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The State Governments were encouraged to foster collaborations with the DBT and establish State BioE3 Cells
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Government of Assam signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy. This Centre-State partnership is the first of its kind under the BioE3 framework and aims to accelerate high-performance biomanufacturing while fostering a sustainable biotechnology ecosystem in Assam.
The MoU signing is a culmination of extensive consultations, high-level meetings, and collaborative efforts made by the DBT and the Government of Assam. A landmark step in this journey was the Centre-State Partnership Conclave held last month under the chairpersonship of Union Minister of Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh, where the State Governments were encouraged to foster collaborations with the DBT and establish State BioE3 Cells.
The BioE3 Policy, approved by the Union Cabinet on 24th August 2024, envisages establishing India as a global leader in bio-based innovations, emphasising sustainable biomanufacturing across various thematic areas including bio-based chemicals, APIs, biopolymers, enzymes, climate-resilient agriculture, functional foods, smart proteins, carbon capture& utilisation, precision biotherapeutics (cell & gene therapy, mRNA therapeutics & monoclonal antibody), as well as futuristic marine and space research. By integrating these diverse fields, the Policy seeks to drive both economic growth and environmental sustainability. These Sectors will be augmented by BioEnablers (setting up of Biofoundries, Biomanufacturing and BioAI Hubs)
The MoU signed between DBT and the Government of Assam formalises a strategic collaboration in which DBT will extend its guidance and facilitate partnerships, while the Government of Assam will spearhead initiatives by establishing a State BioE3 Cell and developing an Assam BioE3 Action Plan. This collaboration underscores Assam’s proactive approach to harnessing its rich biodiversity and agricultural strength to build a robust biomanufacturing ecosystem in the State.
The MoU signing took place at DBT headquarters in New Delhi, in the presence of key dignitaries- Dr Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT, DG BRIC and Chairman BIRAC; Dr Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, Dr Alka Sharma, Senior Adviser/Sc‘H’, DBT; Pallav Gopal Jha, Secretary, Department of Science, Technology & Climate Change, Government of Assam; and Dr Jitendra Kumar, MD, BIRAC.