Department of Biotechnology launches series on biomanufacturing and biofoundry initiative

By Staff Report November 16, 2024 1:41 pm IST

The Union Cabinet has approved the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy for ‘Fostering High-Performance Biomanufacturing’ formulated by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), on 24 August 2024.

In order to disseminate information about the various components of the biofoundry and biomanufacturing initiative to various stakeholders, a fortnightly Webinar Series has been launched by DBT in partnership with BIRAC.

The Webinar Series aims to bring together industry leaders, scientists, researchers, start-ups, and SMEs to discuss key developments in biomanufacturing. Each session under the Webinar Series will cover thematic areas such as bio-based chemicals and enzymes, smart proteins and functional foods, precision biotherapeutics, climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture and its utilisation and futuristic marine and space research, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and policy insights.

The inaugural Webinar, held on November 14, 2024, focussed on the salient features of the BioE3 Policy and how it will impact the Bioeconomy of the country, while driving green growth and sustainable development.

During the inaugural webinar, Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Advisor at DBT, highlighted the critical role of the BioE3 Policy in addressing global challenges like climate change and unsustainable pattern of material consumption and how biomanufacturing initiatives can provide a solution to these challenges. She also mentioned the first DBT-BIRAC joint call for proposals on “मूलांकुर BioEnablers – Biofoundries and Biomanufacturing Hubs.” Further, Dr. Sharma emphasized the importance of the newly inaugurated National Agri-Food & Biomanufacturing Institute in Mohali as a key milestone in supporting bio-based innovations. She also highlighted a recent MoU with ISRO to explore collaborative efforts in “Space Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing.”

In his keynote address, Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of DBT, emphasising on India’s goals to lead the next industrial revolution through biomanufacturing. The industrialization of biology is a vision where biomanufacturing could transform existing chemical-based production, create new sectors, and open new markets for bio-based products.

Dr. PM Murali, President of the ABLE Council of Presidents, discussed the immense potential of biomanufacturing to position India as a global leader in the bioeconomy. He underscored the role of synthetic biology and fermentation technologies in facilitating a paradigm shift from a petrochemical-based manufacturing process to more sustainable development of bio-based products.