DBT Coffee Table Book
Transcript of DBT Coffee Table Book
Shri Narendra ModiHon’ble Prime Minister of India
I am happy to note that the Department of Biotechnology,
Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India has
completed a successful journey of 30 years. The Biotechnology
Sector has made significant contribution to the economy of
our Country. India has been globally recognized for its
significant contribution in developing a Rotavirus vaccine
indigenously.
I am particularly pleased to note that the Department has
made concerted efforts to meet ambitious targets by
promoting research, innovation, industry-academia
interactions and nurturing bio-entrepreneurs. I am confident
that the Biotechnology Sector will contribute immensely to the
National Missions to Make in India, Start-up India, Swachh
Bharat, Digital India and Skill India.
I wish the Department all success.
New Delhi
February 3, 2016 (Narendra Modi)
MESSAGE
Prime Ministeriz/kku ea=hiz/kku ea=h
VISIONAttaining new heights in
biotechnology research,
shaping biotechnology
into a premier precision
tool of the future for
creation of wealth and
ensuring social justice-
specially for the welfare
of the poor
THE FRONT PAGE OF GAZETTE NOTIFICATION FOR
ESTABLISHMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Science and technology has helped reduce
poverty and advance prosperity; fight
hunger and improve nutrition; conquer
diseases, improve health and give a child a
better chance to survive; connect us to our
loved ones and the world; spread
education and awareness; and, given us
clean energy that can make our habitat
more sustainable.
Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiat Indian National Science Congress, 2016
PM with Indian startups including biotech startups in California
'the biotech vision expands and enriches
our larger vision of building India as a
prosperous and modern nation, making
full use of the latest advances in science
and technology. It rightly recognizes that
Research and Development is necessarily a
global effort’
Shri Atal Bihari VajpayeeFormer Prime Minister of India
We have cutting edge technologies, the finest
scientists with the greatest intellectual
acumen, we have enthusiastic research
fellows who are putting their hearts and souls
into ensuring that the science can really be
connected to the people and solve the
problems of the country.
Shri Harsh VardhanSpeech at Indian National Science Congress, 2016
"IT (INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY)STANDS FOR 'INDIA TODAY,'
BT (BIOTECHNOLOGY)STANDS FOR ‘BHARAT TOMORROW.’
Dr. Harsh VardhanUnion Minister for Science & Technology
and Earth Sciences
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MINISTER
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
NEW DELHI - 110001
MESSAGE
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209, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2, Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001 Ph.:+91-11-23316766, 23714230; Fax: +91-11-23316745
The Department of Biotechnology would be celebrating its 30th Foundation Day on 26th
February, 2016. These 30 years have been crucial for the growth of Life Sciences and
Biotechnology in the Country and DBT's impact has been both national and global.
In its 30 years journey the Department of Biotechnology has spearheaded cutting edge
research, developed talent pool in Biotech, instituted regulatory capacity, forged industry
academia interactions, strengthened international partnerships, created institutional
infrastructure, guided policy thinking on biotech and supported key missions.
Since its inception in 1986 the department has been responsible for positioning India as one
of the top biotech destinations of the world. Having supported over 15000 research projects
in nearly all life sciences research institutes, laboratories and Universities across the
country, the Department has contributed immensely to Human Resource and
Infrastructure Development. 16 state of the art autonomous aided institutions are pursuing
cutting edge research. India was one of the first countries to introduce post graduate
courses in Biotechnology and this has helped us to create the required skilled workforce.
India is a leading vaccine manufacturing hub and the development of the low cost Rotavirus
vaccine has been a major accomplishment.
Setting up of BIRAC a Public Sector of DBT was a game changer for promoting Industry
Research and Innovation. More than 300 companies, 150 young Start ups and
Entrepreneurs have been supported. India is today a preferred partner for international
collaborations and DBT has partnerships with US, UK, Japan, Sweden, Germany, Denmark,
EU, Finland, Canada, Norway, Australia and several other countries.
Given that biotechnology is now recognised as a globally transformative enterprise the
Indian Biotechnology Sector has a renewed mission of being a leader in this journey, The
National Biotech Development Strategy announced recently lays out a clear road map for
building this enterprise. I am confident that the Department of Biotechnology will
accomplish this task very successfully
On the occasion of completing its 30th years journey, I congratulate DBT and wish it success
in its current efforts and good luck in its future endeavours.
