The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has launched a Webinar Series on Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry Initiative to promote the recently approved BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment). The policy, endorsed by the Union Cabinet on August 24, 2024, aims to foster high-performance biomanufacturing, addressing critical global challenges while driving economic growth and sustainability.

This fortnightly Webinar Series, organized in collaboration with the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), is designed to engage stakeholders, including scientists, researchers, industry leaders, start-ups, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Each session will explore thematic areas such as bio-based chemicals and enzymes, smart proteins, precision biotherapeutics, climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture and utilization,and emerging sectors like marine and space research. These webinars provide a platform for knowledge exchange and insights into policy and technological developments.

The inaugural webinar, held on November 14, 2024, focused on the key features of the BioE3 Policy and its transformative potential for India’s bioeconomy. Discussions centered around the policy’s role in fostering green growth, addressing climate change, and promoting sustainable development.

Key Highlights of the Webinar

Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Advisor at DBT, emphasized the BioE3 Policy’s significance in tackling critical global challenges, such as climate change and unsustainable material consumption. She highlighted how biomanufacturing initiatives could provide innovative solutions to these issues. Dr. Sharma introduced the DBT-BIRAC joint call for proposals, "मूलांकुर BioEnablers – Biofoundries and Biomanufacturing Hubs," as an important step to support bio-based innovations. She also discussed the recently inaugurated National Agri-Food & Biomanufacturing Institute in Mohali, a facility dedicated to advancing agricultural and biomanufacturing research.

Additionally, Dr. Sharma mentioned a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ISRO, aimed at exploring collaborative opportunities in space biotechnology and biomanufacturing. This partnership underscores the potential for bio-based innovations to extend beyond terrestrial applications and contribute to space research.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary DBT, shared his vision of biomanufacturing as a cornerstone of the next industrial revolution. He stressed the potential of biomanufacturing to transition from chemical-based production systems to sustainable, bio-based alternatives. According to Dr. Gokhale, this transformation has the potential to create new industries and open markets for bio-based products, establishing India as a global leader in biotechnology.

Dr. P.M. Murali, President of the ABLE Council of Presidents, highlighted the immense potential of biomanufacturing to position India as a frontrunner in the global bioeconomy. He underscored the role of synthetic biology and fermentation technologies in shifting from traditional petrochemical-based processes to bio-based systems. This shift, he argued, represents a paradigm change toward sustainable development and economic growth.

The webinar witnessed enthusiastic participation from 500 attendees, including academics, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and government officials. The interactive Q&A session, moderated by DBT and BIRAC officials, provided participants with valuable insights into the policy’s implementation and the future prospects of biomanufacturing in India.

The session concluded with a call to action for collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and government to achieve the ambitious goals outlined in the BioE3 Policy. By leveraging advancements in synthetic biology, precision biotechnology, and sustainable manufacturing, India is poised to lead the global bioeconomy while addressing critical environmental and economic challenges.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)