Govt approves Bio-RIDE scheme to drive biotech research, innovation & biomanufacturing

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of two umbrella schemes from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under a unified program called the Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) scheme. 

With a financial outlay of Rs. 9,197 crore for the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-22 to 2025-26), the Bio-RIDE scheme aims to strengthen India’s position as a global leader in biomanufacturing and biotechnology.

The scheme includes three major components: Biotechnology Research and Development (R&D), Industrial and Entrepreneurship Development (I&ED), and a newly introduced component focusing on Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry. Bio-RIDE is designed to foster innovation, promote bio-entrepreneurship, and accelerate the commercialization of bio-based products and technologies.

The government’s initiative aims to harness bio-innovation to address critical national and global challenges, including healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and clean energy. Key objectives include promoting bio-entrepreneurship, advancing cutting-edge research, encouraging collaboration between academia and industry, and supporting sustainable biomanufacturing practices.

A central focus of the Bio-RIDE scheme is to promote bio-entrepreneurship by nurturing a startup ecosystem within the biotechnology sector. Through seed funding, incubation support, and mentorship, the government aims to cultivate bio-entrepreneurs who can bring innovative ideas to life. The scheme will also advance cutting-edge research by providing grants and incentives for developments in fields such as synthetic biology, biopharmaceuticals, bioenergy, and bioplastics. Furthermore, it aims to create synergies between academic institutions, research organizations, and industry to accelerate the commercialization of bio-based products and technologies.

In addition, Bio-RIDE will emphasize sustainable biomanufacturing practices that align with India’s green goals. By promoting eco-friendly processes, the scheme seeks to support the development of biotechnological solutions that can enhance healthcare outcomes, boost agricultural productivity, and foster the growth of India’s bioeconomy. 

Another important aspect of Bio-RIDE is the support it provides to researchers through extramural funding, enabling scientific research in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, bioenergy, and environmental sustainability. This funding will support research institutions, universities, and individual researchers, helping to drive technological advancements in these fields.

The initiative also aims to develop human resources by providing holistic training and support to students, young researchers, and scientists. This capacity-building effort will help create a highly skilled workforce capable of leveraging technological advancements in biotechnology.

Additionally, the new Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry component aligns with the government’s “Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)” initiative, focusing on the incorporation of green and environmentally sustainable solutions into all aspects of life. The Bio-RIDE scheme aspires to nurture the potential of biomanufacturing in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and bioeconomy growth while fostering entrepreneurship.

This initiative is part of DBT’s broader vision of harnessing biotechnology as a precision tool for national development. It aims to contribute significantly to India’s goal of becoming a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030 and aligns with the larger vision of achieving ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’