(Dr. Harsh Vardhan)
Shri Y S ChowdaryMinister of State for
Science & Technology and
Earth Sciences
On the occasion of the 30th Foundation Day of Department of Biotechnology (DBT), I would
like to convey my appreciation to all those who have made outstanding contributions for
research and development in this sector. Biotechnology today is one of our sunrise sectors
and the growth rate witnessed over the last few years instills confidence that India will soon
emerge as the Global Biotechnology Hub. During the last 30 years, the DBT has been
instrumental in spearheading biotechnology research across the country and finding
affordable solutions to complex problems of societal and public health relevance.
The Department has laid special impetus on forging industry academia linkages and
promoting bio-entrepreneurship in a large way. Today through the efforts of the
Department, capacities in cutting edge research and innovation have been established and
strengthened both in Public and Private Sector.
Many technologies and products have successfully reached the market and in the coming
years, I am confident that the Department will take this sector to new heights.
I would like to congratulate the DBT and the entire team for their successful Journey of 30
years and wish them good luck for the future.
New Delhi: (Y S Chowdary)
01.02.2016
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MINISTER OF STATE FOR
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
NEW DELHI - 110003
MESSAGE
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Room No.501, Prithvi Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 Phone: 011-24629796 / 24629787 / 24629789 Fax: 011-24669707
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Room No.501, Prithvi Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 Phone: 011-24629796 / 24629787 / 24629789 Fax: 011-24669707
Few governments, the world over, have
specific science funding agencies focused
on biotechnology. The Indian
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is
therefore unique not only in India but
perhaps in the world. It was a recognition
by the Government of India that life
sciences and biotechnology are special
because they link humans to agriculture,
health, energy and to development of a
sustainable planet. That small step in
early 1980s in creating a new agency has
led to the fashioning of an ecosystem
that is vibrant and now ready for
exponential growth. While it is vital to
have specialised agencies in agriculture,
in medicine and other areas, what makes
the DBT special is that it is outside of
these very important downstream
science agencies and ministries, and yet
at the same time, it can bring the latest in
science to collaborate with them.
Prof. K VijayRaghavanSecretary, Department of Biotechnology
STRIVING FOR
EXCELLENCE
DBT founders brilliantly interpreted While there are immense challenges, international agencies to support
biotechnology and its rules of within them lie immense basic and applied science. We must
business to mean all of life sciences- opportunities. Our focus is to harness quality resources to bear on
from foundational basic science, all combine high quality basic science, complex problems. We must have a
the way to society and industry. This which is very important, with catalytic effect, and for that we need
view also brought into DBT's ambit translational aspects. We should aim to work with all science agencies,
areas that life science interfaces to look beyond proximal translations- with all ministries, international
from medical technologies, the low-hanging fruits- but instead agencies and importantly with state
agriculture and the underlying look adventurously into what can be governments. Partnership is indeed
chemistry, physics, engineering and transformative. This requires a the key for success for solving the
computer science. The DBT has been mixture of deep, explorative science complex challenges.
adaptive in its history in sensing the with identifying elements that can
best science has to offer, and result in innovative products and
welding that that with foundational processes. This will require us to be
science as well as translation. nimble and to develop mechanisms
to sense and identify important Judiciously supporting research and
growth areas.the quest for knowledge and
understanding are difficult enough The DBT was born and grew in times
but taking discoveries into when the country's science was
application is an enormous task The much smaller and country's life
big ships of application do not sciences research and biotech
change course as fast as the changes industry was young. Today we need
in the science and technology. The new ways to address our problems The DBT has a culture of openness
DBT plays the role of the rudder in which deal with our current size. The and self-criticism and we believe,
the national science enterprise- be it way to do this would involve change through this, we will continue to
in agriculture, in health, in preventive in our internal processes to address impact in the future.
medicine and in collaborating with matters of scale. We must leverage
industry, trying to gently steer these our resources and bring in other
ships in new and effective directions resources from national and
While there are immense
challenges, within them lie
immense opportunities. Our focus
is to combine high quality basic
science, which is very important,
with translational aspects.
It gives me great pleasure to see the growth of Biotechnology
in the country and the vital role that the Department of
Biotechnology has played.
