The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Government of Assam have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy. This Centre-State partnership is the first of its kind under the BioE3 framework and aims to accelerate high-performance biomanufacturing while fostering a sustainable biotechnology ecosystem in Assam.
The MoU signing is a culmination of extensive consultations, high-level meetings, and collaborative efforts made by the DBT and the Government of Assam. A landmark step in this journey was the Centre-State Partnership Conclave held last month under the chairpersonship of Union Minister of Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh where the State Governments were encouraged to foster collaborations with the DBT and establish State BioE3 Cells.
The MoU signed between DBT, and the Government of Assam formalises a strategic collaboration in which DBT will extend its guidance and facilitate partnerships, while the Government of Assam will spearhead initiatives by establishing a State BioE3 Cell and developing an Assam BioE3 Action Plan. This collaboration underscores Assam’s proactive approach to harnessing its rich biodiversity and agricultural strength to build a robust biomanufacturing ecosystem in the State.
The MoU signing took place at DBT headquarters in New Delhi, in the presence of key dignitaries- Dr Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT, DG BRIC and Chairman BIRAC; Dr Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary, Government of Assam; Dr Alka Sharma, Senior Adviser/Sc‘H’, DBT; Pallav Gopal Jha, Secretary, Department of Science, Technology & Climate Change, Government of Assam; and Dr Jitendra Kumar, MD, BIRAC.
