India Unveils First Biofoundry Network with 21 Facilities Nationwide

In a landmark move that places India firmly on the global biotechnology map, Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Monday launched the country’s first Biofoundry Network, a pan-India initiative of 21 cutting-edge facilities designed to accelerate biomanufacturing, foster start-up innovation, reduce import dependency, and create jobs.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), is set to play a central role in India’s ambition of building a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030, up from the current $165 billion in 2024.

The unveiling also marked the first anniversary of the BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Environment, Economy and Employment), approved in 2024, which laid the foundation for advancing biomanufacturing in the country.

What is the Biofoundry Network?

The Biofoundry Network represents a new wave of shared infrastructure in India’s biotechnology sector. These facilities leverage advanced tools in biotechnology, automation, and artificial intelligence to design, build, and test biological systems at scale.

Unlike traditional isolated laboratories, biofoundries are collaborative platforms that provide pilot-scale and pre-commercial scale support to start-ups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), industries, and academic institutions. By lowering the barriers of infrastructure access, they ensure faster translation of scientific breakthroughs into commercial applications.

Nationwide Presence with Sectoral Focus

The network spans 21 facilities across India, each tailored to meet sector-specific needs:

• Ahmedabad – Commercial production of probiotics by Sundyota Numandis Probioceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
  
• IIT Madras – Facility to develop and scale products for pharma and cosmetics.
  
• Bhubaneswar (KIIT-TBI) – Dedicated biofoundry for marine biotechnology products.
  

Other facilities will cater to microbial biomanufacturing, sustainable chemicals, biofuels, food technology, and agricultural biotech, supporting innovations that range from healthcare to marine ecosystems.

These centres are designed not only to foster domestic capabilities but also to serve as nodes for global partnerships and export-oriented growth.

Driving India’s Bioeconomy Vision

Unveiling the network, Dr. Jitendra Singh described the initiative as more than just a set of facilities:

“This is more than just infrastructure; it is a transformative ecosystem that will create jobs, promote green growth, and reinforce India’s standing as a global bioeconomy leader. By aligning with our climate commitments and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, we are laying the foundation for a multi-trillion-dollar bioeconomy by 2047.”

This statement reflects India’s determination to move beyond being a consumer of biotech products to becoming a global producer, exporter, and innovation leader.

Support for Start-ups and Innovators

One of the biggest challenges for Indian start-ups and innovators in biotechnology has been the “valley of death”—the difficult transition from lab-scale research to commercial-scale production.

Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of BIRAC, emphasized that the Biofoundry Network addresses this gap directly:

“Start-ups and innovators often face bottlenecks in scaling their technologies. With this network, we are providing critical access to pilot-scale and commercial-ready facilities, which will not only strengthen self-reliance but also open new avenues for exports and global partnerships.”

By offering ready-to-use infrastructure, the biofoundries ensure that start-ups do not need to invest heavily in expensive facilities, thereby lowering risk and encouraging entrepreneurship.

Collaboration and Integration Across Institutions

Rajesh S. Gokhale, DBT Secretary and BIRAC Chairman, highlighted the collaborative aspect:

“High-performance biomanufacturing platforms will ensure our institutions and industries no longer work in isolation. By providing shared infrastructure and encouraging collaboration, we are enabling discoveries to move rapidly from the lab to the marketplace, shaping India’s growth story in biotechnology.”

This emphasis on integration is crucial because India’s biotechnology ecosystem is vast but fragmented. The Biofoundry Network will serve as a convergence point, linking academic research, industrial application, and government support.

Green Growth and Climate Commitments

The Biofoundry Network is not just about economic growth—it also aligns with India’s climate goals and the global push for green growth.

Biomanufacturing offers sustainable alternatives to traditional industrial processes, producing biofuels, bioplastics, enzymes, and bio-based chemicals that reduce carbon emissions and environmental degradation.

By embedding green growth into the core of biotechnology, India is positioning itself as a responsible innovation hub that balances economic aspirations with ecological commitments.

Implications for Jobs and Skill Development

The creation of 21 biofoundry facilities will generate direct and indirect employment opportunities. Skilled roles in biotechnology, AI-driven automation, data analytics, and bioengineering will be in demand, driving the need for new curricula in universities and technical institutions.

Additionally, as biofoundries expand into marine biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable agriculture, India will witness the emergence of specialized career paths that blend science, technology, and sustainability.

Global Significance of India’s Move

Globally, countries such as the US, UK, and China have already invested heavily in biofoundry ecosystems. India’s decision to establish a national-level Biofoundry Network signals its intent to compete and collaborate at the highest level of biomanufacturing and biotechnology innovation.

This development enhances India’s appeal as a destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in biotechnology, while also building domestic capabilities that reduce reliance on imports of high-value bio-based products.

The Road to a $300 Billion Bioeconomy

India’s bioeconomy has already shown remarkable growth, expanding from $70 billion in 2018 to $165 billion in 2024. With the Biofoundry Network in place, the next milestone of $300 billion by 2030 appears within reach.

Long-term, the vision is to build a multi-trillion-dollar bioeconomy by 2047, the year marking 100 years of India’s independence. Achieving this will require not just infrastructure, but also policy support, global partnerships, and continued investment in research and innovation.

A Defining Moment for India’s Biotechnology Future

The launch of the Biofoundry Network with 21 facilities is a defining moment for India’s biotechnology journey. It represents a strategic blend of science, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

By empowering start-ups, strengthening industries, creating jobs, and driving green growth, the initiative aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and reinforces its role as a global bioeconomy leader.

As the facilities begin to take shape across Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bhubaneswar, and beyond, India’s transition from a biotechnology consumer to an innovation powerhouse will gather momentum—propelling the nation closer to its $300 billion bioeconomy goal by 2030.

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