Govt To Establish Regional BIRAC Centers To Boost Biotech Startups & Manufacturing: Minister Dr. Singh

New Delhi, Mar 29 (KNN) Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has announced plans to create Regional Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) Centers across India during a high-level meeting of the Department of Biotechnology. 

These centers, to be established in collaboration with state governments, aim to accelerate StartUps and biomanufacturing while leveraging biotech potential in various regions of the country.

Dr. Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Science & Technology, emphasised the importance of mapping states based on their biotech capabilities. 

He instructed the department to work with states to establish Bio E3 (Economy, Environment, and Employment) Cells, noting that Assam has become the first state to create such a dedicated cell. 

These specialised units will provide critical support for innovation, entrepreneurship, and the expansion of biotech ventures.

The Minister highlighted the pivotal role of StartUps in advancing biomanufacturing and called for increased handholding and incubator support to nurture new-age biotech entrepreneurs. 

He also underscored the significance of Foreign Direct Investment in biomanufacturing and bio foundries to secure global investment that would drive India's biotech revolution.

According to Dr. Singh, the Tripartite arrangement—integrating Research Infrastructure, StartUps, and Industrial R&D—represents the strategic direction for India's biotech sector. 

He directed the department to prioritise the establishment of Core R&D Facilities equipped with cutting-edge biomanufacturing capabilities to enable pilot validation, scaling, and commercialisation of promising biotech innovations.

Referencing the recent Centre-State Partnership Summit in Delhi, the Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to fostering biotech development across states through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and technical assistance. 

He noted growing interest from several states in establishing Biotechnology Parks, which would further strengthen India's bio-economy.

Dr. Singh emphasised the importance of regenerative technologies and instructed the department to prioritise their advancement within India's biomanufacturing landscape. 

He encouraged officials to partner with industry leaders to replicate the success achieved in India's Space Sector within the biotech field.

The Minister directed the Department of Biotechnology to establish early industry linkages and develop a 4P Model (Public-Private-People Partnership) to accelerate biotech growth. 

He also expressed support for proposals to create international BIRAC Centers designed to attract advanced biomanufacturing technologies and investments.

Expressing pride in India's global standing in biotech research, Dr. Singh highlighted that India ranks third worldwide in biotech publications, with approximately two-thirds of research papers originating from the Department of Biotechnology. "This reflects India's growing influence and leadership in the international biotech arena," he stated.

These strategic initiatives reinforce the government's vision to position India as a global leader in biotechnology, ensuring that biomanufacturing, research, and innovation drive the country's economic and scientific growth in alignment with the Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

(KNN Bureau)