Global Bio-India 2024 Inaugural Speech by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon and Biocon Biologics
Namaskar!
It is an honour to address you today at Global Bio India at a time when Biology is recognised as the most exciting and transformative fields of our time. More than ever before, biology has become the new frontier, a realm where we are pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and capability in ways that were once unimaginable.
In the past, frontiers referred to uncharted lands, distant oceans, or outer space. Today, the most groundbreaking discoveries are happening in Bioscience which has moved beyond the laboratory, permeating nearly every aspect of human existence, from medicine to agriculture, from environmental conservation to the future of technology. We are not just studying life; we are leveraging its complex neural networks, immunological systems and metabolic pathways to create new technological solutions.
A Revolution in Medicine
One of the clearest areas where biology is opening up new frontiers is in medicine. We are witnessing a revolution in healthcare, driven by advances in genetics, omics, RNA and CRISPR gene-editing technology, to deliver unprecedented precision and personalised medicine. This holds the potential to cure genetic diseases that have plagued families for generations. In the not-so-distant future, diseases like cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and many forms of cancer will be things of the past.
Immunotherapy, where the body’s own immune system is being harnessed to fight cancer is rapidly replacing chemotherapy or radiation, as targeted and personalised treatments with reduced side effects, and most importantly, increased survival rates.
A Sustainable Future
Advances in agricultural biotechnology, such as genetically modified crops that are more resistant to drought, disease, and pests, are helping to feed the world’s growing population while reducing the strain on the planet.
A new emerging area is Synthetic biology which allows us to engineer organisms that can clean up organic and inorganic pollution, produce biofuels, and even create biodegradable materials. Imagine a world where plastic waste can be broken down by engineered microbes, or where energy is generated not from fossil fuels but from living cells. Or where energy storage is no longer based on lithium batteries but by mimicking photosynthesis in plants. This is no longer the stuff of science fiction—it is the frontier of biology.
Biology promises a future that is more sustainable, more resilient, and more responsive to the global challenges we face.
A future where the solutions to our most pressing issues are not just conceived but realized, harnessing the incredible potential of biotechnology.
In this vision, India plays a pivotal role. As the world’s fastest-growing major economy, we are uniquely positioned to lead this transformative journey.
The convergence of our rich scientific talent, robust technological capabilities, entrepreneurial drive and unwavering commitment to sustainability has set the stage for India to emerge as a global bio-innovation hub. And we can ensure that the benefits of these innovations reach every corner of the globe.
But to turn this dream into reality, we must act with purpose and determination. We must build an ecosystem that fosters innovation at every level—from our research institutions to our industries, from our startups to our global collaborations. We must nurture a culture that celebrates creativity, rewards risk-taking, and values the pursuit of excellence.
And above all, we must remain committed to the principles of inclusivity and equity. The future we are building must be one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, where the fruits of our innovation are shared widely, and where the power of biotechnology is harnessed for the greater good.
Strong Government Support
Recognizing the transformation potential of biotechnology, the Indian government, led by Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has already laid down comprehensive policies, strategies, and roadmaps to establish a strong foundation for a robust bioeconomy.
Against this exciting and emerging backdrop therefore, the Government of India’s new policies on Bioscience led research, innovation and manufacturing is timely and future proofing. The Vigyan Dhara with its outlay of ₹10,000 Cr focuses on basic research and critical technologies whilst the BioE3 policy strives to support research and innovation led bio processing in strategic areas like bio-based chemicals, smart proteins, functional foods, precision biotherapeutics, and climate-resilient agriculture. The policy aims to strengthen initiatives such as a ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy and an accelerated ‘green growth’ path by promoting a ‘circular bioeconomy’.
Both initiatives are aligned with India’s vision for “Viksit Bharat 2047,” and are expected to significantly contribute to the country’s scientific and economic growth in the coming years.
India Needs to Leverage Innovation to Move up the Value Chain
For too long, India has primarily focused on scale, size, and market share. While this approach has yielded significant results, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, it is time to shift our focus towards innovation to capture greater value.
India’s pharmaceutical sector holds a substantial global market share in vaccines and generic drugs. As the world’s third-largest manufacturer of medicines by volume and the largest exporter of generics, India provides cost-effective medicines to millions worldwide. Remarkably, ‘one in three’ pills consumed in the U.S. and ‘one in four’ in the UK are produced in India. Additionally, India accounts for 60% of global vaccine production, making it the largest vaccine producer in the world.
Despite these impressive achievements, India ranks 14th in terms of value in the global pharma landscape.
By leveraging innovation, investing in R&D, and fostering a culture of intellectual property creation, India can not only increase our value capture but also ensure sustainable growth and competitiveness in the long run.
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has been at the forefront of promoting biotechnological innovation and entrepreneurship leveraging the strength of strategic partnerships and building capacities across the country. Over the years, DBT has created and nurtured a vibrant biotech research and innovation ecosystem in biotechnology and modern biology, in alignment with national missions such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Swasth Bharat, Startup India and Make in India.
The Future is Interdisciplinary
Biology’s role as the new frontier is not confined to biology alone—it is increasingly interconnected with other fields. Biologists are working alongside computer scientists, engineers, and physicists to explore new possibilities. Bioinformatics and computational biology are helping us make sense of the vast amounts of data being generated by genomic research. Artificial intelligence is aiding in drug discovery and diagnostics, while bioengineering is creating living tissues and organs for transplantation.
This convergence of biology with technology and engineering is giving rise to fields like synthetic biology and biotechnology, where we are not just observing life—we are redesigning it. The future is interdisciplinary, and it is through collaboration across fields that we will truly unlock the potential of biology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, biology is the new frontier, and we stand at the threshold of discoveries that will fundamentally alter the course of human history. From curing diseases to creating sustainable solutions for our planet, the possibilities are endless.
I encourage each of you to seize the opportunities before us. Together, we can harness the power of biology to drive economic growth and create a sustainable future for our nation and the world.
But as we venture into this unknown, let us proceed with both curiosity and caution. For this frontier, unlike any before, holds the power to shape the very fabric of life.
Thank you.
(The speech was delivered by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw at the inaugural of the Global Bio India 2024, a Government of India initiative under the Department of Biotechnology, during September 12-14, 2024 in New Delhi)
