Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh Launches ‘SUJVIKA’ AI-Driven Biotech Data Portal
India’s biotechnology sector marked a major milestone as the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) celebrated its 40th Foundation Day with a significant digital innovation. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched SUJVIKA, an AI-driven Biotech Product Data Portal aimed at transforming data intelligence in India’s rapidly growing bioeconomy. The announcement highlights India’s ambition to build a strong biotech ecosystem and achieve a $1 trillion bioeconomy by 2047.
The event took place at the Civil Services Officers Institute (CSOI) in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders.
What is SUJVIKA?
SUJVIKA is a Trade Statistics Digital Intelligence Platform designed to provide structured and reliable data on biotechnology product imports. Developed through a collaboration between the Department of Biotechnology and the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE), the portal will serve as a central hub for biotech trade insights.
Key Features of SUJVIKA
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Sector-wise insights into biochemical products
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Data on industrial enzymes and biotech imports
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Identification of high-value and high-volume imports
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Analysis of India’s import dependency
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Support for indigenisation and R&D planning
The platform aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and encourage domestic biomanufacturing through public–private collaboration.
India’s Expanding Bioeconomy
Speaking at the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised that biotechnology will play a crucial role in the next industrial revolution. He reiterated India’s goal of building a $1 trillion bioeconomy by 2047 under the broader vision of Viksit Bharat.
Major Growth Indicators
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Biotech startups increased from fewer than 100 in 2014 to over 11,000 today
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Bioeconomy expanded from nearly USD 10 billion (2014) to USD 165.7 billion (2024)
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India is now among the leading global biotech and vaccine manufacturing hubs
These numbers reflect India’s rapid rise as a major global biotechnology destination.
Policy and Institutional Support
The minister highlighted the role of the BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment), which has received Union Cabinet approval. The policy focuses on leveraging biotechnology for economic growth, sustainability, and job creation.
Key Implementing Agencies
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Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)
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Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC)
Major Initiatives
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National Biofoundry Network with 6 biofoundries and 21 bio-enabler facilities
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95 bio-incubators across 21 States and Union Territories
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₹2,000 crore national call under the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) initiative
These efforts aim to accelerate innovation, research commercialization, and startup growth.
Breakthrough Scientific Initiatives
The event also highlighted several groundbreaking achievements in India’s biotech landscape.
GenomeIndia Project
Under this project, genome sequencing data of 10,000 individuals from 99 populations has been made accessible through the Indian Biological Data Centre. This initiative strengthens India’s capabilities in precision medicine and genomic research.
India’s First Gene Therapy Trial
India successfully conducted its first human gene therapy trial for Severe Hemophilia A, achieving sustained Factor VIII production — a significant milestone in advanced medical biotechnology.
Space Biotechnology
A collaboration between DBT and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has enabled biotechnology experiments in space missions, opening new frontiers in space life sciences.
Digital Transformation of DBT
In line with modern governance standards, Dr. Jitendra Singh also launched a revamped DBT website aligned with the Government’s Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM). The move reflects the government’s commitment to standardized digital governance and improved accessibility of scientific information.
Significance of the 40-Year Milestone
The 40th Foundation Day represents DBT’s journey from a capacity-building institution established in 1986 to a major driver of innovation, entrepreneurship, and bioeconomic growth.
The launch of SUJVIKA marks a major step toward strengthening India’s biotechnology ecosystem through AI-powered data intelligence. By enabling better trade analysis, reducing import dependency, and supporting domestic innovation, the platform is expected to play a crucial role in shaping India’s biotech future.
As India moves toward becoming a global biotech leader, initiatives like SUJVIKA underline the country’s focus on combining science, technology, and policy to build a sustainable and innovation-driven economy.
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