PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPLEMENTATION OF BIOE3 POLICY

Key Highlights:

• The BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, & Employment) was approved in August 2024 for 'Fostering High-Performance Biomanufacturing'.
• It aims to build a resilient biomanufacturing ecosystem for developing bio-based products across the country.
• Over 270 projects have been recommended for funding across six identified thematic sectors.
• BioEnablers, including Bio-Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hubs, Biofoundries, and Biomanufacturing Hubs, are being established nationwide.
• A BioE3-Strain Resource Centre (SRC) has been set up at BRIC-NCCS, Pune, to provide indigenous microbial strains.
• A Centre-State Partnership Conclave was organized, leading to the notification of BioE3 Cells in Assam, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh.
• Collaboration with ISRO has been initiated for Space Biotechnology and Space Biomanufacturing.

Detailed Insights:

• The policy identifies six thematic sectors: Bio-based chemicals, smart proteins, precision biotherapeutics, climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture and utilization, and futuristic marine and space research.
• Over 2000 proposals were received for funding, with 270+ projects selected for product/technology development.
• 17 facilities received funding support for Biofoundries and Biomanufacturing Hubs to provide shared infrastructure.
• 15 Bio-AI Hubs have been recommended for support, with an MoU signed with MeitY for national AI infrastructure access.
• The BioE3-SRC provides high-performance indigenous microbial strains with 'freedom-to-operate' for commercial utilization, supporting Make-in-India.
• DBT and BIRAC are supporting projects for import substitutes in bio-based chemicals, biopolymers, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
• Projects under 'Smart Protein' focus on sustainable and scalable alternative protein production technologies, including plant-based and cell culture-based proteins.
• 'Precision Therapeutics' facilitates R&D and indigenous manufacturing of Cell and Gene Therapies (CGTs), monoclonal antibodies, and mRNA therapeutics.
• 'Climate-Resilient Agriculture' projects focus on bio-based agri inputs, microbial consortia, and genomic solutions for climate resilience in crops.
• 37 projects are implemented under 'Carbon Capture Utilization', emphasizing integrated CCUS biomanufacturing solutions for industrial setups.
• 'Futuristic Marine Research' supports sustainable aquaculture, marine aquafeed, and valorizing marine biomass.
• 'Futuristic Space Research' involves 23 projects from DBT and ISRO in space biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
• The policy operates on a public-private co-creation model, combining expertise from academia, startups, and industry.
• An effective implementation plan includes thematic screening-cum-selection committees and an Apex Committee for project evaluation and review.

Key Concepts Involved:

• BioE3 Policy: A government policy aimed at fostering high-performance biomanufacturing to build a resilient ecosystem for bio-based products in India.
• Biomanufacturing: The production of materials, chemicals, and energy using biological systems such as microorganisms, enzymes, or cells.
• BioEnablers: Infrastructure and facilities like Bio-AI Hubs, Biofoundries, and Biomanufacturing Hubs designed to support biomanufacturing research, development, and scale-up.
• Freedom-to-operate: The legal ability to develop, manufacture, and commercialize a product or process without infringing on existing intellectual property rights.