

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Sep 2 (KNN) The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) on Monday launched a network of High-Performance Biomanufacturing Platforms aimed at accelerating India's bioeconomy and supporting innovation across industry, academia, and start-ups.

The initiative, rolled out under the BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Environment, Economy & Employment), establishes 21 bio-enabler facilities across the country.

These include advanced biofoundries and biomanufacturing hubs designed to provide shared infrastructure, cutting-edge tools, and expertise to translate bio-based innovations from laboratory research to early production.

The new facilities span diverse sectors-microbial biomanufacturing, smart proteins, sustainable agriculture, probiotics, marine biotechnology, bio-based chemicals, carbon capture, next-generation cell and gene therapies, mRNA medicines, and sustainable biofuels.

Officials said the platforms are expected to reduce import dependence, generate employment, and position India as a global leader in biomanufacturing.

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh described the launch as a 'transformative step' toward self-reliance in biotechnology.

“This is more than infrastructure-it is a catalyst for jobs, green growth, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. By aligning with our climate commitments, we are laying the foundation for a multi-trillion-dollar bioeconomy by 2047,” he said.

The minister highlighted the sector's expanding contribution to India's economy, noting that the bioeconomy has grown from USD 10 billion to nearly USD 100 billion and is targeted to reach USD 300 billion in the coming years.

He added that biotechnology is poised to become a defining growth driver in the coming decades, much like IT did in the 1990s.

Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT and Chairman, BIRAC, called biomanufacturing one of the 'greatest opportunities of the 21st century' and stressed its potential to anchor India's innovation ecosystem and sustainable growth.

BIRAC Managing Director Jitendra Kumar said India now accounts for nearly one-fifth of global capacity in biomanufacturing, adding,“This reflects our emergence as a frontrunner in the global bioeconomy.”

India's biotechnology ecosystem has expanded rapidly over the past decade, growing from just 50 start-ups to more than 13,000 today, supported by around 100 BIRAC-backed incubators.

(KNN Bureau)

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