By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : July 17, 2026 10:08 am
Dr. Jitendra Singh unveils bioeconomy roadmap targeting a $700 billion sector by 2035, with Engineering Biology positioned as a cornerstone for future innovation
India will introduce its first undergraduate programme in Engineering Biology, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced while launching the roadmap titled "Building India as a Leading Bioeconomy Powerhouse by 2035."
Describing the initiative as a milestone in strengthening India's biotechnology capabilities, the minister said Engineering Biology would become a foundational discipline for the country's next phase of scientific and economic growth, similar to the transformative role Computer Science played in the digital revolution.
"We have to have our own independent, sovereign ecosystem," Dr. Jitendra Singh said, adding that the new programme would equip students with interdisciplinary skills spanning engineering, biology, medicine and emerging technologies.
He also revealed that several Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have already submitted proposals for interdisciplinary courses in collaboration with medical institutions.
The announcement comes as part of a broader national strategy to position India among the world's leading bioeconomies. Dr. Jitendra Singh said India's bioeconomy has expanded from nearly USD 10 billion in 2014 to around USD 95 billion today and is projected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030. The country is now home to more than 11,000 biotechnology startups, reflecting rapid growth in innovation and entrepreneurship.
The minister highlighted India's achievements in biotechnology, including the development of the world's first DNA vaccine against COVID-19 and advances in indigenous CAR-T cell therapies and gene-based treatments. He said these innovations have strengthened India's position as a global biotechnology and healthcare destination while making advanced therapies more affordable.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said future growth would be driven by synthetic biology, AI-enabled biological research and biomanufacturing, with Engineering Biology creating the skilled workforce needed to support innovation across healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability and advanced manufacturing.
He also called for stronger industry participation, emphasising that successful biotechnology innovation depends on close collaboration between researchers, startups, manufacturers and policymakers.
Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, said India is among the world's fastest-growing bioeconomies, expanding at 15–18% annually, supported by nearly 100 bio-incubators, over 10,000 biotechnology companies, and policy initiatives such as the BioE3 Policy. He said the newly launched roadmap provides a strategic framework for advancing precision healthcare, sustainable agriculture, AI-enabled biology and innovation-driven biomanufacturing.
Prof. Gobardhan Das, Member, NITI Aayog, described the current phase as a defining moment for India's biotechnology sector. He said the roadmap envisions expanding India's bioeconomy to USD 700 billion by 2035, backed by a proposed Rs. 50,000 crore Bioeconomy Growth Fund, stronger talent pipelines and world-class biomanufacturing capabilities.