Thiruvananthapuram marked a pivotal moment in India’s biotechnology journey as Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) facility at the BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) Akkulam campus on Saturday. Addressing a gathered audience, Singh emphasized the transformative power of the central government’s BioE3 policy, positioning biotechnology as the cornerstone of India’s long-term economic strategy.
The minister highlighted recent liberalization measures that have expanded the horizons of nuclear medicine research. He urged national R&D institutions to forge interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly with private industry, to capitalize on opportunities arising from the Nuclear Medical Mission. These partnerships promise integrated research and translational applications that could redefine healthcare delivery in the country.
In a series of key inaugurations, Singh dedicated the National Facility for Recombinant Cells and Sensors and launched the annual Science Day program at the campus. He underscored India’s pioneering role with its exclusive BioE3 framework—Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment—which seamlessly integrates scientific innovation with economic sustainability, green transitions, and circular economy models.
Referencing the newly announced Biopharma Shakti Mission, Singh noted that policymakers recognize the global economy’s rapid shift toward bio-driven paradigms. Over the past decade, biotechnology has received unprecedented priority, fueling remarkable institutional achievements. RGCB researchers have built robust capabilities in molecular biology, genomics, disease biology, and cancer research, attracting scholars nationwide for expertise in sequencing, bioinformatics, and interdisciplinary science.
Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology and Director General of BRIC, described the biotechnology system as a game-changer for national progress. The BioE3 policy for 2024 encompasses six thematic sectors, including bio-manufacturing. He pointed to the government-supported Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination initiative, which leverages institute-generated data.
Dr. T.R. Santhosh Kumar, Director (Additional Charge) of BRIC-RGCB, revealed that the Recombinant Cells and Sensors facility now houses 600 to 700 stable cell lines targeting various cancer pathways, establishing the center as a vital global resource. The upcoming cGMP facility will enable cost-effective cell and gene therapy models, enhancing access to next-generation treatments and heralding a new era in precision medicine.