Jitendra Singh inaugurates Rs 60 crore recombinant cells facility at BRIC

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday inaugurated a state-of-the-art “Central Facility for Recombinant Cells and Sensors” at the BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Developed at a cost of approximately Rs 60 crore by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the facility is expected to significantly boost drug discovery, medical research and agricultural genomics.

Speaking at the institute’s Akkulam campus on the occasion of National Science Day, the Minister said India is steadily transitioning towards a bio-driven economy in which biotechnology will play a central role in manufacturing, healthcare and sustainable development.

He also announced the establishment of a dedicated Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility at BRIC-RGCB and released the book “Quantum Physics: One Hundred Magical Years” authored by Prof. V.P.N. Nampoori.

Bioeconomy Expands 16-Fold in a Decade

Highlighting India’s biotechnology growth story, Singh said the country’s bioeconomy has expanded nearly sixteen-fold over the past decade – from around $10 billion to nearly $166 billion – and is projected to reach $300 billion in the coming years.

He noted that the number of biotechnology start-ups has surged from around 50-70 in 2014 to over 11,000 today, reflecting the rapid expansion of the innovation ecosystem supported by policy reforms and funding initiatives. Referring to the recently launched BioE3 Policy, he said India is among the few countries to introduce a dedicated biotechnology policy focused on economy, environment and employment, anticipating the global shift towards biomanufacturing and bio-based industries.

The Minister credited the policy support provided under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for positioning India as an emerging global biotechnology hub.

Boost to Drug Discovery and Genomics

The newly inaugurated Central Facility for Recombinant Cells and Sensors houses an extensive panel of engineered recombinant cells and advanced screening systems. Developed through long-term government-supported programmes, it will accelerate target-specific drug discovery and screening.

Singh said the facility will serve academia, industry and healthcare innovators nationwide, enabling faster translation of laboratory research into therapeutic applications.

New GMP Facility to Support CAR-T and Cell-Based Therapies

Announcing the foundation of a dedicated GMP facility at BRIC-RGCB, the Minister said it will support pre-commercial production of biologics and advanced cell-based therapies, including CAR-T therapy, in collaboration with clinical centres in Kerala.

The project will be implemented in two phases with a total DBT investment of Rs 80 crore. The facility will function as a bridge between laboratory research and industrial-scale production and will operate on a “pay-and-use” model, making it accessible to biotech industries and start-ups.

Focus on Cancer Research and Preventive Healthcare

Addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver disease and cancer, the Minister noted that India is witnessing a steady rise in cancer incidence, with projections indicating a significant increase by 2030.

He appreciated BRIC-RGCB’s ongoing research in cancer biology, including studies on colon, oral, breast and cervical cancers. Referring to HPV vaccination, he highlighted India’s contribution to global evidence supporting simplified vaccination schedules and emphasised the importance of integrating preventive healthcare with advanced scientific research.

Call for Greater Industry Collaboration

Singh called for deeper collaboration among research institutions, private industry and emerging sectors such as nuclear medicine and deep-ocean research. He said recent policy reforms have opened new avenues for private participation in advanced research domains and encouraged institutions in coastal states like Kerala to align biotechnology research with national missions in marine biodiversity and fisheries-linked innovation.

The event was attended by Dr Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Dr Santosh, Director, BRIC-RGCB; senior scientists, faculty members, start-up incubatees and students.

Concluding his address, the Minister said India’s scientific community today benefits from strong policy backing and decisive support at the highest level, enabling faster translation of research into public health and economic outcomes. He encouraged young researchers to leverage the expanding ecosystem and assured continued government support for innovation, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary collaboration.