DBT Completes 40 Years
SUJVIKA Portal Strengthens India Bioeconomy Vision: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) celebrated its 40th Foundation Day in February 2026, marking four decades of scientific progress. The commemorative event was held at Civil Services Officers Institute, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted biotechnology as a core pillar of India’s future industrial growth. The occasion symbolized DBT’s transition from capacity building in 1986 to becoming a national innovation driver.
Static GK fact: DBT functions under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
Launch of SUJVIKA Portal
On this milestone day, the Minister launched SUJVIKA, an AI-driven Biotech Product Data Portal. It has been developed in collaboration with the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE).
SUJVIKA is designed as a Trade Statistics Digital Intelligence Platform. It provides structured and authenticated data on biotechnology product imports.
The portal offers sector-wise insights into biochemical products, industrial enzymes, and high-value biotech imports. It also assesses import dependency and supports indigenisation strategies.
This initiative promotes evidence-based policymaking and strengthens public–private partnerships in biotechnology manufacturing.
Static GK Tip: ABLE is a leading industry body representing India’s biotechnology enterprises.
India Growing Bioeconomy
India’s bioeconomy has expanded rapidly over the past decade. It grew from nearly USD 10 billion in 2014 to USD 165.7 billion in 2024.
The number of biotech startups increased from fewer than 100 in 2014 to over 11,000 in 2026. The government has set a target of building a $1 trillion bioeconomy by 2047 under the vision of Viksit Bharat.
India is also among the leading global vaccine producers. The country played a significant role in global immunization efforts during recent health emergencies.
Static GK fact: India is known as the “Pharmacy of the World” due to its large-scale vaccine and generic drug production.
Policy and Institutional Support
The Union Cabinet approved the BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) to accelerate innovation. Implementation is being driven by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC).
The government has established a National Biofoundry Network with 6 biofoundries and 21 bio-enabler facilities. Additionally, 95 bio-incubators across 21 States and UTs are supporting startup ecosystems.
A ₹2,000 crore national call has also been announced under the broader ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation initiative.
Breakthrough Scientific Initiatives
Under the GenomeIndia Project, genome sequencing data of 10,000 individuals from 99 populations has been released through the Indian Biological Data Centre. This strengthens precision medicine research.
India also completed its first human gene therapy trial for Severe Hemophilia A, achieving sustained Factor VIII production.
An MoU between DBT and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has enabled biotechnology experiments during space missions, expanding India’s research frontiers.
Digital Governance Push
The Minister also launched DBT’s revamped website aligned with the Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) framework. This reflects the government’s commitment to standardized digital governance.
The launch of SUJVIKA marks a significant step toward AI-enabled biotechnology intelligence. It strengthens strategic planning and accelerates India’s journey toward a trillion-dollar bioeconomy.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
SUJVIKA Portal Strengthens India Bioeconomy Vision:
| Topic | Detail |
| Department Founded | 1986 |
| Foundation Day Celebrated | 40th in 2026 |
| Portal Launched | SUJVIKA AI Biotech Data Portal |
| Collaborating Body | Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises |
| Bioeconomy Size 2014 | Nearly USD 10 billion |
| Bioeconomy Size 2024 | USD 165.7 billion |
| Target by 2047 | $1 trillion bioeconomy |
| GenomeIndia Data | 10,000 individuals, 99 populations |
| National Biofoundries | 6 biofoundries |
| Bio-incubators | 95 across 21 States and UTs |





