India’s Bioeconomy Poised to Hit USD 300 Billion in the Coming Years: Dr. Jitendra Singh

India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in biotechnology, with its bioeconomy projected to surpass USD 300 billion in the coming years, according to Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh. Speaking at the second Foundation Day of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), he highlighted India’s transformative strides in bio-innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.

India Enters the Next Industrial Revolution

Dr. Singh emphasized that India has stepped into the next industrial revolution driven by biotechnology, positioning itself among the few nations with a dedicated biotechnology policy, BioE3. He praised the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for evolving into a dynamic and integrated scientific ecosystem and stated that “the best of DBT is yet to come.”

Bioeconomy Growth and Future Potential

India’s bioeconomy has shown remarkable growth, rising from USD 10 billion to over USD 130 billion. Dr. Singh projected that it is on track to exceed USD 300 billion in the near future. He attributed this rapid expansion to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and reforms such as merging 14 autonomous biotechnology institutes under BRIC to enhance collaboration and accelerate innovation.

He added, “The age of silos is over. We have moved towards collaboration across biotechnology, medical research, agriculture, and data-driven science. India will not be a follower—it will be a leader in the next biotechnology-driven global growth phase.”

Launch of Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program

Dr. Singh inaugurated the BRIC–BIRAC Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program, aimed at nurturing innovation and supporting promising biotech entrepreneurs. He referred to BRIC and BIRAC as global benchmarks for public-private partnerships and highlighted India’s advancements in biosafety facilities, translational research, and gene therapy.

He also cited India’s pandemic response, noting that the vaccine story transformed the country from a recipient to a global provider of preventive healthcare solutions.

Research Output and Achievements

Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of DBT and Director General of BRIC, detailed the council’s achievements over the past three years, including:

• 3,190 scientific publications

• 107 patents filed

• 13 technologies commercialized

• 2,578 PhD scholars and 678 post-doctoral fellows

BRIC ranked at the top in biological sciences in India as per Nature’s Pringles Index. The Design for BioE3 Challenge received 510 applications, including 431 from BRIC institutions, demonstrating strong research and startup momentum.

Plans for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Dr. Singh announced plans for a 200-acre BRIC Bio-Enterprise Innovation Park in Faridabad, aimed at promoting innovation-driven entrepreneurship. This initiative is expected to further strengthen India’s position as a hub for biotech startups and translational research.

Biotechnology’s Role in Building Viksit Bharat

Highlighting the strategic importance of biotechnology for national growth, Dr. Singh stated, “The road to Viksit Bharat will pass through the corridors of DBT.” He expressed confidence that India’s biotechnology ecosystem will be a key driver of economic development, healthcare innovation, and industrial leadership in the global bioeconomy.

Event Participation and Dignitaries

The event was attended by leading scientists, industry experts, and academic dignitaries, including Dr. Kalaivani Ganesan, Dr. Anand Deshpande, Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, and Dr. P. M. Murali. Their presence highlighted the collaborative approach between government, academia, and industry in shaping India’s biotech future.

Conclusion

India’s biotechnology sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, driven by innovation, research, and policy support. With projects like the EIR Program, the BRIC Bio-Enterprise Innovation Park, and a strong pipeline of patents, publications, and PhD scholars, India is poised to become a global leader in bio-innovation. The country’s bioeconomy is set to not only cross USD 300 billion but also contribute significantly to building a Viksit Bharat.