The Government’s flagship BioE3 Policy—Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment—was the focus of a high-level joint review of all Science Ministries chaired by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh, today.
The meeting, held in New Delhi, assessed cross-sector scientific initiatives and emphasised outcome-based coordination across departments in line with India’s Vision 2047 objectives.
Approved by Cabinet in August 2024, the BioE3 Policy seeks to position India as a global biomanufacturing hub by integrating biotechnology with artificial intelligence. Dr Jitendra Singh was briefed on progress under the policy’s first round of DBT-BIRAC joint calls, which attracted over 2,000 proposals. He described the initiative as “a national mission to power green growth, bioeconomic expansion, and employment generation.”
The BioE3 framework targets five key domains: Carbon Capture & Utilisation, Precision Biotherapeutics, Smart Proteins, Enzymes, and Climate-Resilient Agriculture. Approximately 40 per cent of selected projects are led by startups and industry through public-private partnerships, while academic institutions drive agricultural biotechnology innovations. This effort is supported by the national MoolankurBioEnabler Network, a grid of Bio-AI Hubs, biofoundries, and biomanufacturing centres.
Dr Jitendra Singh also reviewed a proposal to launch 100 post-doctoral fellowships for Indian scientists abroad, aiming to reverse brain drain and enhance domestic research capacity. “We must offer meaningful opportunities to attract our talent back,” the Minister said.
On the energy front, officials updated the Minister on site evaluations underway in Bihar for new nuclear power plants. These assessments—covering land, water, seismic safety and soil viability—are conducted in consultation with state agencies, with final approvals pending from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.
The space sector featured prominently as well. A recent breakthrough promises to increase the GSLV Mark-3’s payload capacity by 20 per cent without structural changes. Officials also highlighted a near-miss during an international satellite launch, where a fuel line crack was swiftly resolved, averting potential disaster. Dr Jitendra Singh commended the teams’ swift response and technical preparedness.
The upcoming National Space Day will showcase private sector contributions, with over 300 startups expected to participate in exhibitions and live demonstrations. “Startups are now integral to our space innovation ecosystem,” an official noted, adding that startup-led exhibits will be central to this year’s celebrations.
Educational outreach also featured in discussions. Science engagement programmes such as Vigyan Jyoti have seen increased participation from schoolgirls nationwide. With rising demand from younger students, including those in Classes 6 to 10, the Ministry is exploring ways to expand early science mentorship and innovation exposure.
Dr Jitendra Singh stressed the need for better inter-ministerial alignment, instructing departments to channel key proposals through the Principal Scientific Adviser for strategic prioritisation. “We must avoid overlaps and work in unison to achieve national outcomes,” he said.
Concluding the meeting, the Minister urged Ministries to finalise pending deliverables ahead of the forthcoming Parliament session and align projects with India’s long-term scientific ambitions. “We are not just coordinating programmes—we are laying the foundation of India’s scientific leadership for decades to come,” he affirmed.
The meeting was attended by Principal Scientific Adviser Prof Ajay Sood; Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Prof Abhay Karandikar; Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Dr Rajesh S. Gokhale; Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman ISRO, Dr V. Narayanan; and senior officials from all Science Ministries including the Department of Atomic Energy.
