Marking the first anniversary of the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy, Union Minister of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Wednesday launched the BioE3 Challenge for Youth and the country’s first National Biofoundry Network.
He described the initiative as a step towards making biotechnology a key driver of India’s economy, environment, and employment.
“India’s bioeconomy has grown from just $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024, and we are now working towards a target of $300 billion by 2030,” said the Minister.
He added that under the BioE3 Policy, India’s biotechnology sector has achieved several milestones in the past year that are shaping the future of the country’s bioeconomy.
Speaking at the event ‘One Year of BioE3: From Policy to Action,’ Singh noted that the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), along with its stakeholders, has established new institutions, launched joint research initiatives, and forged national and international partnerships in a short span of time.
Among the key achievements, the Minister highlighted the inauguration of India’s first Biomanufacturing Institute at Mohali, the creation of Bio-Artificial Intelligence hubs, biomanufacturing hubs, and biofoundries across the country, as well as the launch of more than a dozen joint research calls.
These cover advanced areas such as cell and gene therapy, climate-smart agriculture, carbon capture, and functional foods. DBT has already received more than 2,000 proposals in these categories.
As part of the celebrations, Singh also unveiled the BioE3 Challenge for Youth, a nationwide call to young innovators under the theme “Design Microbes, Molecules & More.”
The initiative, explained by DBT Secretary Rajesh Gokhale, invites school students (Classes 6–12), university students, researchers, faculty, startups, and Indian nationals to design safe-by-default biological solutions to address challenges in health, agriculture, environment, and industry.
The challenge will be announced on the first of every month beginning October 2025. The top 10 winning solutions will each receive a cash prize of ₹1 lakh along with recognition and mentoring support.
Additionally, 100 selected awardees will be eligible for funding of up to ₹25 lakh, provided in two tranches through BIRAC, to help convert their ideas into proof-of-concept solutions.
The Minister also underlined the significance of launching the first National Biofoundry Network, comprising six institutions, to scale up proof-of-concept developments, strengthen indigenous biomanufacturing, and create new employment opportunities.