Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Rs 60 Crore Recombinant Cells Facility In Kerala
New BRIC-RGCB facility aims to accelerate drug discovery and cell-based therapies.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Sunday inaugurated a state-of-the-art “Central Facility for Recombinant Cells and Sensors” at the BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB). Developed at an estimated cost of Rs 60 crore by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the facility is expected to strengthen India’s capabilities in drug discovery, medical research and agricultural genomics.
Speaking at the institute’s Akkulam campus on National Science Day, Singh said India is steadily transitioning toward a bio-driven economy, with biotechnology playing a central role in manufacturing, healthcare and sustainable development. He also announced the establishment of a dedicated Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility at BRIC-RGCB and released the book Quantum Physics: One Hundred Magical Years authored by Prof. V.P.N. Nampoori.
Highlighting the sector’s rapid expansion, the Minister said India’s bioeconomy has grown nearly sixteen-fold over the past decade — from about $10 billion to approximately $166 billion — and is projected to touch $300 billion in the coming years. He noted that biotechnology start-ups have increased from around 50–70 in 2014 to more than 11,000 today, crediting policy reforms and targeted funding initiatives under the leadership of Narendra Modi. He also referred to the recently launched BioE3 Policy aimed at promoting economy, environment and employment through biotechnology.
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The newly inaugurated recombinant cells facility houses advanced engineered cell lines and screening systems designed to accelerate target-specific drug discovery and translational research. Officials said it would serve academia, industry and healthcare innovators nationwide, enabling faster movement from laboratory findings to therapeutic applications.
Singh further laid the foundation for a dedicated GMP facility to support pre-commercial production of biologics and advanced cell-based therapies, including CAR-T treatments, in collaboration with clinical centres in Kerala. Implemented in two phases with a total DBT investment of Rs 80 crore, the facility will operate on a “pay-and-use” model to assist start-ups and biotech firms. Emphasising preventive healthcare and cancer research, the Minister called for stronger industry collaboration to ensure that scientific innovation translates into tangible public health and economic gains.
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