India’s First National Biofoundry Network

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Ministry of Science and Technology (S&T) launched the BioE3 Challenge for Youth and the country’s first National Biofoundry Network.

• Aim - To accelerate biotechnology innovation, scale up biomanufacturing, and create jobs.
• Launched in – August 27, 2025.
• Nodal Ministry – Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology.
• Objective – To provide a collaborative platform for advancing research in areas like synthetic biology and sustainable biotech.
• Institutional Collaboration – It involves 6 institutions to help scale up opportunities.
  • International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi – Microbial Biomanufacturing
  • National Agri-Food and Biomanufacturing Institute (NABI), Punjab – Agri-Food Bio-Mug
  • National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune – Bioengineering Research Centre
  • Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT), Haryana – Bio-botanical Pesticides
  • Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad– Bio-Enabler Hub
  • Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Mumbai – Advanced Cancer Cell Therapy Hub.

BioE3 Challenge for Youth

• BioE3 – Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment.
• Objective – To empower grassroots innovators, foster youth-led change, and strengthen India’s journey towards a sustainable and self-reliant bioeconomy.
• Theme – “Design Microbes, Molecules & More”.
• Participation – It is open to school students (Classes 6–12), university students, researchers, faculty, startups and Indian nationals.
• Designing safe-by-default biological solutions addressing challenges in health, agriculture, environment and industry.
• Awards – The top 10 winning solutions each receive a cash award of Rs 1 lakh along with recognition and mentoring support.
• Funding of up to Rs 25 lakh will be provided to 100 selected awardees through the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
• Design framework – It guides participants to define real needs,
  • Build Evidence-first solutions
  • Ensure Sustainability by design
  • Pursue Integration with other technologies and policies
  • Develop strategies to Go-to-market.
• It creates a Net-positive impact through measurable outcomes in jobs, inclusion, and equitable access.

Quick Facts

References

1. The Hindu| India’s first National Biofoundry Network
2. PIB| BioE3 Challenge for Youth
3. PIB| BioE3 Policy

Related News – India Bio-Economy Report