Union Minister Advocates for Private Sector Integration in Biotechnology Research
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, has called upon national research and development institutions to actively pursue interdisciplinary collaborations with the private sector. This appeal comes in the wake of the Central government's liberalization of the nuclear medicine domain, opening new avenues for partnership and innovation.
Foundation Stone Laid for Advanced cGMP Facility
The minister made these remarks while laying the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) facility at the Akkulam campus of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Centre-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) in Thiruvananthapuram. On the same occasion, he also dedicated the National Facility for Recombinant Cells & Sensors, marking a significant milestone in biotechnology research and development within the country.
"There is immense potential for collaborations in nuclear medicine research," stated Singh. "BRIC-RGCB can forge partnerships with various institutes across the nation, including those in the private sector. We have the opportunity to integrate private partners and other collaborators, especially now that the nuclear medical mission has been opened to them."
India's Pioneering Biotechnology Policy
Highlighting India's proactive stance, the minister noted that the country is among the few globally to have introduced a dedicated and exclusive biotechnology policy known as the 'BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy'. He further pointed to the recent announcement of the Biopharma SHAKTI Mission in the new budget as evidence that policymakers recognize the future economy will be biodriven.
"This shift represents a paradigm for other sectors as well, encouraging a transition to new domains such as green cycling, regeneration, and the circular economy," Singh elaborated. "These elements are set to become the new determinants of any nation's economic strength and sustainability."
Decade of Scientific Advancement and BRIC-RGCB's Achievements
Reflecting on the past ten years, the minister emphasized that there has been a substantial push and prioritization of all scientific domains, with biotechnology receiving particular focus. He praised the strides made by BRIC-RGCB, noting that its researchers have gained recognition in several critical areas:
- Molecular biology
- Disease biology
- Genomic research
- Cancer research
The institution has successfully attracted researchers and students from across India, engaging them in diverse streams including sequencing, bioinformatics, interdisciplinary collaborations, and cancer research. This convergence of talent and expertise positions BRIC-RGCB as a key player in advancing India's biotechnology landscape.
Singh's address underscores a strategic vision to harness private sector capabilities alongside public research institutions, fostering an ecosystem that accelerates innovation and positions India at the forefront of the global biodriven economy.
