Department of Biotechnology

DBT: Delivering a Better Tomorrow We are into an era where #biotechnology is going to lead the next Industrial Revolution. With policies, schemes, initiatives, research, innovations and startup ecosystem, the DBT is laying the foundation for a better tomorrow. Catch a glimpse of #11YearsofScientificInnovations @DrJitendraSingh @rajesh_gokhale

#WomenInSTEM @DBTIndia Championing Women-Led Science for a Viksit Bharat. Dr. Bhawna Bissa, Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, @CURajasthan, is advancing research in RNA delivery and cancer therapeutics using plant-derived extracellular vesicles. Her work enables targeted delivery of siRNA and mRNA into cancer cells, offering biocompatible and innovative gene therapy solutions. Her research supports advancements in nanomedicine and precision oncology. #Nanotechnology #CancerResearch #ViksitBharat @DrJitendraSingh @rajesh_gokhale @BricDbt @NABI_India @bric_ils @NIPGRsocial @NImmunology @HydNiab @BRIC_CDFD @DBT_NCCS_Pune @ICGEB @DBT_inStem @DBT_NBRC @RGCB_Trivandrum @THSTIFaridaba @ICGEBNewDelhi @unescorcb @BIRAC_2012 @ICMRDELHI @MoHFW_INDIA @MinistryWCD @IndiaDST @moesgoi @ICMRDELHI @PrinSciAdvOff

#WomenInSTEM @DBTIndia Championing Women-Led Science for a Viksit Bharat. Dr. Aarti Sevilimedu, @drils_lifescien, Hyderabad is advancing research in mRNA and circRNA therapeutics for treating rare metabolic disorders like Methylmalonic Acidemia. Her work focuses on improving in vivo stability and efficacy of RNA-based therapies, enabling next-generation precision treatments. Her research strengthens innovation in RNA therapeutics and biomanufacturing. #RNATherapeutics #Biologics #ViksitBharat @DrJitendraSingh @rajesh_gokhale @BricDbt @NABI_India @bric_ils @NIPGRsocial @NImmunology @HydNiab @BRIC_CDFD @DBT_NCCS_Pune @ICGEB @DBT_inStem @DBT_NBRC @RGCB_Trivandrum @THSTIFaridabad @ICGEBNewDelhi @unescorcb @BIRAC_2012 @ICMRDELHI @MoHFW_INDIA @MinistryWCD @IndiaDST @moesgoi @ICMRDELHI @PrinSciAdvOff

#WomenInSTEM @DBTIndia Championing Women-Led Science for a Viksit Bharat. Dr. Sujatha Sunil, Group Leader, Vector Borne Diseases, @ICGEBNewDelhi, is advancing research on chikungunya virus by integrating outbreak genomics with functional virology. Her work uncovers host–virus interactions and regulatory pathways that drive viral replication and inflammation, enabling deeper understanding of disease dynamics across human and mosquito systems. Her research supports innovative approaches for infectious disease control and public health preparedness. #Virology #InfectiousDiseases #ViksitBharat @DrJitendraSingh @rajesh_gokhale @BricDbt @NABI_India @bric_ils @NIPGRsocial @NImmunology @HydNiab @BRIC_CDFD @DBT_NCCS_Pune @ICGEB @DBT_inStem @DBT_NBRC @RGCB_Trivandrum @THSTIFaridabad @ICGEBNewDelhi @unescorcb @BIRAC_2012 @ICMRDELHI @MoHFW_INDIA @MinistryWCD @IndiaDST @moesgoi @ICMRDELHI @PrinSciAdvOff

Dr Jitendra Singh , Hon’ble MoS (I/C), @IndiaDST laid the foundation stone of India’s first dedicated BioFoundry Centre at “National Agri-food & Biomanufacturing Institute" #NABI, #Chandigarh, under @DBTIndia , Government of India today.

Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, articulated a compelling narrative on the organisation’s evolution, key milestones, and future trajectory. He underscored that BIRAC functions not merely as a funding agency, but as an integrated enabler of the biotechnology innovation ecosystem—designing and operationalizing programmes that seamlessly bridge the continuum from ideation and translational research to product development and commercialisation. Highlighting ecosystem-building efforts, he noted the establishment of an extensive network of BioNEST incubation centres, which serve as critical feeder hubs nurturing early-stage innovations and catalysing the growth of India’s vibrant startup landscape. Complementing this, BIRAC has empaneled ~16 venture capitalist's partners, strengthening access to risk capital and accelerating the translation of innovations into market-ready solutions. In recent years, BIRAC-supported initiatives have resulted in the development of over 900 products of national significance, including India’s first indigenous mRNA vaccine platform, a portable MRI system, and a novel new chemical entity targeting antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Mentorship remains a cornerstone of this ecosystem, with a network of ~10,000 domain experts providing strategic guidance to innovators across stages. Looking ahead, the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund—supported with an allocation of ₹2000 crore over five years—is poised to transform the deep-tech financing landscape, enabling scale-up of high-impact innovations. As Dr. Kumar emphasised, “The innovation journey must continue to take India to new heights.” A strong and sustained push towards scaling innovation, strengthening translational pathways, and delivering solutions of national and global relevance continues to define BIRAC’s mission. @DrJitendraSingh @drjitendrak170

At AIIMS Jodhpur, i3c scholars visited CHC Dhundhara, exploring community health, Anganwadi services, and grassroots health education systems. @DrJitendraSingh @rajesh_gokhale @DBTIndia @BricDbt

@DrJitendraSingh , Hon’ble MoS (I/C), @IndiaDST laid the foundation stone of India’s first dedicated BioFoundry Centre at “National Agri-food & Biomanufacturing Institute #NABI, #Chandigarh, under @DBTIndia , Government of India, today. @NABI_India

Economic Times: India advancing towards $300-billion bioeconomy milestone by 2030 #BIRAC #DBT Read: m.economictimes.com/small-biz/sme-…

My Address after laying foundation stone of Rs 42 cr BioFoundary at the ‘National Agri-Food and Biomanufacturing Institute’ #NABI #Chandigarh: Key takeaways: “In the emerging global food scenario of lab foods including  animal free lab milk and lab mutton, the world is faced with rising global protein demand and environmental concerns requiring alternative and sustainable solutions. And therefore, “smart proteins” developed through microbial fermentation, plant biotechnology and synthetic biology offer a scalable and sustainable pathway for the future of food.  BioFoundaries like this can serve as ‘Smart Protein Forum’ bringing together research and industry to accelerate innovation in this emerging sector. The new facility will provide advanced infrastructure including large-scale fermenters, upstream and downstream processing systems, and high-throughput experimental platforms. It will also support #StartUps and industry through scale-up, pre-commercialisation and technology transfer, while also serving as a skill development hub for young professionals and entrepreneurs in biotechnology”.

Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology and Chairman, BIRAC, during his special address said, “The experiment of setting up BIRAC over the last 14 years is an amazing journey of how an ecosystem was built. The MD has already talked about it in detail, so my job is simple: to acknowledge that we have done well, but the journey ahead is steeper and stronger.” He added, “Biopesticides are what the country needs for the future, and Atmanirbhar Bharat through biotech innovation is critical. The next 25 years will define whether we can build global leadership, and moving from idea to impact requires careful management, where sustainability, resilience, and speed will be critical. One of the biggest strengths of BIRAC is backing bold ideas that conventional funding overlooks, and many companies were funded for the first time by BIRAC. Flagship programmes like the Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) and bio incubators have been game changers, while global partnerships, including with the World Bank and Gates Foundation, have been transformative.” Closing his address, he noted, “When science meets entrepreneurship, innovation can transform nations, and while the first journey is complete, now we begin the second. The next 15 years will be a defining period for our country.” @DrJitendraSingh @rajesh_gokhale @drjitendrak170

The Tribune: India's first BioFoundry comes up in #Mohali #NABI #DBT tribuneindia.com/news/chandigar…

India’s bioeconomy has grown from around $10 billion in 2014 to over $195 billion in 2025, reflecting significant progress. He noted that biotechnology is playing a key role in healthcare, agriculture, climate solutions, and sustainable manufacturing, with India aiming for a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030. The #BioE3 policy and a ₹1 lakh crore fund to boost research, innovation, and biotech startups. #BIRAC

Laid the foundation stone of India’s first dedicated BioFoundry Centre at “National Agri-food & Biomanufacturing Institute #NABI, #Chandigarh, under Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, with an outlay of ₹42 crore over two years. In an age when the world is exploring options of food security through “smart foods”, this facility will enable scaling of advanced agri-food biomanufacturing, including processed proteins, bio-inputs and bio-based products, bridging lab research with industry and thus also strengthening India’s bioeconomy.

