Skip to main content

Manasvi: IIT Delhi’s Bold Step Toward Empowering High School Girls in STEM

By
In a world increasingly shaped by technological advancement, ensuring gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. Recognizing this, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi launched a pioneering initiative titled ‘Manasvi’ , a STEM mentorship programme for high school girls . The programme, unveiled in New Delhi today, is spearheaded by the institute’s Academic Outreach and New Initiatives Office . Manasvi is not merely an educational engagement; it is a transformative platform aimed at inspiring and empowering young girls to pursue careers in STEM, fields traditionally dominated by men. At the heart of Manasvi lies the ambition to address the deep-rooted gender disparity in STEM education and careers . Despite producing the largest number of science graduates globally, India continues to see disproportionately low female representation in STEM careers —a statistic that underscores the urgent need for su...

India's Bioeconomy: The Future of Sustainable Growth

Image
By

India's Bioeconomy: The Future of Sustainable Growth

Introduction

India's bioeconomy is emerging as a key driver of sustainable economic growth, leveraging biotechnology, biofuels, biopharmaceuticals, and bio-based products. As one of the fastest-growing bioeconomies globally, India is making significant strides in innovation, research, and industrial applications. The Indian government, academia, and private sector are collaboratively working towards boosting biotechnology and sustainable bio-based solutions to address global challenges like climate change, healthcare, and food security.

What is Bioeconomy?

The bioeconomy refers to economic activities that utilize biological resources, including biomass, microorganisms, and biotechnology, to develop sustainable products, services, and industrial processes. It spans multiple industries such as agriculture, healthcare, bioenergy, and industrial biotechnology.

India's Bioeconomy Growth and Market Size

India's bioeconomy has witnessed exponential growth, reaching a valuation of over $80 billion in 2023 and is projected to cross $150 billion by 2025. The sector is fueled by advancements in biotech startups, bio-manufacturing, and bioinformatics. Government initiatives like Startup India, Make in India, and the National Biotechnology Development Strategy are propelling innovation and investments.

Key Sectors of India's Bioeconomy

1. Biopharmaceuticals

India is a global leader in generic drug manufacturing, vaccines, and biosimilars. With over 60% of global vaccine production, India plays a crucial role in healthcare bioeconomy. Companies like Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech, and Biocon are pioneering breakthroughs in biopharmaceuticals.

2. Agricultural Biotechnology

Biotech-driven agriculture is enhancing productivity, pest resistance, and climate resilience. Genetically modified (GM) crops, biofertilizers, and biopesticides are transforming traditional farming practices. Bt Cotton, the first GM crop approved in India, has significantly boosted yields.

3. Biofuels and Bioenergy

India is investing heavily in ethanol, biodiesel, and biogas production to reduce fossil fuel dependency. The National Bio-Energy Mission and Ethanol Blending Program aim to achieve a 20% ethanol blend by 2025, promoting a circular bioeconomy.

4. Industrial Biotechnology

Enzymes, bio-plastics, and fermentation-based industrial processes are reducing carbon footprints in manufacturing. Companies are developing sustainable biodegradable plastics and bio-based chemicals to replace petrochemical-based products.

5. Waste-to-Value Technologies

Waste-to-bioenergy solutions, including biomass power, composting, and wastewater treatment, are being integrated into India’s smart city projects. The Swachh Bharat Mission promotes bio-waste utilization for a cleaner and greener economy.

Government Initiatives Supporting Bioeconomy

  1. Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) – Fostering innovation through funding and incubation support.
  2. National Biopharma Mission – Advancing India’s biopharmaceutical capabilities.
  3. DBT-ICGEB Centre for Advanced Bioenergy Research – Driving biofuel research.
  4. National Policy on Biofuels – Accelerating ethanol and biodiesel adoption.
  5. Biotech Parks and Incubators – Strengthening infrastructure for startups and R&D.

Role of Startups in India's Bioeconomy

India is home to over 5000 biotech startups, with a target of 10,000 startups by 2025. These startups are innovating in synthetic biology, personalized medicine, bioinformatics, and CRISPR-based gene editing.

Challenges in Bioeconomy Growth

Despite rapid progress, India’s bioeconomy faces challenges such as:

  • Regulatory Hurdles: Approval processes for biotech products remain complex.
  • Funding Constraints: Early-stage biotech startups struggle with capital access.
  • Infrastructure Gaps: Limited biomanufacturing and R&D facilities hinder scalability.
  • Public Awareness: Limited knowledge of bio-based alternatives affects market penetration.

Future Outlook of India’s Bioeconomy

India's bioeconomy is set to become a global powerhouse, with increasing investments in precision agriculture, regenerative medicine, and AI-driven bioinformatics. The government’s focus on a bio-circular economy, integrating waste management with sustainable production, will further drive growth.

Conclusion

India’s bioeconomy is at the forefront of sustainable innovation, shaping the future of biotechnology, healthcare, and renewable energy. With supportive policies, industry-academia collaboration, and a thriving startup ecosystem, India is poised to become a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030. As bio-based solutions continue to evolve, they will play a critical role in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, ensuring sustainable development and economic resilience.

