Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, inaugurated the Central Facility for Recombinant Cells and Sensors at the BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) in Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam, developed at a cost of approximately Rs 60 crore. The state-of-the-art facility is set to accelerate drug discovery, medical research, and agri-genomics applications.
Addressing scientists, students, and industry representatives on National Science Day, Dr Singh highlighted India’s rapid shift toward a bio-driven economy. Over the past decade, India’s bioeconomy has grown nearly sixteen-fold from $10 billion to $166 billion, with biotechnology start-ups expanding from around 50 in 2014 to over 11,000 today. The government aims to achieve a $300 billion bioeconomy under the recently launched BioE3 Policy, focusing on economy, environment, and employment.
Dr Singh emphasized that the new recombinant cell facility will house a large panel of engineered cells and advanced screening systems to support target-specific drug discovery, serving academia, industry, and healthcare innovators nationwide. He also announced the foundation of a dedicated GMP facility at BRIC-RGCB to support pre-commercial production of biologics and cell-based therapies, including CAR-T therapy, with a total investment of Rs 80 crore by the Department of Biotechnology.
Highlighting public health priorities, the Minister spoke on the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, fatty liver, and cancer, and appreciated ongoing cancer biology research at the institute, including work on colon, oral, breast, and cervical cancers. He noted India’s contribution to global HPV vaccination evidence and emphasized the importance of combining preventive healthcare with advanced research.
Dr Singh also released the book “Quantum Physics: One Hundred Magical Years” by Prof. V.P.N. Nampoori and called for greater collaboration between research institutions, private industry, and emerging sectors like nuclear medicine and deep-ocean research. He encouraged young researchers to leverage India’s expanding biotechnology ecosystem, backed by strong policy support and government initiatives to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The inauguration marks a significant step in strengthening India’s biotechnology infrastructure and advancing the country’s position as a global leader in drug discovery, cell-based therapies, and bioeconomy growth.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
