The new Recombinant Cell facility promises to boost drug discovery as well as medical and Agri genomics.
File Photo: IANS
Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday inaugurated the new state-of-the-art “Central Facility for Recombinant Cells and Sensors” at BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology.
The new Recombinant Cell facility promises to boost drug discovery as well as medical and Agri genomics.
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The minister also announced the foundation of a dedicated GMP facility, and released the book “Quantum Physics: One Hundred Magical Years” authored by Prof. V.P.N. Nampoori.
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Speaking on the occasion, Jitendra Singh said that India is preparing for a bio-driven economy where biotechnology will shape the future of manufacturing, healthcare, and sustainable growth.
The minister said that in the last decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, biotechnology has received unprecedented policy support, enabling India to emerge as a global biotechnology hub.
Referring to the recently launched BioE3 Policy, he said, India is among the few countries to bring out a dedicated biotechnology policy focused on economy, environment, and employment, anticipating the global shift towards biomanufacturing and bio-based industries.
Jitendra Singh was addressing scientists, students, and industry representatives during his visit to BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) at its Akkulam campus in Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam, on National Science Day.
Referring to India’s biotechnology growth, he said, the country’s bioeconomy has expanded nearly sixteen times over the past decade, growing from around $ ten billion to nearly $ 166 billion, with a target of reaching $ 300 billion in the coming years. He said the number of biotechnology start-ups has risen from about 50–70 in 2014 to over 11,000 today, reflecting the expanding innovation ecosystem supported by policy reforms and dedicated funding mechanisms, including recent initiatives for deep-tech start-ups.
About the BRIC-RGCB’s new Central Facility for Recombinant Cells and Sensors, the minister said the facility represents years of sustained research support and will significantly accelerate target-specific drug discovery and screening. The facility houses a large panel of engineered recombinant cells and advanced screening systems, developed through long-term government-supported programmes, and will serve academia, industry, and healthcare innovators across the country. The Department of Biotechnology has invested approximately Rs. 60 crores in creating this facility.
Dr Jitendra Singh also spoke about the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, fatty liver disease,and cancer. He said India is witnessing a steady rise in cancer incidence, with projections indicating a significant increase by 2030. In this context, he appreciated the institute’s research in cancer biology, including work on colon, oral, breast and cervical cancers. Referring to HPV vaccination, he recalled that India’s scientific institutions have contributed to global evidence supporting simplified vaccination schedules, and said preventive healthcare must go hand in hand with advanced research.
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