Biotechnology Will Drive India’s Next Industrial Revolution, Says Jitendra Singh

India is on the cusp of a biotechnology-driven transformation that could define its economic and healthcare future, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences; PMO; Department of Atomic Energy; and Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, declared while inaugurating SYMRESEARCH 2.0: International Conference on Bioengineering for Global Health at Symbiosis International University, Pune.

Biotechnology as the New Industrial Revolution

Describing biotechnology as the “next industrial revolution,” Dr. Singh emphasized that it will play a central role in driving economic growth, healthcare innovation, and job creation in India. Drawing a parallel with the information technology revolution of the 1990s, he remarked, “Future economy belongs to biotechnology, just as IT drove the last revolution.”

India, he noted, has already established itself as a global biotech player with milestones such as:

• Development of indigenous COVID-19 vaccines.

• Introduction of the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention.

• Breakthroughs in new antibiotics.

• Large-scale gene sequencing initiatives.

Growth of the Biotech Sector

The Minister highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s biotech sector—from USD 10 billion in 2014 to USD 130 billion today. The government now targets USD 300 billion in the next five to seven years, positioning the country among the top global biotech hubs.

He credited this progress to policies like Bio-E3 (Biotechnology for Environment, Economy, and Employment), which focuses on sustainable solutions, green technology, and employment opportunities for India’s youth.

Space and Biotechnology Synergy

Dr. Singh drew attention to India’s space-biotech collaborations, a field gaining prominence globally. He cited experiments by Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Sharma aboard the International Space Station, where research was conducted on:

• Muscle wasting and cognitive changes in microgravity.

• Impact of electronic gadgets on human physiology.

• Growth of algae and proteins in space conditions.

These efforts, supported by a MoU between the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Space, are laying the foundation for space medicine and biomanufacturing in microgravity environments.

Holistic and Preventive Healthcare

The Minister stressed the need for integrated healthcare that combines traditional Indian knowledge systems with modern medicine. He recalled how Ayurveda and homoeopathy were explored worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the value of holistic approaches.

Dr. Singh underscored the “three A’s formula” for preventive healthcare:

• Awareness – educating people on health risks.

• Accessibility – ensuring healthcare reaches rural and remote areas.

• Affordability – reducing costs of screening and treatment.

Tackling India’s Health Challenges

India, he said, faces the dual burden of communicable diseases like tuberculosis alongside a surge in lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver, especially among younger populations. Preventive care, awareness campaigns, and lifestyle changes will be crucial to safeguard India’s youthful demographic advantage.

AI and Technology in Health Services

Dr. Singh highlighted innovative projects such as AI-powered mobile health clinics, which combine physical doctors with AI systems, offering consultations in regional languages to improve healthcare accessibility in rural India. He called for synergy between the public and private sectors and stronger collaboration between traditional medicine and cutting-edge science, lessons reinforced during the pandemic.

Policy Achievements and Future Goals

He also showcased policy-driven achievements including:

• India’s first indigenous antibiotic.

• The rollout of the HPV vaccine.

• Large-scale tuberculosis gene sequencing trials, contributing to global medical progress.

Dr. Singh urged stakeholders to prepare for a biotech-driven future, encouraging startups and entrepreneurship in life sciences to foster innovation and employment.

Education and Research Opportunities

Concluding his address, the Minister urged students and researchers to leverage the flexibility of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to pursue interdisciplinary studies and align their careers with national priorities in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology.

He expressed confidence that India’s youth, as the “torchbearers of 2047 India,” will drive the country towards becoming a global biotech powerhouse.