The Union government has recently released the new BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy for fostering high performance biomanufacturing which is the ability to produce products from medicine to materials, address farming and food challenges, and promote manufacturing of bio-based products through integration of advanced biotechnological processes. To address the national priorities, the BioE3 policy would broadly focus on the strategic and thematic sectors like the high value bio-based chemicals, biopolymers & enzymes; smart proteins & functional foods; precision biotherapeutics; climate resilient agriculture; carbon capture & its utilization; and marine and space research. The salient features of BioE3 policy include innovation-driven support to research and development and entrepreneurship across thematic sectors. As the country has an innovative, competitive and a rapidly growing biotech industry, the policy will accelerate technology development and commercialization by establishing biomanufacturing & bio-AI hubs and biofoundry. Along with prioritizing regenerative bioeconomy models of green growth, this policy will facilitate expansion of India’s skilled workforce and provide a surge in job creation. Overall, this policy will further strengthen government’s initiatives such as ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy & ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ and will steer India on the path of accelerated ‘Green Growth’ by promoting ‘Circular Bioeconomy’. The BioE3 policy will foster and advance future that is more sustainable, innovative, and responsive to global challenges and lays down the Bio-vision for Viksit Bharat.
Obviously, the BioE3 policy is an attempt to prepare India for the future. The policy is unlikely to yield any economic dividend in the near term. But the idea is to build competencies, promote research, educate and train young talent, and get involved in the process of technology development so that India can be well-placed to derive benefits when the technologies become mature. As the present era is an opportune time to invest in the industrialization of biology to promote sustainable and circular practices to address some of the critical societal issues such as climate change mitigation, food security and human health. It is important to build a resilient biomanufacturing ecosystem in our nation to accelerate cutting-edge innovations for developing bio-based products. The policy will have a momentous impact on various sectors including health and it will prove to be a milestone not only for bioeconomy but a game changer for Viksit Bharat @2047. Of course, the BioE3 policy offers tremendous opportunity to drive bio innovations in India. To be steered by the Department of Biotechnology, the policy will catalyse a technology revolution just as the IT industry revolutionised life in the country in the 1990s. No doubt, if implemented in letter and spirit, the BioE3 policy will steer India to be a global torch bearer of next Industrial Revolution.
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