On August 27, 2025, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T) launched the India’s first ‘National Biofoundry Network’ and ‘Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment (BioE3) Challenge for Youth’, marking the one year of BioE3 Policy, at an event held at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, Delhi.
- The initiatives reflect the commitment of Government of India (GoI) to strengthen biotechnology as a pillar of India’s economic growth.
Exam Hints:
- What? Marked the first anniversary of the BioE3Policy
- Ministry: Ministry of Science & Technology(MoS&T)
- Initiatives Launched: India’s first National Biofoundry Network, BioE3 Challenge
- Launched by : Union Minister Jitendra Singh, MoS&T
- Network: 6 institutions:ICGEB, BRIC-NABI, THSTI, NCCS, IPFT and ACTREC
- Challenge Theme: “Design Microbes, Molecules & More”
- Cash Prize: Rs.1 lakh (Top 10) and Up to Rs.25 lakhs (100 best ideas)
About National Biofoundry Network:
Institutions: The National Biofoundry Network is a strategic initiative under the BioE3 Policy, comprising six institutions such as
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Biotechnology Research Innovation Council -National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (BRIC-NABI),Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT), National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), and Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) of the Tata Memorial Centre.
Platform for Innovation: It serves as a nationwide hub to advance biotech innovations, from design to prototyping and product development, strengthening indigenous biomanufacturing and creating employment opportunities.
About BioE3 Challenge:
Theme: It is a nationwide drive with the theme “Design Microbes, Molecules & More”
Participation: The challenge invites participation from school students of class 6-12, university students, researchers, faculty, startups, and Indian citizens to design safe-by-default biological solutions addressing the challenges in health, agriculture, environment, and industry.
Prize: The challenge will begin on the first of every month from October 2025. Each of the top 10 winners will receive a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh with recognition and mentorship support.
- 100 best ideas will be selected and will receive funding of up to Rs.25 lakhs in two tranches through Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) to support the development of proof-of-concept into solutions.
Framework: The BioE3 challenge is attached in the DESIGN Framework, which guides participants to Define real needs, build Evidence-first solutions, ensure Sustainability by design, pursue Integration with other technologies and policies, develop strategies to Go-to-market, and create a Net-positive impact through measurable outcomes in jobs, inclusion, and equitable access.
About BioE3 Policy:
Initiative: The BioE3 policy is a strategic initiative, approved by Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in August 2024, aligning with Government of India (GoI)’s goal of Net Zero emissions by 2070 and the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement.
Implementation: The BioE3 Policy is being implemented by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the MoS&T.
Aim: It aims to foster high-performance biomanufacturing across India by providing the framework to empower Indian institutions, universities, startups and industries.
Framework: The framework aims to transform innovations by identification of research and innovation, boosting domestic manufacturing capability, accelerating transition to biomanufacturing, setting up the facilities for scaling-up and pre-commercial manufacturing and nurturing cohort.
Focus areas: The policy focuses on areas such as Bio-based Chemicals & Enzymes, Functional Foods & Smart Proteins, Precision Biotherapeutics, Climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture and utilization, and Futuristic Marine & Space Research.
Bioeconomy Growth: India’s bioeconomy, valued at USD10 billion in 2014 and rising to USD165.7 billion in 2024, aims to reach an ambitious USD300 billion by 2030.
Biomanufacturing Hub: India’s first Biomanufacturing Institute is established in Mohali, Punjab.
About Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T):
Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge, IC) – Jitendra Singh (Constituency – Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, J&K)
