DBT Launches ‘SUJVIKA’ Portal to Power $1T Bioeconomy Vision

Marking the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today launched "SUJVIKA", an AI-driven Biotech Product Data Portal designed to strengthen India's push towards a $1 trillion bioeconomy by 2047.

Developed by DBT in collaboration with industry body ABLE, SUJVIKA is a Trade Statistics Digital Intelligence Platform that provides authenticated biotechnology import data in a structured, accessible and analytics-enabled format.

Data Intelligence for Biomanufacturing

SUJVIKA offers sector-wise insights into imports of:

• Biochemical products

• Industrial enzymes

• Speciality biotech materials

• Other biotechnology-linked products

The portal enables researchers, startups and industry players to:

• Identify high-value and high-volume imports

• Assess import dependency

• Prioritise indigenisation efforts

• Align R&D investments with market gaps

• Support evidence-based policy planning

By mapping trade vulnerabilities and opportunities, SUJVIKA is expected to accelerate domestic biomanufacturing and promote strategic public–private partnerships.

Biotechnology as the Next Industrial Revolution

Addressing the Foundation Day celebrations at the Civil Services Officers Institute, Chanakyapuri, Dr Jitendra Singh said biotechnology will drive the next industrial revolution.

"India is steadily moving towards building a $1 trillion bioeconomy by 2047 under the vision of Viksit Bharat," he said, adding that the country has ensured it will not be a late entrant in emerging technologies.

The event was attended by DBT Secretary Dr Rajesh S. Gokhale, Joint Secretary Ms Ekta Vishnoi, senior officials of DBT, BIRAC and BRIC, scientists, industry representatives and young researchers.

Explosive Growth in Biotech Ecosystem

The Minister highlighted the rapid expansion of India's biotech ecosystem:

• Biotech startups increased from fewer than 100 in 2014 to over 11,000 today

• Bioeconomy expanded from nearly USD 10 billion in 2014 to approximately USD 165.7 billion in 2024

• India ranked among top global biotech destinations

• Emerged as one of the world's leading vaccine manufacturers

He attributed the sector's growth to sustained policy reforms and institutional strengthening under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BioE3 Policy and National Infrastructure Push

Dr Singh referred to the recently approved BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) aimed at building high-performance biomanufacturing capabilities.

Key infrastructure milestones include:

• A National Biofoundry Network comprising six specialised biofoundries

• 21 advanced bio-enabler facilities

• 95 bio-incubators across 21 States and UTs

• Four regional mentoring centres and technology transfer offices

• Support for more than 1,800 incubatees

He also cited the first national call of ₹2,000 crore under the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) initiative to support biotech enterprises ready for scale-up.

Expanding into Space and Genomics

Highlighting frontier research, the Minister pointed to India's entry into space biotechnology and space medicine through collaboration between DBT and ISRO.

Experiments conducted during space missions — including life sciences and muscle physiology studies — place India at the forefront of emerging interdisciplinary science.

He also referenced the GenomeIndia Project, under which whole genome sequencing data of 10,000 individuals from 99 diverse populations has been made available through the Indian Biological Data Centre. The dataset is expected to enable personalised medicine and strengthen genomic research.

In a major clinical milestone, India's first human gene therapy trial for Severe Hemophilia A, supported by DBT and BIRAC, achieved sustained Factor VIII production, reducing reliance on repeated infusions.

AI Integration to Accelerate Discovery

Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised that the convergence of biotechnology with artificial intelligence will dramatically reduce research timelines and improve precision in:

• Gene sequencing

• Drug discovery

• Diagnostics

• Advanced therapeutics

He called for stronger inter-departmental synergy to fully harness biotechnology's potential.

Digital Modernisation of DBT

On the occasion, the Minister also launched DBT's revamped website aligned with the Government of India's Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) framework developed by MeitY/NIC, ensuring a standardised and unified digital presence.

DBT Secretary Dr Rajesh S. Gokhale described the department's evolution from building scientific capacity to fostering entrepreneurship and societal impact, noting that the BioE3 framework integrates biological systems, digital intelligence and socio-economic design for sustainable growth.

Driving India's Bio Revolution

Concluding the event, Dr Jitendra Singh expressed confidence that DBT, BIRAC and the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) will drive India's bio revolution from laboratory research to large-scale industrial deployment.

With SUJVIKA providing trade intelligence and BioE3 strengthening industrial capabilities, India's biotechnology sector is positioning itself as a central pillar of the country's journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.