BioE3 Policy Drives Green Growth as India Charts Vision 2047 Scientific Agenda

In a comprehensive high-level review meeting of all Science Ministries, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh—Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Atomic Energy, Space, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions—placed the Government’s flagship BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment) at the center of India’s future scientific and innovation strategy. The meeting underscored the policy’s transformative role in aligning India’s science and technology ambitions with the broader Vision 2047 national development roadmap.

BioE3 Policy: Engine of India’s Bioeconomic Transformation

Approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2024, the BioE3 Policy represents one of India’s most forward-looking initiatives in the biotech space. It aims to harness biotechnology’s potential to power sustainable economic growth, environmental stewardship, and large-scale employment generation. According to Dr. Singh, the policy is not just a reform—it is a national mission to position India as a global leader in biomanufacturing, with seamless integration of Artificial Intelligence into core biotech applications.

The first round of DBT-BIRAC joint calls under BioE3 has already garnered over 2,000 project proposals from research institutions, startups, and industry leaders. Of these, around 40% are being driven through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models, reflecting strong market alignment. Startup participation is especially high in industrial biomanufacturing domains such as enzymes and smart proteins, while academic institutions lead innovations in climate-resilient agriculture and precision biotherapeutics.

Five Focus Areas of the BioE3 Framework

The policy outlines five strategic thrust areas that serve as cornerstones of the initiative:

1. Carbon Capture & Utilization – Leveraging bioengineered systems for sustainable CO₂ sequestration.

2. Precision Biotherapeutics – AI-powered development of next-gen personalized medicine.

3. Smart Proteins – Innovations in plant-based and cell-cultured proteins to meet nutritional needs.

4. Enzyme Technologies – Scalable, eco-friendly biocatalysts for industry.

5. Climate-Resilient Agriculture – Biotech-enhanced crops and systems adapted to climate extremes.

These domains are supported by the MoolankurBioEnabler Network, a national grid of Bio-AI hubs, biofoundries, and biomanufacturing centers—established to offer infrastructure, mentorship, and collaborative platforms for research and product development.

Brain Gain Programme: Postdoctoral Push for Diaspora Scientists

To counter the longstanding issue of brain drain, Dr. Singh reviewed a proposal for launching 100 postdoctoral fellowships for Indian-origin scientists currently working abroad. The initiative is designed to bring top-tier talent back into India’s research ecosystem by offering meaningful, high-impact opportunities. “We must offer platforms that match global standards and ambitions,” said Dr. Singh.

Nuclear Energy: Bihar Sites Under Technical Evaluation

Officials from the Department of Atomic Energy provided updates on nuclear power site evaluations in Bihar, where multidisciplinary teams are assessing land, seismic safety, water availability, and soil viability. These evaluations will feed into final clearances to be issued by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), in line with the goal of expanding India’s clean energy capacity.

Space Sector Highlights: Startups, Safety, and Payload Upgrades

India’s space sector continues to make headlines. The review featured a major breakthrough in GSLV Mk-3 design, which now allows a 20% increase in payload capacity without altering the rocket’s core structure. Officials also reported a near-miss during an international satellite launch—averted by the quick detection and resolution of a fuel line crack. Dr. Singh lauded the team’s swift response as a hallmark of ISRO’s engineering excellence.

Additionally, the National Space Day 2025 celebrations will spotlight over 300 space-tech startups, hosting live demos and exhibits to demonstrate their innovations. These exhibitions mark a new era of private sector participation in Indian space missions.

“Startups are now integral to our space innovation ecosystem,” an official noted.

Strengthening Scientific Temper in Youth

India’s scientific outreach efforts were also reviewed. The Vigyan Jyoti programme, aimed at nurturing scientific aptitude in schoolgirls, has seen growing participation, prompting discussions on expanding early mentorship to students from Class 6 onwards. Dr. Singh stressed the importance of sowing the seeds of innovation early in the academic journey to create a future-ready workforce.

Towards Strategic Alignment Across Ministries

Recognizing the complexity and overlap across multiple scientific departments, Dr. Singh directed that all major proposals be routed through the Principal Scientific Adviser for integrated evaluation. This measure, he said, would ensure synergy, eliminate duplication, and fast-track India’s emergence as a scientific superpower.

“We are not just coordinating programmes—we are laying the foundation of India’s scientific leadership for decades to come,” he asserted.

Attendees and the Way Forward

The meeting included prominent scientific leaders such as:

• Prof. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser

• Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology

• Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology

• Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space & ISRO Chairman

• Senior officials from the Department of Atomic Energy and Earth Sciences

As the meeting concluded, Dr. Singh instructed all departments to finalize key deliverables before the next Parliament session and align their work with Vision 2047—India’s centenary blueprint for scientific, economic, and technological leadership.