BioE3

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Context:

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister approved the proposal ‘BioE3(Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing’ of the Department of Biotechnology.

What is BioE3 policy?

• BioE3 represents a strategic initiative to propel India towards a sustainable and prosperous future. By harnessing the power of biotechnology and leveraging its unique resources, India is well-positioned to become a global leader in the bioeconomy.
• The BioE3 Policy primarily concentrates on the following strategic sectors:
  • • High-value bio-based chemicals,
    • Biopolymers & enzymes;
    • Smart proteins & functional foods;
    • Precision biotherapeutics;
    • Climate-resilient agriculture;
    • Carbon capture & its utilization;
    • Marine and space research.

Key Factors Driving BioE3

• Biotechnological Innovations: The advent of modern genetics, pharmaceuticals and crops is changing all age-old techniques.
  • • These advances are improving productivity, reducing consumption of resources and creating new economic possibilities.
• Government Support: There are various policies and initiatives including Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) that grant funds to start-ups and research institutions.
  • • The encouragement by the government is pivotal in building an environment suitable for growth & innovation.
• Biodiversity: Since India has rich biodiversity, it provides a unique advantage.
  • • The country is rich in biological resources and has a large number of plants, animals that may be useful for many purposes like human food medicine etc.
• Skilled Workforce: A large pool of talented scientists and researchers drives the bioeconomy forward.
  • • India’s education system, with its emphasis on STEM fields, ensures a steady supply of skilled professionals.

Significance of the policy:

• The salient features of BioE3 policy include innovation-driven support to R&D and entrepreneurship across thematic sectors.
• This will accelerate technology development and commercialization by establishing Biomanufacturing & Bio-AI hubs and Biofoundry.
• Along with prioritizing regenerative bioeconomy models of green growth, this policy will facilitate expansion of India’s skilled workforce and provide a surge in job creation.
• Policy will further strengthen Government’s initiatives such as ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy & ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ and will steer India on the path of accelerated ‘Green Growth’ by promoting ‘Circular Bioeconomy’.
• The BioE3 Policy will foster and advance future that is more sustainable, innovative, and responsive to global challenges and lays down the Bio-vision for Viksit Bharat.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2048568

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following sectors are primarily focused on under the BioE3 Policy of the Department of Biotechnology? High-value bio-based chemicals Nanotubules Smart proteins and functional foods Precision biotherapeutics DNA Sequencing. Select the correct answer using the codes below: A. 1,2 and 4 only B. 1, 2 and 3 only C. 1,3 and 5 only D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Answer: C FDC drugs are not always considered safer or more effective than individual components; safety and efficacy depend on rigorous testing.