Cabinet Approves 'Bio-RIDE' Scheme to Boost Biotechnology Research and Innovation

The Bio-RIDE scheme is expected to play a significant role in realizing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of two umbrella schemes from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), merging them into a single initiative called the Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE). This new scheme will introduce a component focused on Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry. The Bio-RIDE scheme comprises three key components:

Biotechnology Research and Development (R&D)

Industrial & Entrepreneurship Development (I&ED)

Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry

With a proposed outlay of ₹9,197 crore for the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-22 to 2025-26), the Bio-RIDE scheme aims to foster innovation, promote bio-entrepreneurship, and position India as a global leader in biomanufacturing and biotechnology. The initiative seeks to accelerate research, enhance product development, and bridge the gap between academic research and industrial applications, supporting national and global challenges in healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and clean energy.

Key objectives of the Bio-RIDE scheme include:

Promoting Bio-Entrepreneurship: Providing seed funding, incubation support, and mentorship to foster a robust ecosystem for startups in the biotechnology sector.

Advancing Innovation: Offering grants and incentives for pioneering research in areas such as synthetic biology, biopharmaceuticals, bioenergy, and bioplastics.

Facilitating Industry-Academia Collaboration: Enhancing partnerships between academic institutions, research organizations, and industry to expedite the commercialization of bio-based products.

Encouraging Sustainable Biomanufacturing: Emphasizing environmentally sustainable practices in biomanufacturing, aligning with India’s green initiatives.

Supporting Researchers through Extramural Funding: Advancing scientific research and innovation by providing funding to research institutions, universities, and individual researchers in diverse fields, including agriculture and healthcare.

Nurturing Human Resources in Biotechnology: Supporting the development of students and young researchers in biotechnology through capacity building and skills training.

Additionally, the new Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry component will align with the ‘Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)’ initiative, promoting sustainable solutions to combat climate change. This aspect of the Bio-RIDE scheme aims to harness the potential of biomanufacturing to develop innovative solutions that improve healthcare outcomes, boost agricultural productivity, and expand India’s bioeconomy.

The DBT's efforts are aligned with its vision to utilize biotechnology as a critical tool for national development and societal well-being, aiming for India to achieve a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030. The Bio-RIDE scheme is expected to play a significant role in realizing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.