The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the BioE3 Policy—Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment—on Saturday, setting the stage for a significant push in high-performance biomanufacturing. The policy is intended to complement traditional supply methods with biotechnological innovations, positioning India as a leader in the industrialisation of biology by 2047.
Government officials highlighted the policy’s significance, noting that the world stands at the brink of a new industrial revolution driven by biology. “This policy is crucial for driving GDP growth, creating new employment opportunities, and ensuring environmental sustainability,” said officials on Sunday.
The BioE3 Policy focuses on accelerating technological development and commercialization through the establishment of biomanufacturing facilities, bio-AI hubs, and biofoundries across India. The Department of Biotechnology took to social media platform X to showcase the policy’s vision, stating, “High-performance biomanufacturing can transform the global economy from today’s unsustainable practices to one rooted in regenerative principles.”
India has produced 8.7 billion tonnes of plastic between 1950 and 2021, with only 11% being recycled. The policy seeks to address this challenge by promoting sophisticated recycling techniques, smarter materials, and advanced biomanufacturing processes. It outlines three primary strategies for implementation: integrated research networks, closing existing gaps, and establishing bio-enabler hubs to drive innovation.
The policy’s broader goals include revolutionizing everything from food production to climate solutions, chemicals, and healthcare. It also aims to create an integrated platform for producing nutritious and safe food from minimal resources—potentially benefiting disaster relief and space exploration.
A senior source informed media that 21 ministries have approved the policy, which is set to be fully implemented by December 2024. The initiative will involve over 8,000 biotechnology startups, creating jobs, boosting GDP, and promoting sustainability in the country.
The BioE3 Policy represents a forward-looking initiative that aligns with India’s aspirations for global leadership in the next wave of industrial innovation.
