The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) are key institutions in India driving innovation in biotechnology. DBT operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, and focuses on advancing research, development, and industrial applications in biotechnology. BIRAC, a not-for-profit public sector enterprise, was established by DBT to promote and facilitate the growth of the biotechnology sector by providing funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to startups, industries, and research institutions. Together, DBT and BIRAC aim to strengthen India’s bio-economy by supporting innovative solutions in healthcare, agriculture, environment, and industrial biotechnology. Through targeted funding programs, they encourage the development of cutting-edge technologies, fostering a robust ecosystem for research and commercialization. Their collaborative efforts ensure the transformation of scientific advancements into sustainable industrial applications, addressing global challenges like climate change, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. With a strong emphasis on translational research and industrial deployment, DBT and BIRAC continue to create opportunities for scientific and entrepreneurial talent, positioning India as a leader in biotechnological advancements.

DBT and BIRAC have launched a call for proposals under the BioE3 Policy to advance Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies for high-performance biomanufacturing. This initiative aims to develop energy-efficient and cost-effective approaches for capturing carbon dioxide from industrial emissions and direct air sources, utilizing biotechnological interventions. The grant encourages the transformation of CO2 into valuable products such as biofuels, chemicals, and materials, contributing to a sustainable, carbon-neutral economy. The program supports innovative bioprocessing solutions, including microbial platforms, disruptive CCU concepts, and scalable biorefinery technologies. Proposals are invited under two categories: (1) Discovery and Application-Oriented Integrated Network Research, which focuses on proof-of-concept development and early-stage validation (TRL 3-5); and (2) Bridging the Gaps for Scale-Up, targeting late-stage validation and industrial translation (TRL 5-7). The grant seeks to drive advancements in biophotonics, electro-catalysis, and bio-based solutions for carbon capture, ensuring technological scalability and deployment in real-world industrial settings.