On the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched “SUJVIKA”, an AI-driven Biotech Product Data Portal developed in collaboration with industry partner Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE).

The event was held at the Civil Services Officers Institute (CSOI), Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.

What is SUJVIKA?

SUJVIKA is a Trade Statistics Digital Intelligence Platform that provides structured and authenticated data on biotechnology product imports.

The portal offers:

• Sector-wise insights into biochemical products
• Data on industrial enzymes and biotech imports
• Analysis of high-value and high-volume imports
• Assessment of import dependency
• Support for indigenisation and R&D planning

The platform aims to promote domestic biomanufacturing and evidence-based policymaking through public–private partnerships.

India’s Growing Bioeconomy

Dr Jitendra Singh stated that biotechnology will drive the next industrial revolution and highlighted India’s target of building a $1 trillion bioeconomy by 2047 under the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Key milestones include:

• Biotech startups increased from fewer than 100 in 2014 to over 11,000 today
• Bioeconomy expanded from nearly USD 10 billion (2014) to USD 165.7 billion (2024)
• India ranks among leading global biotech destinations and vaccine manufacturers

Policy and Institutional Support

The Minister referred to the BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) approved by the Union Cabinet.

Implementation is being led by:

• Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)
• Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC)

Other major initiatives include:

• National Biofoundry Network (6 biofoundries, 21 bio-enabler facilities)
• 95 bio-incubators across 21 States and UTs
• ₹2,000 crore national call under ₹1 lakh crore RDI initiative

Breakthrough Scientific Initiatives

GenomeIndia Project

Under the GenomeIndia Project, genome sequencing data of 10,000 individuals from 99 populations has been made available via the Indian Biological Data Centre.

Gene Therapy Trial

India’s first human gene therapy trial for Severe Hemophilia A achieved sustained Factor VIII production.

Space Biotechnology

An MoU between DBT and Indian Space Research Organisation has enabled biotechnology experiments in space missions.

Digital Transformation

The Minister also launched DBT’s revamped website aligned with the Government’s Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) framework, reinforcing standardised digital governance.

Significance

The 40th Foundation Day reflects DBT’s journey from capacity-building in 1986 to becoming a key driver of innovation, entrepreneurship, and bioeconomic growth.

The launch of SUJVIKA marks a major step toward strengthening India’s biotech ecosystem through AI-enabled data intelligence and strategic planning.

MCQs: DBT 40th Foundation Day & SUJVIKA

Q1. SUJVIKA is primarily related to:
(a) Space missions
(b) Blockchain governance
(c) Biotech import data intelligence
(d) Agricultural subsidies
(e) Railway safety

Ans: (c)
Sol: SUJVIKA is an AI-driven platform providing biotechnology import data insights.

Q2. The Department of Biotechnology was established in:
(a) 1980
(b) 1984
(c) 1986
(d) 1990
(e) 1992

Ans: (c)
Sol: DBT was established in 1986.

Q3. India aims to build a bioeconomy of how much by 2047?
(a) $500 billion
(b) $750 billion
(c) $900 billion
(d) $1 trillion
(e) $2 trillion

Ans: (d)
Sol: India aims for a $1 trillion bioeconomy by 2047.

Q4. GenomeIndia Project has sequenced genomes of approximately how many individuals?
(a) 1,000
(b) 5,000
(c) 8,000
(d) 10,000
(e) 15,000

Ans: (d)
Sol: Genome sequencing data of 10,000 individuals has been made available.

Q5. SUJVIKA was developed in collaboration with which industry body?
(a) NASSCOM
(b) FICCI
(c) ABLE
(d) CII
(e) ASSOCHAM

Ans: (c)
Sol: SUJVIKA was developed in collaboration with ABLE.