Youth must lead biotech innovation drive: Dept Secy

Prof Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, has call upon youth to come forward with innovative ideas to shape the nation’s future. He inaugurated the curtain raiser of the ‘Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation’ conclave (ESTIC–2025) and launched the D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE³ challenge at BRIC-National Agri-Food and Biomanufacturing Institute (BRIC-NABI) in Mohali on Thursday.

Prof Gokhale emphasised the importance of biotechnology and youth-led innovation in building a sustainable and self-reliant India. He called upon students and researchers to use science as a tool for addressing real-world challenges in health, environment and economic growth. The event also saw participation from Priyank Bharti, Secretary, Punjab Department of Science, Technology and Environment, who urged students to contribute to national innovation programmes.

The D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE³ challenge, launched under the BioE³ policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment), approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2024, invites students from Classes VI to XII across India to propose biotech-based solutions for sustainable development.

Entries can be submitted through the MyGov Innovate India portal from November 1, with monthly submission rounds for one year. Winning entries will receive certificates of merit, and selected ideas may be supported for incubation under BIRAC’s EYUVA or BioNEST programmes.

The event also marked the curtain raiser of ESTIC–2025, a national conclave scheduled from November 3 to 5 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The conclave aims to bring together scientists, innovators, policymakers and industry leaders from India and abroad to discuss emerging technologies and collaborative opportunities.

Thirteen ministries and departments are joining hands under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, with biomanufacturing being led by DBT and BRIC-NABI.

Prof Ashwani Pareek, Executive Director, BRIC-NABI, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the institute’s achievements, followed by thematic presentations on ESTIC-2025 and the BioE³ challenge by Dr Garima Gupta and Dr Vamsi Krishna from DBT.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks and the national anthem.

Chandigarh