India's Bioeconomy Projected to Reach $300 Billion by 2030, Says Dr Jitendra Singh

India’s biotechnology sector marked a major milestone this week as Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh celebrated the first anniversary of the BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment). At an event in Delhi, he unveiled two landmark initiatives, the BioE3 Challenge for Youth and the National Biofoundry Network, to further accelerate growth in biomanufacturing and innovation. 

Dr. Singh highlighted that the country’s bioeconomy, which stood at just $10 billion in 2014 and surged to $165.7 billion in 2024, is now targeting an ambitious $300 billion by 2030.

Breakthroughs Under BioE3 Policy

Since its launch last year, the BioE3 framework has accelerated research, infrastructure, and partnerships. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has set up new institutions, launched joint projects, and built collaborations in India and abroad. Key milestones include India’s first Biomanufacturing Institute in Mohali, Bio-AI and biomanufacturing hubs, and over a dozen joint research calls in advanced areas like cell and gene therapy, carbon capture, climate-smart agriculture, and functional foods. DBT has already received 2,000+ proposals.

Globally, India signed an MoU with ISRO for space biotechnology and biomanufacturing, supported by a joint working group. Earlier, three DBT-backed experiments were conducted on the International Space Station by Gaganyatri Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla. Within India, DBT partnered with Assam to set up a BioE3 Cell, while Indian missions in 52 countries have shared feedback on the policy.

BioE3 Challenge For Youth

The newly launched BioE3 Challenge aims to empower the next generation of scientists and innovators. With the theme “Design Microbes, Molecules & More”, it invites school students (Classes 6–12), university students, researchers, faculty, startups and Indian nationals to design safe and sustainable biological solutions in healthcare, agriculture, environment and industry.

Starting October 2025, challenges will be announced on the first of every month. The top 10 winners each month will receive ₹1 lakh, mentoring and recognition, while 100 selected participants can access up to ₹25 lakh in funding through BIRAC, disbursed in two tranches, to build proof-of-concept solutions. Awardees will also gain access to BRIC+ incubation facilities nationwide.

The programme follows the DESIGN framework, encouraging innovators to define needs, create Evidence-backed solutions, ensure Sustainability, pursue Integration, adopt Go-to-market strategies and achieve a Net-positive impact.

National Biofoundry Network And Future Outlook

Dr. Singh also launched the country’s first National Biofoundry Network, bringing together six institutions to scale proof-of-concept ideas, boost indigenous biomanufacturing and create jobs. Highlighting biotechnology’s role in growth across agriculture, healthcare, energy and sustainability, he called on youth to contribute.

Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser, described the BioE3 policy as a strategic step toward a clean, green and prosperous nation. He cited innovations like biophilic urban designs, algae-based carbon capture, biodegradable plastics, prosthetic organs, organ-on-chip systems and space biology.

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Conclusion

With the BioE3 Policy completing its first year, India has built a strong base to make biotechnology a key growth pillar. Backed by global collaborations, local research hubs, youth-led innovation and targeted funding, the roadmap targets a $300 bn bioeconomy by 2030. By uniting entrepreneurship, sustainability and technology, BioE3 positions India as a biotech leader while driving jobs and inclusive growth.

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