Union Minister Jitendra Singh Launches India’s First National Biofoundry Network & BioE3 Challenge.
National
Union Minister of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh launched India’s first National Biofoundry Network and Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment (BioE3) Challenge for Youth on August 27, 2025, at the National Media Centre in New Delhi. The initiative aims to strengthen biotechnology as a major pillar of India’s economic growth.
- India’s first National Biofoundry Network is a strategic initiative under the BioE3 Policy, marking one year of its adoption. The launch demonstrates the Government of India’s (GoI) commitment to expand biotechnology innovation across multiple sectors, from healthcare to agriculture.
- The National Biofoundry Network includes six premier institutions: the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Biotechnology Research Innovation Council–National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (BRIC-NABI), Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT), National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), and the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) of Tata Memorial Centre.
Main Point :- (i) The BioE3 Challenge for Youth was also launched with the theme “Design Microbes, Molecules & More”. The challenge is open to school students (classes 6–12), undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, startups, and Indian citizens. Participants are tasked with designing safe-by-design bio-solutions addressing health, agriculture, environment, and industry needs.
(ii) The BioE3 Challenge will be held annually, beginning in October 2025. Each month, top 100 winners will be awarded a cash prize of â‚ą1.5 lakh along with recognition and mentorship from leading bio-innovation experts.
(iii) Additionally, 100 best teams will be shortlisted for further support, with funding of up to â‚ą25 lakh provided through the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). The funding will help accelerate the development of proof-of-concept biotech solutions and their transition into scalable products.
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