Launch of the Network
India’s First National Biofoundry Network under BioE3 Policy: In 2025, India launched its first National Biofoundry Network (NBN) under the BioE3 Policy focusing on Economy, Environment, and Employment. The initiative was unveiled by Union Science & Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, with the aim of positioning India as a global hub for sustainable biotechnology. The network plays a critical role in reaching the target of a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030.
Static GK fact: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) was established in 1986 under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
What the Network Offers
The National Biofoundry Network serves as a collaborative national platform consisting of six premier biotechnology institutions. It acts as a one-stop ecosystem for design, prototyping, testing, and scale-up of biotech innovations. Its focus areas include synthetic biology, gene editing, climate-smart agriculture, and green biotechnology.
Static GK fact: CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology was first developed in 2012 and has revolutionized modern biotechnology.
Objectives of the Initiative
The core objectives include:
- Strengthening indigenous biomanufacturing
- Aligning with BioE3 Policy goals to ensure economic growth, environmental sustainability, and job creation.
- Accelerating translation of biotech research into market-ready products.
- Encouraging start-ups, youth innovation, and entrepreneurship in the biotech sector.
- Establishing India as a leader in sustainable biotech.
Key Features of the Biofoundry Network
The initiative integrates a range of unique features:
- Collaborative structure linking six institutions into one functional ecosystem.
- End-to-end facilities covering design, testing, and scaling of biotech solutions.
- Cutting-edge research in synthetic biology, CRISPR, and sustainable technologies.
- Innovation funding through the BioE3 Challenge to support young researchers.
- International collaborations with global biofoundry networks.
- Employment generation and start-up incubation to expand the biotech workforce.
- Sustainability approach focusing on waste reduction, resource efficiency, and climate resilience.
Static GK Tip: India’s biotech sector contributes around 3% of the global biotechnology industry and is among the top 12 destinations for biotechnology worldwide.
Significance for India
The establishment of the NBN marks a turning point in India’s biotechnology roadmap. By creating an integrated framework for innovation and commercialization, it strengthens self-reliance in biomanufacturing. It also aligns with India’s climate goals and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, ensuring that innovation directly contributes to sustainable growth, employment, and global leadership.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s First National Biofoundry Network under BioE3 Policy:
| Topic | Detail |
| Launch Year | 2025 |
| Policy Framework | BioE3 Policy (Economy, Environment, Employment) |
| Target | $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030 |
| Launched By | Union Science & Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh |
| Institutions | Six biotechnology institutions under NBN |
| Focus Areas | Synthetic biology, gene editing, green biotechnology |
| Key Feature | End-to-end design, prototyping, testing, scaling |
| Innovation Support | BioE3 Challenge for young innovators |
| Global Linkages | Collaborations with international biofoundries |
| Employment Impact | Start-up incubation and job creation in biotech |
