India’s BioE3 Policy
One Year of BioE3: Charting India’s Path to a US$300 Billion Bioeconomy
Context: India’s BioE3 Policy, launched a year ago, is laying the foundation for a US$300 billion bioeconomy by 2030. With bio-based solutions driving health, agriculture, nutrition, and climate resilience, India must consolidate progress while addressing key sectoral vulnerabilities.
What is India’s BioE3 Policy?
The Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment (BioE3) Policy, approved in 2024, is a strategic initiative by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to foster high-performance biomanufacturing and grow India’s bioeconomy to US$300 billion by 2030.
Why is this policy formulated?
India’s bioeconomy grew from $10 billion in 2014 to $151 billion in 2023, but remained dependent on imports for key biotech components like enzymes, APIs, and fermentation-based drugs. The BioE3 Policy was crafted to:
- Reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic production
- Promote green growth aligned with India’s Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) and Net Zero goals
- Create jobs and support MSMEs in tier-1 and tier-2 cities
- Build resilience against global supply chain disruptions exposed during COVID-19
What are the benefits associated with it?
- Economic Benefits: Boost to biotech start-ups and industries through PPPs and Deep Tech Funds. Strengthened role of BIRAC in bridging R&D and commercialisation.
- Scientific & Technological Advancements: Establishment of India’s first biomanufacturing institute (BRIC-NABI, Mohali). Creation of National Biofoundry Network for scaling proof-of-concept projects. Bio-AI hubs for RNA-based therapeutics, disease biomarkers, biofuels, and plant disease sensors. Advancement in cell & gene therapies (e.g., NexCAR19 CAR-T therapy). Promotion of NAMs (New Approach Methods) like organoids, in silico models, and lab-on-chip systems.
- Strategic & Diplomatic Benefits: Collaboration with ISRO in space biotechnology (microgravity studies, algae-based fuels, space medicine). Partnerships with Assam government and other states leveraging biodiversity. International collaborations (e.g., Gennova-CEPI for Nipah vaccines, CRISPR-based rice varieties). Enhances India’s role in global biotech standard-setting.
- Environmental Benefits: Development of high-yield, disease-resistant crops. Promotion of biofertilizers and biopesticides for sustainable farming. Animal-free production of biomaterials (e.g., hyaluronic acid). Contribution to climate resilience and food & nutritional security.
- Social Benefits: Youth engagement through BioE3 Challenge for Youth.
