New Delhi: In a major push to accelerate innovation and investment in India’s life sciences sector, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The partnership aims to strengthen the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and MedTech industries in the state through focused collaboration on research, entrepreneurship, and skill development.
The MoU was facilitated by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), an arm of DBT, in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh Promote Pharma Council (UPPPC). The strategic partnership is part of a broader effort to position Uttar Pradesh as a key hub in the national bioeconomy and support India’s ambition to become a global leader in affordable healthcare solutions.
Supporting India’s Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, said the collaboration marks an important step toward achieving the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision. He emphasized India’s expanding biotech footprint, stating:
“From just around 50 biotech startups in 2014, we now have over 11,000. India supplies more than 60% of the world’s vaccines and is set to surpass USD 30 billion in pharma exports this year.”
Dr. Singh noted that the DBT-UP MoU would enhance national capabilities in affordable innovation, a critical factor in achieving equitable healthcare access globally.
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Accelerating Innovation from Lab to Market
Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of DBT and Chairman of BIRAC, termed the agreement a vital tool to “unlock innovation pipelines and scale up affordable technologies” that address India’s healthcare and industrial needs.
Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of BIRAC, stressed that the partnership would focus on moving innovations efficiently from the lab to the marketplace.
“We aim to enable faster commercialization, support startup incubation, and enhance skill development to generate tangible socio-economic impact,” he said.
UP’s Expanding Biotech Infrastructure
Officials from Uttar Pradesh outlined how the collaboration will support the state’s existing and emerging life sciences infrastructure. Key facilities include:
- Biotech Park, Lucknow
- Medical Device Park, Greater Noida
- Bulk Drug & Pharma Park, Lalitpur (proposed)
State representatives noted that the MoU would help attract investment, build capacity, and create employment in high-value sectors aligned with national goals.
Strengthening MSME and Startup Ecosystem
The agreement also aims to foster stronger industry linkages, especially with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and promote the growth of biotech and MedTech startups in Uttar Pradesh. Through BIRAC’s support, early-stage innovations will receive mentorship, funding access, and commercialization pathways.
Building India’s USD 165 Billion Bioeconomy
India’s current bioeconomy is valued at over USD 165 billion, and the government is targeting rapid growth across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and MedTech to bolster exports, healthcare delivery, and employment generation.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from DBT, BIRAC, and the Government of Uttar Pradesh, including Awanish Kumar Awasthi, Advisor to the Chief Minister, and Additional Chief Secretary Amit Kumar Ghosh.
This centre-state collaboration marks a crucial milestone in India’s journey to becoming a global biopharma powerhouse.
