India’s Union Cabinet has recently approved the proposal of the ‘BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy for Fostering High-Performance Biomanufacturing’ of the Department of Biotechnology.

The salient features of BioE3 policy include innovation-driven support to R&D and entrepreneurship across thematic sectors. This will accelerate technology development and commercialization by establishing Biomanufacturing and Bio-AI hubs and Biofoundry. Along with prioritizing regenerative bioeconomy models of green growth, this policy will facilitate the expansion of India’s skilled workforce and provide a surge in job creation.

Overall, this Policy will further strengthen the government’s initiatives, such as a ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy and ‘Lifestyle for Environment', and will steer India on the path of accelerated ‘Green Growth’ by promoting a ‘Circular Bioeconomy’.

The BioE3 Policy will foster and advance a future that is more sustainable, innovative, and responsive to global challenges and lay down the Bio-vision for Viksit Bharat.

The present era is an opportune time to invest in the industrialization of biology to promote sustainable and circular practices to address some of the critical societal issues such as climate change mitigation, food security, and human health. It is important to build a resilient biomanufacturing ecosystem in our nation to accelerate cutting-edge innovations for developing bio-based products, according to a PIB statement.

High-performance biomanufacturing is the ability to produce products from medicine to materials, address farming and food challenges, and promote the manufacturing of bio-based products through the integration of advanced biotechnological processes.

To address the national priorities, the BioE3 Policy would broadly focus on the following strategic/thematic sectors: high-value bio-based chemicals, biopolymers and enzymes; smart proteins and functional foods; precision biotherapeutics; climate resilient agriculture; carbon capture and its utilization; marine and space research.