Policy for innovation-driven biotech research approved

New Delhi, August 24

The Cabinet on Saturday approved the Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment policy for fostering high performance biomanufacturing or BioE3 of the Department of Biotechnology. The policy will support innovation-driven support to R&D and entrepreneurship across thematic sectors.

This would accelerate technology development and commercialisation by establishing biomanufacturing and bio-AI hubs and biofoundry, sources said. Besides prioritising regenerative bioeconomy models of green growth, it would facilitate the expansion of India’s skilled workforce and provide a surge in job creation.

The policy will help advance towards a future that is more sustainable and responsive to global challenges. It will focus on thigh value bio-based chemicals, biopolymers & enzymes; smart proteins and functional foods; precision biotherapeutics; climate resilient agriculture; carbon capture; marine and space research.

Nod to Vigyan Dhara scheme

• The Cabinet approved the merger of 3 unified central schemes into a unified ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme
• A fellowship scheme for students of Class XI upwards till PhD and even post-doctoral researchers, it provides int’l collaboration in cutting edge research, joint research projects & joint fellowship
• Proposed outlay for Vigyan Dhara is ~10,579 crore