New Delhi, June 15 (IANS) India’s science, technology and innovation landscape has undergone an unprecedented transformation, with a twenty-fold expansion of the bioeconomy to over $190 billion from nearly $10 billion in 2014, Union MoS Science & Technology, Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh, said on Monday.

India has a target of reaching $300 billion by 2030, he said, adding that the country has emerged as a global biotechnology hub through indigenous innovations in healthcare, genomics, diagnostics and biopharmaceuticals, supported by progressive policies such as the BioE3 framework.

Dr Singh said India has also strengthened its position in advanced healthcare technologies through breakthroughs in areas such as next-generation antibiotics, affordable CAR-T cell therapy, genomics and precision medicine. He noted that the country is increasingly developing solutions for diseases and disorders of global significance.

He mentioned India’s historic Moon landing near the lunar south pole, rapid growth of the space startup ecosystem, revolutionary improvements in weather forecasting and the emergence of indigenous technologies across strategic sectors.

Addressing a press conference here on “12 Years of Transformative Growth in Science, Technology and Innovation”, Singh said science and technology have moved from laboratories to the lives of ordinary citizens and have become a central pillar of India’s development journey.

He said the growing public interest in scientific achievements itself reflects the transformation that has taken place during the last decade.

The minister said that indigenous science technologies power nearly all major government flagship programs, reflecting the success of an integrated, whole-of-government approach.

The government’s emphasis on innovation, global competitiveness, industry participation and private-sector engagement has accelerated scientific outcomes across sectors ranging from healthcare and agriculture to space, weather sciences, infrastructure and energy.

The minister cited the example of steel slag road technology, which has converted industrial waste into a valuable national resource.

He said roads built using the technology have demonstrated superior durability, lower maintenance costs and greater cost-effectiveness, leading to wider adoption across the country.

—IANS

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