Scientific pursuits must be undertaken with a level of humility
and respect towards humanity and life in general. With rapid
advances in technology, this responsibility has become even
more significant. I am proud to have been part of the efforts
to create and foster such an environment for our scholars,
researchers and scientists.
The Department of Biotechnology has always been the
catalyst for the development of cutting edge scientific
research by integrating educational programs with industrial
partners creating a clear path from academia to the market.
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the founding of
the Department, I wish all of those involved the best for a
bright and meaningful way forward.
Dr. S Ramachandran Former Secretary, DBT
M E S S A G E
It is more than twenty years that I retired from the
Department of Biotechnology in 1995. As I am a plant
scientist by training and profession, I have keenly followed
the progress of Indian biotechnology overall and plant
biotechnology in particular.
The overall scenario of biotechnology in India has grown
immensely and DBT has played a significant role in
developing and nurturing all areas of biotechnology. In the
field of plant biotechnology we have gained immensely
from micropropagation, genomics, transgenics, marker
assisted breeding- the success of these programmes has
brought real benefits to farmers and common man. Similar
achievements have also been made in healthcare, energy
and environment.
In this 30th year of DBT, I congratulate all who have been
associated with the leading organisation and hope that the
Department will continue to lead the path to greater glory
for the country.
M E S S A G E
Dr. C. R. BhatiaFormer Secretary, DBT
India has achieved excellence and self reliance in several areas of
scientific endeavours since independence. The Department of
Biotechnology, in the last three decades, has played a pivotal role in
making India an innovation hub in biotechnology that has impacted not
just our country but rest of the world. The last 30 years have seen
extensive growth in modern biology in setting up new institutions,
infrastructure and research and development towards innovative
products. DBT has been able to build a culture of excellence, team-
spirit, networking and transparency in the organisation as well as in its
autonomous institutions. The foundation for future has been laid and
biotechnology with a mission approach will reach even greater heights.
Through DBT's efforts India has been able to build a leadership role in
healthcare, agriculture, plant tissue culture, bioresource management,
animal health, conservation of biodiversity and pollution abatement.
I extend my heartiest congratulations to DBT and its fraternity for
completing 30 years. It has steadfastly remained focused with a
mission bringing the fruits of research to common man. I am confident
that in future DBT will continue to progress fast towards nurturing
scientific talents and the welfare of humankind.
Dr. Manju SharmaFormer Secretary, DBT
M E S S A G E
Congratulations to DBT for completing 30 years. It has been a great
journey and DBT has given great contribution in strengthening
biology in India, in promoting innovation, discovery,
entrepreneurship, empowering people, supporting public-private
partnership, supporting creativity both in academy and industry, and
being so adaptive in learning all the time and empowering them in
succeeding their journey. DBT's impact on translational science has
been outstanding, whether it is agriculture, vaccines, diagnostics,
biological drugs, devices or in generating knowledge that enables
product innovation or solution design.
Having a department like DBT was critical for India because
biotechnology is the source of solutions for creating new crop
varieties, for designing vaccines, drugs, diagnostic devices and
environmental technologies. Within the field of biotechnology there is
immense potential to do for human beings, animals and for our
environment. I would say biotechnology, in the next century is going
to be a great source of solutions for the many challenges that our
planet, our country India and its people face and DBT would play a
tremendous role in achieving this and nurturing the full potential of
biotechnology for our country's development. I congratulate the
entire team in DBT for its magnificent efforts, the past leaders who all
were outstanding and the officers of DBT and institutions who have
supported for its cause.
Dr. M K BhanFormer Secretary, DBT
M E S S A G E
From 1980 onwards the value of molecular genetics in transferring genes across cross sexual barriers and
in creating novel genetic combination started getting serious scientific attention. India is predominately an
agricultural country and agricultural progress in turn depends very much on the improvement made in
crop plants through both mendelian and molecular genetics. The Government of India set up under my
Chairmanship a National Biotechnology Board in 1982 for harnessing the tools of biotechnology in
strategic research in the field of agriculture, industry, medicine and environment. The Board was elevated
in 1986 to the status of a Department of Biotechnology with Dr R Ramachandran as its first Secretary.
