NEW DELHI: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Government of Assam signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) under the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy. This Centre-State partnership is the first of its kind under the BioE3 framework and aims to accelerate high-performance biomanufacturing while fostering a sustainable biotechnology ecosystem in Assam, the Ministry of Science & Technology said in a statement on Wednesday.The MoU signing is a culmination of extensive consultations, high-level meetings, and collaborative efforts made by the DBT and the Government of Assam. A landmark step in this journey was the Centre-State Partnership Conclave held last month under the chairpersonship of Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh where the state governments were encouraged to foster collaborations with the DBT and establish State BioE3 Cells.
The BioE3 Policy, approved by the Union Cabinet on 24th August 2024, envisages to establish India as a global leader in bio-based innovations, emphasizing sustainable biomanufacturing across various thematic areas including bio-based chemicals, APIs, biopolymers, enzymes, climate-resilient agriculture, functional foods, smart proteins, carbon capture& utilization, precision biotherapeutics (cell and gene therapy, mRNA therapeutics and monoclonal antibody), as well as futuristic marine and space research. By integrating these diverse fields, the policy seeks to drive both economic growth and environmental sustainability. These sectors will be augmented by BioEnablers such as setting up of Biofoundries, Biomanufacturing and BioAI Hubs, it said.
The MoU signed between DBT, and the Government of Assam formalizes a strategic collaboration in which DBT will extend its guidance and facilitate partnerships, while the latter will spearhead initiatives by establishing a State BioE3 Cell and developing an Assam BioE3 Action Plan. This collaboration underscores Assam’s proactive approach to harnessing its rich biodiversity and agricultural strength to build a robust biomanufacturing ecosystem in the state, it said.
The MoU signing took place at DBT headquarters in New Delhi, in the presence of Dr Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT, DG BRIC and Chairman BIRAC, Dr Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, Dr Alka Sharma, Senior Adviser/Sc‘H’, DBT, Pallav Gopal Jha, Secretary, Department of Science, Technology & Climate Change, Government of Assam and Dr Jitendra Kumar, MD, BIRAC.
Ravi Kota in his address underscored that the Assam Cabinet has approved the Assam BioE3 Action Plan and established a dedicated State-level BioE3 Cell, underscoring Assam’s proactive approach to biotechnology innovation, and added that several discussion meetings with key stakeholders were held to refine the Action Plan and ensure it aligns with the state’s strategic objectives.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rajesh Gokhale highlighted the crucial role of Centre-State partnership in achieving the goals of the BioE3 Policy by establishing BioE3 Cells in the States. He emphasized that the BioE3 Policy is a transformative framework for sustainable growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship. This MoU marks a new chapter in Centre-State collaboration and sets a strong foundation for the future of biotechnology in Assam.
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This MoU between DBT and the Government of Assam, not only signifies a pivotal moment in Centre-state collaboration under the BioE3 Policy but also lays the groundwork for a new era of transformative innovation, sustainable economic growth, and inclusive employment opportunities. With this partnership, both DBT, Govt of India and the Govt of Assam are charting a course toward a resilient and environmentally responsible biotechnology ecosystem that will benefit India for generations to come, it added.