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Manasvi: IIT Delhi’s Bold Step Toward Empowering High School Girls in STEM

By
In a world increasingly shaped by technological advancement, ensuring gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. Recognizing this, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi launched a pioneering initiative titled ‘Manasvi’ , a STEM mentorship programme for high school girls . The programme, unveiled in New Delhi today, is spearheaded by the institute’s Academic Outreach and New Initiatives Office . Manasvi is not merely an educational engagement; it is a transformative platform aimed at inspiring and empowering young girls to pursue careers in STEM, fields traditionally dominated by men. At the heart of Manasvi lies the ambition to address the deep-rooted gender disparity in STEM education and careers . Despite producing the largest number of science graduates globally, India continues to see disproportionately low female representation in STEM careers —a statistic that underscores the urgent need for su...
Read more

The Golden Dome Missile Defense System: The Future of U.S. Airspace Protection

By
The Golden Dome Missile Defense System: The Future of U.S. Airspace Protection Introduction The United States has proposed an ambitious missile defense program known as the Golden Dome Missile Defense System . This initiative aims to protect the country from various airborne threats, including ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and cruise missiles. Drawing inspiration from Israel’s renowned Iron Dome , the Golden Dome is set to be a comprehensive, multi-layered defense system that will redefine national security. This blog explores the significance, capabilities, technological advancements, and potential impact of the Golden Dome on global defense strategies. Understanding Missile Defense Systems Modern warfare increasingly relies on missile technology, and nations worldwide are investing in advanced defense systems. Missile defense systems are classified based on their operational range and the types of threats they counter. Some of the key categories include: Short-range mis...
Read more

DRDO Successfully Tests Stratospheric Airship Platform: A Leap in India's High-Altitude Defence Technology

By
In a groundbreaking achievement, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden flight-trials of its Stratospheric Airship Platform on May 3, 2025. Developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra, this high-altitude platform marks a historic milestone in India’s march toward advanced aerospace systems and cutting-edge defence technology . What Is a Stratospheric Airship Platform? A stratospheric airship is a lighter-than-air, unmanned aerial vehicle designed to fly at stratospheric altitudes—typically between 17 to 20 kilometers—well above commercial air traffic and weather disturbances. These airships serve as High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) and are envisioned as persistent platforms for earth observation, telecommunication, disaster management , and most importantly, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Unlike traditional satellites, HAPS like the DRDO’s airship offer...
Read more

IISc-Developed Zero Bacteria Technology for STPs in Apartments

By
IISc-Developed Zero Bacteria Technology for STPs in Apartments A Game-Changer for Water Quality The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has developed an advanced "Zero Bacteria Technology" (ZBT) to improve water quality in Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) , especially in apartment complexes. This innovation ensures cleaner, bacteria-free treated water , making it safer for reuse. What is Zero Bacteria Technology (ZBT)? A new water purification technique designed to eliminate harmful bacteria in treated sewage water. Uses a chemical-free process , making it environmentally friendly. Developed by scientists at IISc , with applications in residential STPs and industrial wastewater management . Why is ZBT Important for Apartments? Many apartment complexes have their own Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) . Traditional STPs do not fully remove bacteria , leading to health risks when water is reused for gardening, flushing, or groundwater recharge. ZBT ensures bacteria-free treated wa...
Read more

New Microsoft 365 Outage Impacts Teams, Causes Call Failures

By
New Microsoft 365 Outage Impacts Teams, Causes Call Failures Introduction: Microsoft 365 Faces Yet Another Outage Microsoft users worldwide have been experiencing issues with Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and other Microsoft 365 services due to a new widespread outage. The disruption has led to call failures, login issues, and email access problems , leaving businesses and individuals struggling to communicate effectively. As organizations increasingly rely on Microsoft 365 for productivity , outages like these highlight the vulnerabilities of cloud-based services. This article will cover the causes, impact, and possible solutions for the ongoing Microsoft Outlook and Teams outage while addressing the most common user concerns. What’s Happening? Overview of the Microsoft 365 Outage On March 4, 2025 , Microsoft confirmed a global outage affecting multiple services , including: ✔ Microsoft Teams – Users reported difficulties in joining meetings, call failures, and chat delays. ✔ O...
Read more

Missile 'Gandiva' – DRDO’s Next-Generation Air-to-Air Missile

By
Missile 'Gandiva' – DRDO’s Next-Generation Air-to-Air Missile Introduction India's defense technology has taken a significant leap forward with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) officially designating its advanced air-to-air missile as 'Gandiva' . Named after the legendary bow of Arjuna from the Mahabharata, Gandiva symbolizes precision, power, and invincibility in aerial combat. This missile is expected to redefine the country’s air combat capabilities, providing the Indian Air Force (IAF) with an unparalleled edge in modern warfare. The Gandiva missile , also referred to as Astra Mk-3 , is the latest addition to India’s Astra missile family. It builds upon the successes of Astra Mk-1 and Astra Mk-2 , integrating state-of-the-art technologies to enhance speed, range, and accuracy. Designed primarily for beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements, Gandiva is expected to rival some of the most advanced air-to-air missile systems in the world. Ev...
Read more