India Enters Next Industrial Revolution Driven by Biotechnology: Dr. Jitendra Singh

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today said that India has already entered the next industrial revolution powered by biotechnology, as the nation emerges among the global frontrunners in bio-innovation and research.

Speaking at the Second Foundation Day celebration of the Biotechnology Research & Innovation Council (BRIC) at the National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi, Dr. Singh highlighted that India is one of the few countries with an exclusive, dedicated biotechnology policy — BioE3, marking a significant step toward building a sustainable and innovation-driven bioeconomy.

The Minister also inaugurated a state-of-the-art NHP-ABSL-3 Facility and launched the BRIC–BIRAC Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program, aimed at nurturing young biotech innovators and startups.

Recalling Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary decision to merge 14 autonomous biotechnology institutions under the single umbrella of BRIC, Dr. Singh said the reform has strengthened coordination, innovation, and efficiency across India’s biotechnology sector. “The age of silos is over. BRIC embodies the spirit of collaboration—linking biotechnology with medical research, agriculture, and data-driven science,” he remarked.

Dr. Singh emphasized that biotechnology will be the key driver of India’s growth in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, adding that India’s bioeconomy has expanded from USD 10 billion to over USD 130 billion, and is projected to reach USD 300 billion in the coming years. “When the next phase of global economic growth will be biotechnology-driven, India will not be a follower—it will be a leader,” he asserted.

Citing India’s success in vaccine innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Singh said, “India’s image has transformed from a healthcare recipient to a provider of preventive healthcare solutions.” He also praised BRIC and BIRAC for setting global benchmarks in public–private partnership models that have accelerated research translation and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Director General, BRIC, outlined the council’s achievements over the past three years — 3,190 publications, 107 patents, 13 technologies commercialized, and a thriving network of over 2,500 PhD scholars and 678 post-doctoral fellows. He also announced plans to establish a 200-acre BRIC Bio-Enterprise Innovation Park in Faridabad to promote innovation-led entrepreneurship.

Concluding the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, “The best of DBT is yet to come — and so is the best of India. The road to Viksit Bharat will pass through the corridors of DBT.”

The event also saw participation from senior officials, scientists, and industry leaders, including Dr. Kalaivani Ganesan, Dr. Anand Deshpande, Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, and Dr. P.M. Murali.