New Development: Launch of India's inaugural stem cell biobank for animals in Hyderabad, accompanied by the introduction of 5 innovative veterinary diagnostic tools
India has taken a significant step forward in its quest for innovation and economic growth with the launch of the BioE3 policy in August 2024. This strategy, aimed at harnessing biotechnology for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and employment generation, is steering the country towards a biotechnology-driven economy.
On August 9, 2025, a milestone was reached with the inauguration of the State-of-the-Art Animal Stem Cell Biobank and Animal Stem Cell Laboratory at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) in Hyderabad. This facility, supported by the National Biopharma Mission of DBT-BIRAC, will enable the preservation and study of animal stem cells and their derivatives.
The Biobank is equipped with advanced tools such as a stem cell culture unit, 3D bioprinter, bacterial culture lab, cryostorage, and advanced air handling systems. This state-of-the-art facility is expected to pave the way for India's emergence as a global leader in animal biotechnology.
Dr. Singh, a key proponent of the BioE3 policy, emphasized the transformative impact of advancements in veterinary health on India's economy. Agriculture contributes 18% to GDP and employs 60% of the workforce, making the health of livestock crucial for the nation's economic well-being.
To this end, Dr. Singh launched five new veterinary diagnostic tools aimed at transforming animal health management. These new diagnostic tools include rapid kits for brucellosis, mastitis, toxoplasmosis, and Japanese encephalitis, as well as a portable antimicrobial sensitivity testing device.
The BioE3 policy focuses on developing a high-performance bio-manufacturing sector by promoting innovation, research, and industrial-scale production of bio-products. Key elements of the policy include building bio-manufacturing hubs, bio-foundry clusters, and AI-driven biofoundries to accelerate biotech innovation and scale-up from lab to industry.
These innovations, according to Dr. Singh, would boost livestock productivity, support rural incomes, and contribute to an "Evergreen Revolution" in agriculture. The policy also emphasizes integration across agriculture, industry, and environment sectors, particularly leveraging India’s abundant agricultural residues for biorefineries, circular economy initiatives, and bio-based chemical production to reduce fossil fuel dependency and enhance rural incomes.
During the inauguration, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone for a new hostel block and staff quarters worth Rs 19.98 crore at NIAB. Dr. Singh also hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Biotechnology "BioE3" policy for positioning India as an early mover in the frontier sector.
Every rupee invested in agricultural research generates a return of Rs 13, according to Dr. Singh. This underscores the importance of continued investment in research and development to drive economic growth and improve the lives of millions of farmers across the country.
Dr. Singh commended NIAB Director Dr. Taru Sharma for her leadership in driving these advancements in animal biotechnology. The Biobank, built at a cost of Rs 1.85 crore and spanning over 9,300 sq ft, is a testament to the potential of India's biotechnology sector and its ability to contribute strategically towards a future-ready, sustainable economy.
With the launch of the BioE3 policy and the advancements in animal biotechnology, India is well-positioned for the next industrial revolution, driven by genetic and regenerative processes. Dr. Singh also highlighted the potential of emerging fields like space medicine, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the BioE3 policy and its alignment with economic, environmental, and employment goals.
[1] BioE3 Policy Announcement [2] NIAB Biobank Inauguration News [3] Bio-manufacturing Hubs and Biofoundries [4] Bio-based Chemical Production [5] Digital Technologies and AI for Agriculture
- The BioE3 policy, launched in 2024, is steering India towards a biotechnology-driven economy, with a focus on science, education-and-self-development, and technology, particularly in the areas of biomanufacturing, biofoundries, and AI-driven biofoundries.
- In 2025, a significant milestone was reached with the inauguration of the State-of-the-Art Animal Stem Cell Biobank and Animal Stem Cell Laboratory at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) in Hyderabad. This technology-equipped facility is expected to boost India's leadership in animal biotechnology and health-and-wellness, contributing to economic growth.
- Dr. Singh, a key proponent of the BioE3 policy, launched five new veterinary diagnostic tools aimed at transforming animal health management, which includes the development of rapid kits for various diseases and a portable antimicrobial sensitivity testing device, enhancing fitness-and-exercise and sports performance for livestock and the agricultural sector as a whole.
