New Delhi: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), in partnership with the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), launched a fortnightly webinar series on biomanufacturing and the Biofoundry Initiative. The series began Thursday and aims to disseminate information about the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy, which the Union Cabinet approved on 24 August. The policy focuses on fostering high-performance biomanufacturing, a PIB release stated.
The series brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry leaders, scientists, researchers, startups, and small and medium enterprises to discuss key developments in biomanufacturing. Discussions cover thematic areas such as bio-based chemicals and enzymes, smart proteins and functional foods, precision biotherapeutics, climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture and utilization, and futuristic marine and space research.
The inaugural webinar focused on the BioE3 Policy and its potential impact on India’s bioeconomy. Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Advisor at DBT, emphasized the policy’s potential to address global challenges, such as climate change and unsustainable patterns of material consumption. She also noted that DBT and BIRAC have issued a joint call for proposals for “मूलांकुर BioEnablers — Biofoundries and Biomanufacturing Hubs.”
Sharma highlighted the significance of the newly inaugurated National Agri-Food & Biomanufacturing Institute in Mohali, a crucial step in supporting bio-based innovations. She also noted a recent memorandum of understanding with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to explore collaborative efforts in “Space Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing.”