India Eyes $300B Bioeconomy by 2030: Minister Speaks

In a landmark celebration of World Bioproduct Day, Union Minister of Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, called for a transformative shift in how biotechnology is perceived, practiced, and participated in across India. Speaking at the nationwide event titled “The BioE3 Way,” Dr. Singh emphasized the need for broader public understanding and inclusive involvement in India’s biotechnology mission, asserting that “every Indian is a stakeholder in the country’s bioeconomy.”

Organized by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), in collaboration with its affiliate bodies BIRAC and iBRIC+, the celebration took the form of a pioneering national experiment: ‘Voices Across the Cities: A Synchronized National Hourly Dialogue Series’. Over an eight-hour period, institutions across diverse Indian cities conducted theme-specific discussions on topics such as marine biomass, industrial valorisation, forest bio-resources, and agricultural residue innovation. This decentralized model of engagement, which Dr. Singh called a “beautiful hybrid model,” was lauded for its inclusivity and regional representation.

“This is more than a science event. It’s an outreach movement,” the Minister said. “We must involve students, startups, and industry players if we want this mission to be sustainable.” Acknowledging the challenge of sustaining new ventures, he added, “It is easy to start a startup. What’s difficult is to keep it started.”

Dr. Singh emphasized the remarkable rise of India’s biotechnology sector, which has expanded from about 50 startups ten years ago to nearly 11,000 today. He attributed this impressive growth to strong policy support and effective institutional backing, especially highlighting the new BioE3 Policy. According to him, this policy lays the groundwork for India’s leadership in sustainable biomanufacturing by aligning bioeconomic goals with environmental care, economic progress, and social fairness.

He highlighted that biotechnology has become a part of daily life, extending far beyond high-end research laboratories. “From biodegradable packaging to eco-friendly personal care products, and from creating rural jobs to fostering green employment — bioproducts are now driving change at the grassroots level,” he said. Dr. Singh also predicted that the upcoming industrial revolution will be led by the bioeconomy, with India ready to take the lead.

Dr. Singh turned his attention to education, highlighting the challenges young students often encounter when pursuing biotechnology—particularly when family expectations clash with their personal interests. He hailed the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a “game-changer,” noting that it offers students the flexibility to explore their true passions. “We are witnessing a new generation with genuine talent and eagerness to learn,” he remarked.

In his remarks, Dr. Singh criticized India’s past agricultural policies for relying too heavily on Western frameworks. He emphasized the need to revive and integrate India’s traditional knowledge systems and make better use of its natural resources. “Foreign researchers come to India seeking what we already have — our rich resources and diversity,” he said. “It’s time we start valuing them ourselves.”

Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of DBT and Chairman of BIRAC, detailed the operational roadmap for the BioE3 Policy, focusing on support for pilot-scale manufacturing, region-specific innovation hubs, and stronger pipelines from research to market. He reinforced DBT’s role as a catalyst for collaborations among academic institutions, startups, and industries, thereby fostering scalable biotech innovations.

Recognizing the power of public engagement, Dr. Singh urged for improved science communication strategies using local languages, relatable formats, and storytelling. He suggested showcasing biotech success stories in ways that resonate with common citizens. “If we want to attract young talent, we must link biotechnology to profitability and livelihood, not just to academic pursuit,” he asserted.

The celebration also served to highlight the expansive reach of biotechnology — touching not just labs and researchers, but also farmers, forest dwellers, and coastal communities. Dr. Singh proposed future events include the perspectives of non-scientist stakeholders, saying, “Let them tell us what they need from science, and what science needs to deliver for them.”

As India accelerates toward a sustainable, innovation-led future, this year’s World Bioproduct Day celebration marked a significant shift in the nation’s scientific outlook. The core message was clear and resounding: biotechnology is not just for scientists — it is for everyone. From rural villages to urban labs, from policymakers to students, and from tradition to technology — every Indian has a role in shaping the nation’s $300 billion bioeconomy goal by 2030.