The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, held the fourth session of its Biofoundry and Biomanufacturing Initiative webinar series, focusing on the theme “Biomanufacturing of Enzymes.” This event is part of the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment) Policy, which was approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2024. The policy aims to position India as a global leader in bio-based innovations, promoting sustainable biomanufacturing across key areas such as enzymes, smart proteins, and bio-based chemicals.
The webinar brought together academia, industry leaders, start-ups, and researchers to explore advancements and opportunities in enzyme biomanufacturing, emphasizing its role in replacing chemical catalysts with eco-friendly alternatives. The discussions highlighted the importance of enzymes in driving innovation and reducing environmental impact across industries.
Dr Alka Sharma, Scientist ‘H’ at DBT, outlined the vision of the BioE3 Policy, which seeks to support sustainable green growth and position India as a global bioeconomy leader. She emphasized the pivotal role of enzymes in advancing industrial sustainability, fostering innovation, and contributing to the nation’s bioeconomy.
Dr Amit Kumar Yadav, Scientist ‘D’ at DBT, discussed the transformative potential of enzyme biomanufacturing for industrial practices in India, highlighting its ability to deliver cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solutions.
Dr Syed Shams Yazdani, Group Leader at ICGEB, New Delhi, shared strategies for establishing India as a hub for industrial enzyme production. He emphasized the importance of indigenous enzyme discovery, scaling up manufacturing capacities, and leveraging technologies like synthetic biology and AI/ML to optimize microbial platforms for enzyme production.
Industry insights were presented by Mr G.S. Krishnan, President of the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE). He addressed sourcing, production, and supply chain challenges while underscoring the BioE3 Policy’s role in fostering innovation and enhancing global competitiveness in enzyme biomanufacturing.
The webinar concluded with an interactive Q&A session moderated by DBT and BIRAC officials. Participants discussed scaling up enzyme production, overcoming challenges, and navigating regulatory landscapes, signaling a robust future for enzyme biomanufacturing in India.
