Building Awareness on BioE3 Policy Vital: Experts at RGCB Panel Discussion

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Leading research and development institutions like Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) have a key role in creating awareness on the significance of the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy which seeks to address some of the immediate challenges facing the mankind, domain experts said today.

They were sharing their views at a panel discussion on ‘Policy for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing’ organised by RGCB at its campus here.

BioE3 policy was unveiled by the Department of Biotechnology of Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, last week.

Dr G Padmanabhan, former Director, IISc, Bengaluru, said one of the aims of bio-manufacturing is to remove as much of carbon dioxide (Co2) from all chemical process as possible. “RGCB can make greater strides in the domain by leveraging its burgeoning ecosystem, besides creating awareness on the importance of the policy,” he added.

Stressing the need for more biomanufacturing hubs in the country, he said bio-manufacturing is a process by which Co2 generation is reduced.

Dr. Ram Rajasekharan, of Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, said institutions need to set up facilities for bio-manufacturing, besides recruiting more people.

On creating awareness on BioE3, he said it can be introduced as logo in the events by institutions and companies which can also adopt the zero waste programme.

Dr. K Ampady, CEO of Bio-Nest, Kochi, said RGCB can take the lead in utilising the policy and take it to the next level. Bio-Nest is a joint venture of RGCB and Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM).

The CEO noted that the BioE3 Policy is trying to address some of the immediate and palpable challenges which can also be converted into economic opportunities.

“It creates opportunities by addressing areas like climate change and non-sustainable way of material consumption. Startups have a pivotal role in it to find solutions with innovative ideas and emerge as biotechnology unicorns,” he added.

Dr. Ampady said one of the most fascinating aspects of the policy is its focus on promoting entrepreneurship. “We can actually create commercially viable products and services that can be marketed to generate revenue so as to boost the economy,” he pointed out.

Commenting on the policy recommendations, Dr Chandrabhas Narayana, Director of RGCB, opined that it is necessary to work with governments, politicians, bureaucracy and academia which is an imperative to manufacture things in India.

Noting that COVID-19 was the reason for realisation of self-reliance, he said India is now in a position to actually being a leader in bio-manufacturing with a ‘human touch’ to it.

According to him, the policy helps bringing in a synergy among space sector, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and other institutions. Institutions like RGCB can create awareness about it and change the ecosystem by meeting the goals.

Dr T R Santhosh Kumar, BRIC-RGCB, said RGCB has already identified many of the thematic areas like bio-based chemicals, functional foods and smart protein, precision medicine, marine science and AI-enabled technology development as priority areas of job policy.

Dr Harikumar K B, Scientist, RGCB, was the moderator.

The new BioE3 Policy seeks to place India at the forefront of the next industrial revolution. It is aimed at ‘Fostering High Performance Bio-manufacturing’ aligned with national initiatives of the Govt. of India such as ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for environment).

RGCB has already begun groundwork on initiating Kerala’s shift from chemical-based industries into bio-manufacturing hubs that power the country’s economy while tackling the challenges of food, energy and climate.