Regional BIRAC Centres to Boost Biotech Startups Across India

29 Mar 2025 CW Team

The Minister emphasized the importance of mapping states based on their biotech capabilities and directed the department to work with state governments to establish Bio E3 (Economy, Environment, and Employment) Cells. Assam has become the first state to set up a dedicated Bio E3 Cell. These units will support innovation, entrepreneurship, and the scaling up of biotech ventures at the regional level.

To advance biomanufacturing, the Minister called for stronger support systems for StartUps, including enhanced incubator services. He also underlined the need to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in biomanufacturing and bio foundries to drive growth in the sector and position India as a global biotech hub.

Highlighting the importance of a tripartite synergy between research infrastructure, StartUps, and industrial R&D, Dr Singh directed the department to prioritise the creation of Core R&D Facilities. These facilities will offer advanced biomanufacturing capabilities to enable pilot validation, upscaling, and commercialization of biotech innovations.

He also referred to the Centre-State Partnership Summit held in Delhi, reaffirming the government's commitment to fostering a nationwide biotech ecosystem through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and technical assistance. Several states have shown interest in developing Biotechnology Parks, further strengthening India's bio-economy.

Additionally, the Minister stressed the importance of regenerative technologies in the future of biomanufacturing and encouraged collaboration with industry leaders to replicate the success of India’s space sector in the biotech domain.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

At a high-level meeting of the Department of Biotechnology, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced the establishment of Regional BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) Centres across India. These centres will be set up in collaboration with state governments to boost StartUps and biomanufacturing, aiming to unlock the biotechnology potential of various regions. The Minister emphasized the importance of mapping states based on their biotech capabilities and directed the department to work with state governments to establish Bio E3 (Economy, Environment, and Employment) Cells. Assam has become the first state to set up a dedicated Bio E3 Cell. These units will support innovation, entrepreneurship, and the scaling up of biotech ventures at the regional level. To advance biomanufacturing, the Minister called for stronger support systems for StartUps, including enhanced incubator services. He also underlined the need to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in biomanufacturing and bio foundries to drive growth in the sector and position India as a global biotech hub. Highlighting the importance of a tripartite synergy between research infrastructure, StartUps, and industrial R&D, Dr Singh directed the department to prioritise the creation of Core R&D Facilities. These facilities will offer advanced biomanufacturing capabilities to enable pilot validation, upscaling, and commercialization of biotech innovations. He also referred to the Centre-State Partnership Summit held in Delhi, reaffirming the government's commitment to fostering a nationwide biotech ecosystem through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and technical assistance. Several states have shown interest in developing Biotechnology Parks, further strengthening India's bio-economy. Additionally, the Minister stressed the importance of regenerative technologies in the future of biomanufacturing and encouraged collaboration with industry leaders to replicate the success of India’s space sector in the biotech domain.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..