Central Government approves Bio-RIDE Scheme of the DBT

The central government has approved the launch of the ‘Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE)’ scheme of the Department of Biotechnology(DBT), Union Ministry of Science and Technology. The two existing schemes of the DBT have been merged, and a new component, Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry, has been added to the Bio-RIDE scheme.

Duration and outlay of the  Bio-RIDE Scheme

• The newly approved  Bio-RIDE will continue from 2021-22 to 2025-26 during the 15th Finance Commission period.
• The proposed outlay for the scheme is Rs.9197 crore for 2021-2025-26.

Component of the Bio-RIDE Scheme

The newly approved Bio-RIDE merges the two previous DBT schemes and includes one new component.

The components of the scheme are;

• Biotechnology Research and Development,
• Industrial & Entrepreneurship Development,
• Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry

Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry

Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry are the newly introduced components of the Bio-RIDE scheme. 

Biomanufacturing refers to using biological systems (living organisms, animal/ plant cells, tissues, enzymes, etc.) to manufacture commercially important biomolecules for use in food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, etc. It is an interdisciplinary field that involves microbiology, biochemistry, and chemical engineering.

A foundry is a factory where metals are melted and poured into specially constructed containers to produce the desired objects. Similarly, in a bio-foundry, the DNA of the organisms is used and manipulated to create the desired biotechnology product.

In a Bio-Foundry, all biomanufacturing processes are highly automated, which helps accelerate the design-build–test–learning workflow to deliver products quickly and efficiently.

Aim of the Bio-RIDE Scheme

• Promote and nurture the ecosystem for startups in the biotechnology centre.
• Promote innovation and research in advanced fields like bioplastics, synthetic biology, biopharmaceuticals and bioenergy by providing funding.
• Create synergy between the research and development institutes and the industry so that the technology can be better commercialised.
• Promote environmentally sustainable biomanufacturing practices aligned with India’s green goals.
• Create a pool of highly skilled human resources in biotechnology.