Introduction:
Biotechnology, a rapidly evolving field that combines biology with technology, has gained significant traction in India. With its diverse applications and potential for societal impact, biotech has become a key driver of innovation and economic growth in the country. If you are a beginner interested in exploring the world of biotechnology in India, this guide will provide you with an overview of the industry, its growth, and the key players shaping the landscape. Let us delve in!
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology refers to the application of scientific and engineering principles to manipulate biological systems, organisms, or their components for practical purposes. It encompasses a wide range of techniques, tools, and methodologies to understand and modify biological processes. By leveraging the diversity of life forms, biotechnology enables us to develop valuable products,
The Biotech Industry in India:
The biotech industry in India has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, driven by supportive government policies, a robust scientific ecosystem, and a skilled workforce. The sector encompasses various domains, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and healthcare services.
Suspension Cell Culture: Suspension cells grow in a free-floating manner, without attaching to a surface. They are cultured in liquid media contained in flasks or bioreactors. Suspension cells include immune cells, lymphocytes, and certain types of cancer cells.
Biotech Research and Development:
India boasts a strong research and development (R&D) infrastructure in biotechnology, with numerous academic institutions, research organizations, and biotech parks spread across the country. Institutions like the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) play a vital role in fostering biotech innovation.
Key Applications of Biotechnology in India:
Pharmaceuticals: The Indian pharmaceutical industry is renowned for its generic drug manufacturing capabilities. Biotechnology has contributed to the development of biologics, biosimilars, and innovative drug delivery systems, providing affordable healthcare solutions to the masses.
Agriculture: Biotechnology has transformed Indian agriculture by enhancing crop productivity, developing pest-resistant crops, and improving nutritional content. Genetically modified cotton (Bt cotton) is a prominent example of successful biotech adoption in the agricultural sector.
Healthcare Services:
Biotech-enabled healthcare services, such as diagnostic testing, genetic counselling, and personalized medicine, are gaining prominence in India. These services help in disease prevention, early detection, and targeted treatment.
Industrial Biotechnology:
This upcoming sector harnesses biological processes to produce biofuels, bioplastics, enzymes, and other environmentally friendly alternatives. Bioremediation, which uses microorganisms to clean up pollutants, is another application of industrial biotechnology.
Environmental Conservation:
Biotechnology aids in preserving the environment through techniques such as bioremediation, biological control of pests, and conservation genetics. It helps in monitoring and preserving endangered species and ecosystems.
Monitoring and Quality Control: Regularly monitoring cell culture health is important. Parameters such as cell density, viability, and contamination should be assessed using appropriate assays and microscopic examinations. Quality control includes regular testing of media, reagents, and equipment for sterility and functionality.
Biotech Startups and Entrepreneurship:
India's biotech landscape is vibrant with a growing number of startups and entrepreneurial ventures. These startups focus on areas like healthcare diagnostics, bioinformatics, agricultural biotech, and industrial biotech. The government's initiatives, such as the Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme (BIG), have played a pivotal role in nurturing innovation and supporting early-stage biotech startups.
The number of biotech startup registrations has surged throughout, the nation in 2021, with around 1,128 new startups registered, which is the highest in a single year since 2015. Estimates put the total number of biotechnology startups at 5,365, as of 2022. The number of startups is expected to touch 10,000 by 2024.
Challenges and Opportunities::
While the biotech industry in India has made significant strides, it faces certain challenges, including funding constraints, regulatory complexities, and the need for a skilled workforce. However, the government, industry associations, and academic institutions are actively working to address these challenges and create a favourable ecosystem for biotech growth. The sector offers immense opportunities for innovation, job creation, and addressing critical societal needs.
The country’s bioeconomy is expected to reach the US$ 150 billion mark by 2025. It is expected to contribute to roughly 3.3-3.5% of the country's GDP, up from 2.8% in 2021.
Both consumption and exports of diagnostic and medical devices are expected to increase significantly in India. With the help of recombinant and biosimilar products, the therapeutics sector is predicted to generate US$ 15 billion in bioeconomic activity by 2025.
Conclusion:
Biotechnology in India presents an exciting landscape of innovation and growth. This beginner's guide has provided you with an overview of the industry, its applications, and the opportunities it offers. As you delve deeper into the field, stay connected with industry networks, explore
collaborations, and leverage the supportive ecosystem to contribute to India’s dynamic world of biotechnology.
References:
Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. (n.d.). - https://dbtindia.gov.in/
Bio-technology industry in India - https://www.ibef.org/industry/biotechnology-india
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). (n.d.). - https://www.csir.res.in/
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). (n.d.). - https://www.icmr.gov.in/
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). (n.d.). - https://birac.nic.in/
The Economic Times (2022) Biotech Startups in India. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/startups/biotech/startups
Department of Biotechnology, Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises, BIRAC, Global Bio-India, Union Budget 2023-24