The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the ‘BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing’ of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) aimed at accelerating India’s transition to green growth and a ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy.

BioE3 Policy 

• Laying the foundation of the BioE3 policy, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Interim Budget had announced a new scheme of bio-manufacturing and bio-foundry to provide environment-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable polymers, bio-plastics, biopharmaceuticals and bio agri inputs.

• The salient features of BioE3 policy include innovation-driven support to R&D and entrepreneurship across thematic sectors. 

• This will accelerate technology development and commercialisation by establishing biomanufacturing & bio-AI hubs and biofoundry. 

• Along with prioritising regenerative bioeconomy models of green growth, this policy will facilitate expansion of India’s skilled workforce and provide a surge in job creation.

Key features of BioE3:

The BioE3 policy focuses on fostering innovation-driven research and development (R&D) and entrepreneurship across the following thematic sectors:

i) High-value bio-based chemicals

ii) Biopolymers and enzymes

iii) Smart proteins and functional foods

iv) Precision biotherapeutics

v) Climate resilient agriculture

vi) Carbon capture and its utilisation

vii) Marine and space research.

• It aims to accelerate the development and commercialisation of technology by establishing biomanufacturing & bio-AI hubs and biofoundries.

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

• The BioE3 policy will foster and advance a future that is more sustainable, innovative, and responsive to global challenges and lays down the bio-vision for developed country.

What is high-performance biomanufacturing?

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

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)