New BioE3 Policy Is A Strategic Step Towards India’s Biotech-Driven Future

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the BioE3 Policy on Saturday (24 August).

The policy aims to improve high-performance biomanufacturing in India, creating opportunities for a new segment that will contribute to the growth of the country’s expanding manufacturing ecosystem.

In addition, the cabinet also consolidated three existing schemes under the Science Ministry into a single initiative known as Vigyan Dhara.

BioE3 Policy For Sustainable Growth In The Biotechnology Sector

The BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) has been planned to introduce innovation and technological advancements in high-performance biomanufacturing, as well as give direction to a sustainable growth in the biotechnology sector.

High-performance biomanufacturing includes the capability to produce a wide range of products related to medicines, agriculture and food production, and promote the manufacturing of bio-based products — through integration of advanced biotechnological processes.

With this initiative, India aims to lead the next industrial revolution by tackling challenges related to food, energy, and climate.

Building a timely biomanufacturing ecosystem will be essential to advance in bio-based product development.

To align with national priorities, the BioE3 Policy will focus on multiple areas:

• high-value bio-based chemicals

• biopolymers and enzymes

• smart proteins and functional foods

• precision biotherapeutics

• climate-resilient agriculture

• carbon capture and utilisation

• marine and space research

Through the policy, the government will provide support for research and development and entrepreneurship across these thematic sectors.

It will also focus on growing technology and commerce, by establishing hubs for biomanufacturing, along with Biofoundries.

Another key objective is to expand India’s skilled workforce, by facilitating a surge in job creation within the biomanufacturing sector.

“Biomanufacturing will not only help existing industries meet the rising demand for food and fuel but will also generate new employment opportunities,” said Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology.

Historically, industrial revolutions have been driven by innovations in steam power, electricity, oil, and information and communication technology.

Nations that adopted these technologies timely, advanced rapidly.

"The upcoming revolution will be fuelled by the industrialisation of biological resources and processes, and the BioE3 policy is in line with India’s ambition to become a developed nation by 2047," Gokhale added.

For instance, India currently imports about three-fourths of its crude oil, and the goal is to replace some of this oil with products derived from biomass, plastic waste, and carbon dioxide over the next two decade.

This task will require technology, scale and production systems which can be supported through the new policy.

Vigyan Dhara Programme

Adding to this, the cabinet also decided to bring together three umbrella schemes, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), with a projected expenditure of Rs 10,579 crore through 2025-26.

As the nodal department, DST is tasked with organising and promoting science and technology (S&T) activities across India.

The three central sector schemes being merged to advance the sectors of science and technology are — S&T Institutional and Human Capacity Building, Research and Development, and, Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment

This merger aims to improve efficiency in fund utilisation and in coordination among the various sub-programmes.

All projects under the Vigyan Dhara scheme will align with DST’s five-year goals, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The R&D component will also be integrated with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation.

Furthermore, the unified scheme seeks to build a strong pool of human resources to enhance the science and technology landscape, thereby expanding the country’s R&D base.

Special emphasis will be placed on increasing women’s participation, with a focus on achieving gender parity within the science, technology, and innovation sectors.