India to Set Up Regional BIRAC Centers to Boost Biotech Startups and Manufacturing

Acknowledging the crucial role of start-ups in propelling India's biotech sector, Dr. Singh called for stronger handholding mechanisms, increased incubator support, and early-stage funding opportunities.

In a landmark initiative aimed at transforming India into a global biotechnology hub, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the establishment of Regional BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) Centers across the country. The announcement came during a high-level review meeting of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), attended by Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary DBT and Chairman of BIRAC, Shri Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director BIRAC, and other senior officials and scientists.

The new Regional BIRAC Centers, to be developed in collaboration with state governments, are envisioned as dynamic innovation and incubation hubs designed to accelerate biotech StartUps and advance India’s biomanufacturing ecosystem. These centers aim to harness regional biotech potential and will serve as critical nodes for nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

Focus on Regional Collaboration and Bio-E3 Cells

Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of comprehensive mapping of each state’s biotechnology capabilities. He directed the Department of Biotechnology to partner closely with states to identify sector-specific opportunities and set up Bio E3 (Economy, Environment, and Employment) Cells. These specialized cells will serve as catalytic platforms to provide technical assistance, promote innovation, and facilitate the scaling of biotech ventures.

He lauded Assam for becoming the first Indian state to establish a dedicated Bio E3 Cell and encouraged other states to follow suit. “These cells will play a crucial role in decentralizing India’s biotech innovation and making it inclusive,” he said.

Strengthening Startup Ecosystem and Global Investment

Acknowledging the crucial role of start-ups in propelling India's biotech sector, Dr. Singh called for stronger handholding mechanisms, increased incubator support, and early-stage funding opportunities. He emphasized the significance of integrating the Indian startup ecosystem with global investors to ensure the inflow of cutting-edge technologies and capital.

Dr. Singh also highlighted the importance of attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into key areas such as biomanufacturing and biofoundries. “Global partnerships are essential for scaling up our biotech capabilities and ensuring that India becomes a preferred destination for biomanufacturing investment,” he remarked.

Tripartite Model and Core R&D Infrastructure

A major highlight of the meeting was Dr. Singh’s push for a Tripartite Model that synergizes Research Infrastructure, StartUps, and Industrial R&D. He underscored the necessity of creating robust Core R&D Facilities across the country that are equipped with state-of-the-art biomanufacturing tools and pilot-scale units.

These core facilities will focus on early-stage validation, upscaling, and commercialization of innovative biotech solutions. The objective is to reduce the innovation-to-market timeline and ensure that promising technologies are translated into scalable products.

States Keen on Biotechnology Parks

Recalling the successful Centre-State Biotech Partnership Summit held recently in Delhi, Dr. Singh reiterated the government's commitment to enabling biotechnology development at the grassroots level. He noted that several state governments have expressed keen interest in establishing Biotechnology Parks in partnership with DBT and BIRAC.

“These parks will serve as regional innovation clusters, helping states build local expertise while contributing to the national bioeconomy,” he said.

Push for Regenerative Technologies and Industry Partnerships

Dr. Singh also stressed the growing global relevance of regenerative technologies in areas like tissue engineering, gene therapies, and precision medicine. He instructed the Department to integrate regenerative medicine into India’s biotech roadmap and to facilitate partnerships with global biotech leaders and Indian industry.

Drawing a parallel with India’s space sector success, Dr. Singh said, “Just like ISRO became a symbol of self-reliant technology leadership, we must replicate this success in the biotech sector.”

4P Model and Global BIRAC Centers

In a forward-looking directive, Dr. Singh encouraged the Department to explore the 4P Model—Public-Private-People Partnership—for inclusive biotech development. He also endorsed proposals to set up BIRAC Centers globally to attract next-generation biomanufacturing technologies, international collaborations, and strategic investments.

“The future of biotechnology is borderless,” he said. “Global BIRAC Centers will strengthen India’s presence in international biotech ecosystems.”

India's Rising Global Biotech Standing

Dr. Singh expressed pride in India’s growing global leadership in biotech research. India now ranks third in the world in terms of biotech-related publications, with nearly two-thirds of the research output coming from DBT-funded initiatives.

“This remarkable achievement reflects the scientific strength and research culture of our country,” he noted. “Our strategic goal is to ensure that innovation drives our economy, and biotech plays a central role in achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to advancing India's bioeconomy through science-led policies, collaborative partnerships, and strategic investment. With this renewed vision, India is poised to emerge as a powerhouse in global biotechnology, leveraging its research talent, industrial base, and startup energy to shape the future of biomanufacturing and innovation.