Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the "International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology" (ICGEB) Board Meeting of Governors on May 14, 2025.

He emphasized India's growing role in the global biotech community, promoting the creation of the first "DST-ICGEB Bio-Foundry" with public funding and the expansion of its bioeconomy from $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024.

The country's biotech achievements were as highlighted:

• By 2024, its bioeconomy will have grown from $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion.

• More than 10,000 biotech startups are based in India, which is ranked third in Asia-Pacific and 12th globally for biotech.

• India developed the world's first DNA-based vaccine, introduced Nafithromycin, and developed diagnostic kits for Dengue and HIV.

• The BioE3 Policy, approved in August 2024, aims to build a resilient ecosystem for bio-based products and enhance biomanufacturing.

• India plays a significant role in ICGEB, with 105 international PhDs and 112 postdoctoral researchers trained in New Delhi.

India has five priority areas for biotech growth: bioenergy, bio-industrial, bio-plantation, biomedical, and biomanufacturing. With visionary leadership, India is set to steer towards becoming a global bioeconomic leader.