Biotech to drive India’s future economy, space research and healthcare solutions: Jitendra Singh
Biotechnology: India’s Game-Changer for Economy, Space, and Healthcare
In a recent talk at Symbiosis International University in Pune, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh shared exciting insights on how biotechnology could shape India’s future. He called it the "next industrial revolution," comparing it to the IT boom of the 1990s that transformed the economy.
Singh highlighted India’s impressive strides in biotechnology. The country has become a global leader with achievements like developing its own Covid-19 vaccine, the HPV vaccine to fight cervical cancer, new antibiotics, and advanced gene sequencing projects. "The future economy truly belongs to biotechnology," he said, emphasizing its potential to drive growth.
The minister pointed to key government efforts, including the Bio-E3 policy. This initiative focuses on using biotechnology for the environment, economy, and employment, creating sustainable jobs for India’s young population. Under strong leadership, India’s biotech sector has exploded from $10 billion in 2014 to $130 billion today. Singh aims to push it to $300 billion in the next five to seven years, boosting India’s economy through biotech innovation.
Biotechnology isn’t just about labs—it’s reaching new heights in space too. Singh praised experiments by Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Sharma on the International Space Station (ISS). These studies explored muscle wasting in space, how electronic gadgets affect cognition, and growing algae and proteins in microgravity. Such work has sparked an MoU between the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Space, opening doors to fields like space medicine.
On healthcare, Singh stressed blending modern science with India’s traditional knowledge. The Covid-19 pandemic showed this in action, as doctors around the world turned to Ayurveda and homeopathy for solutions. He believes holistic healthcare will play a big role in India’s future.
Finally, Singh urged young people to dive into biotech startups and entrepreneurship. This sector, he said, promises tons of jobs and fresh innovations in life sciences, helping India build a skilled workforce ready for tomorrow’s challenges.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
