In a significant step toward advancing space biotechnology in India, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, convened the first Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on May 28, 2025. The meeting was held virtually and chaired by M. Ganesh Pillai, Scientific Secretary, ISRO, with Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Adviser at DBT, as Co-Chair.
This JWG meeting follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two departments on October 25, 2024. It aligns with the Union Cabinet’s visionary initiatives, including the establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and the launch of the BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment), which promotes high-performance biomanufacturing.
One of the major thematic areas under BioE3 is the development of futuristic space biotechnology and biomanufacturing. To further this collaboration, key institutions under DBT—namely the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, and BRIC-inStem, Bengaluru—are currently exploring experimental opportunities in this emerging domain.
The JWG reviewed a proposed joint “Announcement of Opportunity” for research in Space Biomanufacturing and Biotechnology. The discussion also addressed challenges and potential avenues for both ISRO and DBT to pursue extra-terrestrial and in-space biomanufacturing applications in support of long-duration space missions.
This partnership marks a strategic convergence of India’s space and biotechnology sectors, aiming to foster innovation at the intersection of science, technology, and future space exploration.
