India Launches First National Biofoundry Network under BioE3 Policy
India has taken a historic step in the field of biotechnology by launching its first National Biofoundry Network (NBN) in 2025. This initiative was introduced under the BioE3 Policy (Economy, Environment, Employment) with the vision of transforming India into a global hub for sustainable biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
Unveiled by Union Science & Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, the project marks a strong beginning toward realizing India’s ambitious target of creating a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030. This landmark development highlights how science, innovation, and entrepreneurship can come together to fuel economic growth, create employment, and protect the environment.
What is the National Biofoundry Network?
The National Biofoundry Network (NBN) is a collaborative national-level platform consisting of six premier biotechnology institutions in India. The aim of this network is to transform advanced biotech research into practical, market-ready solutions that can benefit industries, society, and the environment.
The NBN is like a biotechnology factory of the future, where researchers, start-ups, and industries can collaborate under one roof to:
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Design new biotech solutions
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Prototype innovative products
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Test their effectiveness
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Scale them up for commercial production
It provides an end-to-end ecosystem for biotechnology research and application.
Areas of Focus
The National Biofoundry Network focuses on multiple cutting-edge fields, such as:
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Advanced Biomanufacturing – creating bio-based products, fuels, and chemicals.
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Synthetic Biology – redesigning organisms for useful purposes, such as producing medicines or bio-materials.
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Gene Editing (CRISPR technologies) – precise editing of genetic material for agriculture, healthcare, and environmental applications.
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Climate-Smart Agriculture – biotechnology solutions that help crops withstand droughts, pests, and changing climate conditions.
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Green Biotechnology – sustainable practices like waste reduction and eco-friendly bio-products.
This makes the NBN a one-stop hub for developing and scaling up next-generation biotech innovations.
Objectives of the National Biofoundry Network
The National Biofoundry Network is not just about science—it is about shaping the future of India’s bioeconomy. Its long-term objectives include:
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Strengthening Indigenous Biomanufacturing
Reducing dependence on foreign technologies and building local capabilities in producing bio-based products. -
Aligning with BioE3 Policy
The initiative supports the BioE3 Policy pillars: Economy, Environment, and Employment. -
Accelerating Research-to-Market Transition
Ensuring that ideas in laboratories don’t just stay as research papers but reach industries, markets, and people in the form of products. -
Promoting Youth Innovation
Empowering students, researchers, and start-ups to bring fresh biotech solutions and create new entrepreneurial opportunities. -
Global Leadership in Biotechnology
Positioning India as a sustainable biotech leader on the global stage.
Key Features of the National Biofoundry Network
The NBN has been designed with several unique features that make it a groundbreaking initiative:
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Integrated Network – Six top biotech institutions working together as a unified platform.
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End-to-End Facility – Covers everything from designing an idea → prototyping → testing → scaling up.
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Focus on Cutting-Edge Technologies – Includes synthetic biology, CRISPR-based gene editing, and other advanced biotech tools.
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Innovation Funding – Linked with the BioE3 Challenge, which funds young innovators and start-ups.
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Global Collaborations – Connected with international biofoundry networks for sharing knowledge and research expertise.
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Boost to Employment and Start-ups – Expected to generate thousands of biotech jobs and incubate start-ups.
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Sustainability Lens – Projects designed to tackle climate resilience, waste reduction, and a bio-based economy.
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Open Access – Provides access to infrastructure for academia, industry, and independent researchers.
Why is This Initiative Important?
The launch of the National Biofoundry Network is significant for several reasons:
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Economic Growth: By boosting the bioeconomy, India can achieve its $300 billion bioeconomy target by 2030, contributing strongly to GDP growth.
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Job Creation: Thousands of jobs will be created in biotech research, manufacturing, and start-ups.
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Self-Reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat): Indigenous technologies reduce reliance on costly foreign imports.
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Global Competitiveness: Positions India alongside countries like the USA, UK, and Singapore, which already have biofoundry ecosystems.
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Environmental Sustainability: Bio-based and green technologies will reduce carbon emissions, manage waste, and promote clean energy solutions.
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Food & Agriculture Security: With climate-smart agriculture, India can safeguard food production against climate change challenges.
Role of the BioE3 Policy
The NBN is launched under the BioE3 Policy, which emphasizes three core aspects:
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Economy – Building a strong bioeconomy that drives growth and revenue.
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Environment – Ensuring eco-friendly innovations that reduce pollution and conserve resources.
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Employment – Generating jobs in biotech manufacturing, research, and entrepreneurship.
This policy ensures that biotechnology not only contributes to science but also to sustainable development and nation-building.
Global Collaborations and India’s Leadership
India’s entry into the biofoundry ecosystem comes at a time when biotechnology is shaping the global economy. Countries across Europe, North America, and Asia already have national biofoundries. By launching the NBN, India joins this elite group while bringing its own unique advantages:
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A large pool of skilled scientists and engineers.
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A thriving start-up ecosystem supported by government initiatives.
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Strong global partnerships with organizations in biotechnology, health, and climate science.
Through collaborations with international biofoundry networks, India will not only learn but also contribute innovations tailored to the needs of developing and emerging economies.
Opportunities for Youth and Start-ups
The NBN is a golden opportunity for India’s youth. By providing infrastructure, funding, and mentorship, the initiative will:
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Encourage students to pursue biotechnology research.
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Help young entrepreneurs convert ideas into start-ups.
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Offer global exposure through collaborations and exchanges.
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Support innovation in healthcare, agriculture, energy, and environment.
This ensures that the next decade of biotechnology will be youth-driven.
Future Outlook: Towards a $300 Billion Bioeconomy
The launch of the National Biofoundry Network is just the beginning. By 2030, India aims to:
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Achieve a $300 billion bioeconomy, powered by indigenous manufacturing.
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Create millions of jobs in biotech and allied sectors.
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Lead globally in sustainable biotech solutions for agriculture, climate change, and healthcare.
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Expand start-up ecosystems with hundreds of biotech enterprises.
If successful, this initiative will position India as not just a participant but a global leader in biotechnology.
Conclusion
The launch of India’s first National Biofoundry Network under the BioE3 Policy in 2025 is a landmark step in the journey toward building a self-reliant, innovative, and sustainable bioeconomy. With six premier institutions working in collaboration, and with a focus on cutting-edge technologies like synthetic biology and gene editing, the NBN will accelerate India’s growth in biotechnology.
It will not only create jobs and promote start-ups but also align with national and global sustainability goals. By achieving the $300 billion bioeconomy target by 2030, India will establish itself as a global hub for biotech innovation and green growth.
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