किसानों के सशक्तिकरण की दिशा में एक महत्वपूर्ण पहल 🌱 @DBTIndia द्वारा डीबीटी–बायोटेक-किसान कार्यक्रम (2025–26) के अंतर्गत प्रस्ताव आमंत्रित किए गए हैं। यह कार्यक्रम जैव प्रौद्योगिकी आधारित समाधानों के माध्यम से किसानों को सशक्त बनाने, समावेशी एवं दोहराए जा सकने वाले मॉडल विकसित करने तथा “बीज से बाज़ार तक” की परिकल्पना को साकार करने की दिशा में एक महत्वपूर्ण कदम है। 📌 प्रमुख फोकस क्षेत्र: •⁠ ⁠जलवायु-स्मार्ट कृषि •⁠ ⁠स्मार्ट फार्मिंग तकनीकें •⁠ ⁠सहायक क्षेत्रों का विविधीकरण 📅 महत्वपूर्ण तिथियाँ: •⁠ ⁠आवेदन प्रारंभ: फरवरी 2026 का अंतिम सप्ताह •⁠ ⁠अंतिम तिथि: अप्रैल 2026 का प्रथम सप्ताह (शाम 5:00 बजे तक) कृषि नवाचार को आगे बढ़ाने के लिए सभी पात्र संस्थानों से सहभागिता का आह्वान। #BiotechKISAN #AgriculturalInnovation #FarmersFirst #Bioeconomy @DrJitendraSingh @rajesh_gokhale @BricDbt @NABI_India @bric_ils @NIPGRsocial @NImmunology @HydNiab @BRIC_CDFD @DBT_NCCS_Pune @ICGEB @DBT_inStem @DBT_NBRC @RGCB_Trivandrum @THSTIFaridabad @ICGEBNewDelhi @unescorcb @BIRAC_2012 @ICMRDELHI @MoHFW_INDIA @MinistryWCD @IndiaDST @moesgoi @ICMRDELHI @PrinSciAdvOff

As we step towards BIRAC’s 14th Foundation Day, BIRAC takes a moment to thank the people and partnerships that have shaped this journey. From researchers and startups to academic institutions and industry partners, this ecosystem has come together to turn ideas into impact. With the support of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, BIRAC has focused on enabling innovation on the ground - supporting products, creating jobs, and helping ventures grow. More than the numbers, it’s about building an ecosystem that gives innovators the right support at the right time. The work continues with the same intent of strengthening this ecosystem and taking Indian biotech further. @DrJitendraSingh @Rajesh_Gokhale @drjitendrak170 #BIRAC #FoundationDay #Biotech #InnovationEcosystem #ScienceToImpact

As we mark @BIRAC_2012 14th Foundation Day, we reflect on a journey that has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation in India. Through strategic funding, technology translation, and powerful public private partnerships, BIRAC has played a defining role in shaping a robust biotechnology ecosystem—one that connects science with real-world impact. In this message, @drjitendrak170 , MD, BIRAC, highlights how collective efforts across academia, startups, and industry have enabled the transformation of ideas into scalable, impactful solutions. A journey built on vision. Sustained by collaboration. Driven by impact. #FoundationDay #Innovation #ContinuedGrowth #Collaboration #Impac

As we commence the 14th Foundation Day of Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, please join us live on YouTube at 11:30 AM and be part of the celebration: youtube.com/live/vN3zts8np… @DrJitendraSingh @rajesh_gokhale . @DrJitendrak170 #BIRAC #FoundationDay #Innovation #Startups