India Launches AI-Driven Portal to Boost Biotechnology Sector
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) celebrated its 40th Foundation Day today, marking a significant milestone in India’s biotechnology journey. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled the “SUJVIKA” AI-driven Biotech Product Data Portal during the event, which was developed in collaboration with industry partners such as ABLE.
SUJVIKA serves as a Trade Statistics Digital Intelligence Platform, providing structured access to authentic biotechnology product import data. This portal offers valuable sector-wise insights into biochemical products, industrial enzymes, and various biotechnology imports. It is designed to assist researchers, startups, and industries in identifying high-value imports, assessing import dependencies, and prioritizing indigenous development and research efforts. Ultimately, SUJVIKA aims to facilitate evidence-based planning and strengthen public-private partnerships within the biomanufacturing sector.
Biotechnology: Pillar of Future Growth
Dr. Jitendra Singh, speaking at the Civil Services Officers Institute in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, emphasized that biotechnology will fuel the next industrial revolution. He highlighted India’s ambition of creating a $1 trillion bioeconomy by the year 2047, aligning with the vision of a prosperous and developed Bharat.
Reflecting on the progress made, Dr. Singh noted that the number of biotech startups in India has surged from fewer than 100 in 2014 to over 11,000 today. This expansion mirrors a significant increase in the nation’s bioeconomy, which is projected to rise from nearly $10 billion in 2014 to approximately $165.7 billion by 2024. India is now recognized as a leading global biotech destination and a prominent vaccine manufacturer.
Innovative Policies for Biotech Growth
The Minister attributed this growth to strategic policy reforms initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He mentioned the approval of the integrated BioE3 Policy, which aims to enhance biomanufacturing capabilities across the country. The DBT, along with BIRAC and the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), is charged with implementing this policy to bolster indigenous capacities.
Further detailing the initiatives, Dr. Singh outlined the establishment of the National Biofoundry Network, consisting of six specialized biofoundries and 21 advanced bio-enabler facilities aimed at accelerating the commercialization of biotechnological innovations. The federal government also announced a historic ₹2,000 crore funding under the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) initiative to enhance the biotech sector.
Groundbreaking Projects in Biotechnology
The Minister also highlighted new frontiers in biotechnology, including an MoU between DBT and ISRO regarding space biotechnology and medicine. He noted that biotechnology experiments conducted in space have placed India at the forefront of scientific exploration.
Another noteworthy project is the GenomeIndia Project, which provides whole genome sequencing data from 10,000 individuals across 99 diverse populations. This data will pave the way for personalized therapies and bolster India’s genomic research capabilities, as seen in the country’s first human gene therapy trial for Severe Hemophilia A.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by expressing confidence that collaborative efforts between DBT, BIRAC, and BRIC will propel India’s biotechnology revolution, impacting everything from laboratory research to large-scale industrial applications. This progress is poised to foster sustainable development and establish India among the leading bio economies globally.
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