Guwahati, Mar 12: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Government of Assam have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy.
This Centre-State partnership, the first of its kind under the BioE3 framework, is poised to accelerate high-performance biomanufacturing and foster a sustainable biotechnology ecosystem in Assam.
The MoU marks the culmination of extensive consultations, high-level meetings, and collaborative efforts between DBT and the Government of Assam. A key milestone in this journey was the Centre-State Partnership Conclave held last month, chaired by Hon’ble Union Minister of Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh. During the conclave, state governments were encouraged to collaborate with DBT and establish State BioE3 Cells to drive regional biotechnology innovation.
The BioE3 Policy aims to position India as a global leader in bio-based innovations. It emphasizes sustainable biomanufacturing across multiple sectors, including bio-based chemicals, APIs, biopolymers, enzymes, climate-resilient agriculture, functional foods, smart proteins, carbon capture and utilization, precision biotherapeutics (cell & gene therapy, mRNA therapeutics, and monoclonal antibodies), as well as futuristic marine and space research.
To support these ambitious goals, the policy envisions the creation of BioEnablers such as Biofoundries, Biomanufacturing Hubs, and BioAI Hubs.
The MoU formalizes a strategic collaboration in which DBT will extend its expertise and facilitate partnerships, while the Government of Assam will take the lead by establishing a State BioE3 Cell and developing the Assam BioE3 Action Plan. This initiative highlights Assam’s commitment to leveraging its rich biodiversity and agricultural strengths to build a robust biomanufacturing ecosystem in the state.
The signing ceremony took place at DBT headquarters in New Delhi and was attended 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.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ravi Kota highlighted Assam’s proactive approach to biotechnology innovation. He noted that the Assam Cabinet has already approved the Assam BioE3 Action Plan and established a dedicated State-level BioE3 Cell. He also emphasized that several discussions with key stakeholders have been conducted to refine the action plan and ensure its alignment with the state’s strategic objectives.
Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT, underscored the importance of Centre-State partnerships in realizing the goals of the BioE3 Policy. He described the policy as a transformative framework designed to drive sustainable growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship.
