Syllabus

GS 3: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology

Context: 

Biocon, a leading biotech company in India, is now integrating AI with manufacturing to enhance drug testing and improve the way it makes biologic medicines.

More on the News

• India is at an important stage in using artificial intelligence (AI) to boost biotechnology. Efforts like the BioE3 Policy and the IndiaAI Mission show a strong push to become a global leader in AI-powered biomanufacturing and ethical AI. 

• However, weak regulations and lack of proper safeguards could slow down this progress. As India moves forward, the big challenge is whether it can match its big goals with responsible actions.

India’s Bio Manufacturing Sector

• India’s biomanufacturing sector is full of new opportunities. 

• For years, the country has been a leading supplier of generic medicines and vaccines, known for its scale, low cost, and reliability. 

Key Facts and data

• India’s bioeconomy has soared from around $10 billion in 2015 to an estimated $130 billion in 2024, with projections to reach $300 billion by 2030.

• Biopharma is the engine of growth, contributing nearly 50% of the total, with an estimated $39–54 billion in 2021–2023.

AI in Indian Biomanufacturing

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used within India’s biotech industry to revolutionize the drug discovery, development and manufacturing processes by doing things smarter, faster and cheaper.

• Now, AI is reshaping the worldwide life sciences industry with the largest transformation in progress.

• Already today, many state-of-the-art Indian biomanufacturing facilities are equipped with robots for precision tasks, biosensors to perform real-time data collection and AI to optimize process parameters such as fermentation and packaging.

Government of India’s Push for AI-Driven Biomanufacturing

• BioE3 Policy (2024): A Blueprint for Future Biomanufacturing

Key Components:

• Establishment of state-of-the-art biomanufacturing hubs.
• Creation of biofoundries for rapid, modular bio-innovation.
• Launch of “Bio-AI Hubs” that bring together experts in science, engineering, and data.

Financial Mechanism:

• Grants and financial incentives to startups and established firms.
• Designed to help ideas move from lab to market.

• IndiaAI Mission: Ethical AI for Critical Sectors

• Works in synergy with the BioE3 Policy.
• Focuses on making AI both innovative and trustworthy, especially in healthcare and biotech.

Key Objectives:

• Build technical capacity in AI systems.
• Promote explainable and responsible AI.
• Address algorithmic bias and develop concepts like machine unlearning.
• Develop frameworks for safe and ethical AI deployment.

• National Biotechnology Development Strategy

• Focuses on growing India’s bioindustry.
• But to boost AI use in biotech, more specific support and incentives are needed.

• Startup Ecosystem

• India has over 5,300 biotech startups (as of 2024).
• The goal is to reach 50,000 by 2030, showing big potential for innovation.

• Biomanufacturing Mission (2023)

• Supports research and development (R&D) in bio-based manufacturing.
• Aims to increase large-scale production and bring in global investments.

• PLI Scheme for Biotech

• Offers financial incentives to companies that make biopharmaceuticals, enzymes, and fermentation-based products in India.
• Helps reduce dependence on imports.

PYQ:

Q. What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society? (2021)

Q. How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers? (2019)