India has announced a major step toward strengthening its biotechnology ecosystem with the introduction of the country’s first undergraduate course in Engineering Biology. The initiative, unveiled by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh, is expected to create a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation in healthcare, agriculture, advanced manufacturing and environmental sustainability.
The announcement was made during the launch of the roadmap titled “Building India as a Leading Bioeconomy Powerhouse by 2035”, which outlines the country’s long-term vision for expanding its biotechnology sector through research, innovation, industry collaboration and talent development.
Engineering Biology to Shape the Next Technology Revolution
Speaking at the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh described Engineering Biology as a transformative discipline that could play a role similar to Computer Science in India’s digital revolution. He said the new academic programme would equip students with expertise across engineering, biology, medicine and emerging technologies, preparing them for careers in a rapidly evolving bioeconomy.
The Minister revealed that the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have already begun submitting proposals for interdisciplinary programmes in partnership with medical institutions. According to him, this growing convergence of engineering and life sciences will help create innovative solutions for healthcare and industrial biotechnology while strengthening India’s scientific capabilities.
He stressed that India must build an independent and self-reliant biotechnology ecosystem capable of addressing national priorities and competing globally.
India’s Bioeconomy Witnesses Rapid Expansion
Highlighting the sector’s remarkable progress over the past decade, Dr. Jitendra Singh said India’s bioeconomy has expanded from nearly USD 10 billion in 2014 to around USD 95 billion today. The government expects the sector to reach nearly USD 300 billion by 2030, supported by strong policy interventions and growing private-sector participation.
India is now home to more than 11,000 biotechnology start-ups, reflecting a vibrant innovation ecosystem that has emerged through increased research funding, incubation support and entrepreneurship.
The Minister noted that India’s biotechnology policy, built around the principles of Biotechnology for Economy, Employment and Environment, has enabled faster translation of scientific research into commercial products and societal benefits.
Healthcare Innovations Strengthen Global Position
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s achievements in healthcare biotechnology, pointing to the development of the world’s first DNA vaccine against COVID-19 and the country’s successful vaccine supply to nearly 30 nations.
He also underlined recent advances in indigenous CAR-T cell therapy and gene-based treatments, saying these innovations are making cutting-edge healthcare more affordable while enhancing India’s reputation as a global destination for cost-effective medical technologies.
Looking ahead, he identified synthetic biology, artificial intelligence-driven biological research and biomanufacturing as key technologies that will shape the future of healthcare, sustainable agriculture, clean energy and food systems.
Industry Partnerships Key to Future Growth
The Minister called for stronger collaboration between research institutions and industry, saying successful biotechnology innovations require active participation from the private sector from the earliest stages of development.
He urged scientists, entrepreneurs and manufacturers to work together to accelerate commercialization of indigenous technologies and build globally competitive products.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also emphasized the need to expand domestic biomanufacturing capabilities while investing in talent development and interdisciplinary education to meet future industry demands.
Roadmap Targets USD 700 Billion Bioeconomy by 2035
Department of Biotechnology Secretary Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale said India is currently among the world’s fastest-growing bioeconomies, registering annual growth of 15-18 percent. He noted that the country has established nearly 100 bio-incubators and over 10,000 biotechnology companies, supported by policy initiatives such as the BioE3 Policy.
According to him, the newly launched roadmap provides a comprehensive framework for advancing innovation-driven biomanufacturing, precision healthcare, sustainable agriculture and AI-enabled biology while creating a globally competitive biotechnology ecosystem.
Adding to the vision, NITI Aayog Member Prof. Gobardhan Das said India’s bioeconomy has expanded nearly sixteen-fold over the past decade and now contributes approximately 4.8 percent to the national GDP.
He said the roadmap aims to scale the sector to nearly USD 700 billion by 2035, supported by a proposed ₹50,000 crore Bioeconomy Growth Fund, stronger talent pipelines and world-class manufacturing infrastructure.
Concluding the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed confidence that sustained investment in research, education, innovation and industry partnerships would position India among the world’s leading biotechnology powers while generating millions of high-skilled employment opportunities in the coming decade.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
