In 2025, India inaugurated its inaugural National Biofoundry Network (NBN) as part of the BioE3 Policy, aimed at enhancing native biomanufacturing and attaining a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030. The unveiling by Union Science & Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh establishes India as a key player in sustainable biotechnology and indigenous biomanufacturing.
Overview of the National Biofoundry Network
The National Biofoundry Network (NBN) is a collaborative initiative among six leading biotechnology institutions. Its primary objective is to convert biotech research into viable market solutions, driving innovation in advanced biomanufacturing, synthetic biology, gene editing, climate-smart agriculture, and green biotechnology. The network serves as a comprehensive ecosystem for the development, testing, and scaling up of biotech products.
Objectives of the National Biofoundry Network
- Strengthen indigenous biomanufacturing capacity.
- Align with BioE3 Policy objectives of economy, environment, and employment.
- Accelerate the transition of biotech innovations from research to market.
- Promote youth-led innovation, startups, and entrepreneurial initiatives.
- Position India as a global leader in sustainable biotechnology.
Features of the Biofoundry Network
- Integrated Network: Six institutions collaborating as a unified platform.
- End-to-End Facility: Encompassing design, prototyping, testing, and scaling up.
- Cutting-Edge Focus: Specializing in synthetic biology, CRISPR gene editing, and sustainable biotechnology.
- Innovation Funding: Linked to the BioE3 Challenge, supporting young innovators.
- Global Collaborations: Partnerships with international biofoundry networks for knowledge exchange.
- Employment & Start-up Boost: Generating employment in biotech and nurturing startups.
- Sustainability Lens: Emphasizing climate resilience, waste reduction, and a bio-based economy.
- Open Access: Providing infrastructure access to academia, industry, and researchers.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- India launched its National Biofoundry Network in 2025 under the BioE3 Policy to bolster indigenous biomanufacturing.
- The NBN aims to achieve a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030 through innovation in biotechnology.
- The network focuses on advanced biomanufacturing, synthetic biology, gene editing, and sustainable agriculture.
- It seeks to enhance employment opportunities, promote startups, and position India as a global biotech leader.
- The NBN operates as an integrated, end-to-end facility with a strong emphasis on sustainability and open access.
