Dr. Jitendra Singh calls for leveraging regional strengths to build robust bio-innovation ecosystem

new delhi: union minister of state (independent charge) for science and technology dr. jitendra singh on thursday called for leveraging regional strengths and active participation of states to build a robust bioinnovation ecosystem across the country.chairing a review meeting of the department of biotechnology (dbt), the minister assessed key initiatives including biofoundries, regional innovation hubs, and state-level biotechnology mapping projects aimed at expanding india's bioeconomy through innovation and collaboration.he said india's biotechnology sector has become a major pillar of national development, driving growth in healthcare, agriculture, environment, and industrial innovation. the government, he added, seeks to make biotechnology an enabler of economic and social transformation by linking research institutions, startups, and state governments within a shared innovation framework.dr. singh also felicitated dbt joint secretary ekta vishnoi for winning a silver medal at the world powerlifting championship, praising her achievement as a symbol of india's growing global presence in sports and resilience-driven excellence.the minister noted that dbt has initiated mapping of states based on biotechnology potential and plans to set up “bio e3 cells” under the bio e3 policy framework focusing on entrepreneurship, education, and empowerment. he urged greater collaboration with state governments, universities, and industries to unlock biotechnology's potential at the grassroots level and make india a global hub for bioinnovation and sustainable growth.