Much of the progress made in our country in harnessing the tools of biotechnology for human wellbeing is
due to the leadership and support provided by the Department of Biotechnology.
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of DBT, I congratulate and thank all connected with its
development as well as successive Prime Ministers and Ministers for the strong political support they have
extended to this frontier science and technology. We are on the threshold of harvesting economic results
from the work done so far. I wish the Department continued success and growth in making biotechnology
the flagship of our movement for converting our bioresources into jobs and income.
Dr. M S SwaminathanFounder Chairman and Chief Mentor
UNESCO Chair in Ecotechnology
M S Swaminathan Research Foundation
M E S S A G E
I have been a close witness to the dramatic growth of the DBT from its initial birth as the
National Biotechnology Board in 1982. The country recognizes the immense contribution of DBT
for the growth and excellence in life science research in the country. This has formed the bed
rock for the establishment of the Biotech industry, which is poised to fly not only in terms of
revenues but also in terms of addressing the real concerns of health and disease, food and
agriculture, environment and energy in the country. I wish the department a glorious future and
to flourish as a jewel in the crown of R&D establishments in the country.
Prof. G PadmanabanFormer Director IISc, Bangalore
M E S S A G E
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) was formed in 1986, the first such example of a Government Department
coming up anywhere in the world. DBT has played a stellar role in nurturing, growing and advancing
biotechnology in India over the past three decades. I have been proud to be associated with DBT right from its
inception in various capacities. I have proudly watched DBT's proactive, ambitious and farsighted initiatives,
which have made a huge impact on Indian agriculture, health care, industry and environment on one hand and
raising the global standing of India in the sphere of biotechnology on the other.
DBT has fostered cutting edge research and frontier innovation, with a strong emphasis on translational
research. Through initiatives like BIRAC, it has pioneered a strong biotechnology industry base in India. DBT's
world class institutions are contributing today by balancing global level research excellence on one hand and
relevance to the nation on the other hand.
I will like to wish all the very best in DBT's journey towards its Golden Jubilee. I will not be there when DBT
celebrates its Golden Jubilee, but I am sure by then India will be one of the leading developed nations with
globally ranked biotechnology institutions and bio-enterprises, the credit for which will be, I am sure, due to
our DBT, of which the whole nation is so proud today.
Dr. R MashelkarFormer DG, CSIR
M E S S A G E
It has been a privilege to be associated with the department of biotechnology from its inception three
decades ago. During this period a nascent seed has grown into a blossoming tree. It has not only contributed
to the development of required manpower, established biotech infrastructure, catalyze all aspects of
research-basic, applied translational-both in academia and industry , but also led to the creation of more than
a dozen national research institutions to broaden the Indian Knowledge base in various fields of bioscience
relevant to biotechnology. More recently by establishing BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance
Council) it has catalyzed the innovation driven biotech Industry by promoting entrepreneurship, industry-
academia interaction and providing venture capital. DBT has unquestionably provided a major role in all
round growth of biotechnology to provide a vast range of bio-products for national and international
markets, which has led to global recognition of Indian biotech industry as a major player.
I take this opportunity to wish the department to achieve greater heights.
Dr. P N TandonFounder President, NBRC
M E S S A G E
My journey of building Biocon, mirrors the last three decades over which the Indian Biotechnology sector has
grown from a handful of fledgling start-ups to amature industry encompassing diverse skills and capabilities in
discovery research, development and large scale bio-manufacturing. It has been an eventful yet rewarding
journey that has seen India emerge as a credible leader in Vaccines, Biosimilars, Agri-Biotech and Bio-IT. The
potential of biotechnology in India is yet to be fully realized and the path ahead is both exciting and challenging
as we focus on innovation driven by high science to move from 'me too' products to 'breakthrough' products
and technologies. With enabling policies, adequate funding and high quality infrastructure, the Biotechnology
sector has the potential to propel India into a global leadership position in the knowledge economy!”
Dr. Kiran Mazumdar ShawCMD, Biocon
M E S S A G E
C O N T E N T S
05
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1986-1995 Early Beginnings &
The First Steps
1996-2005 The Decade of Expansion:
Strengthening Institution Building and
Research Capabilities
2006-2015 Amplification:
Deep Science, Translation and Enterprise
The Societal Impact
1982The National
Biotechnology
Development
Board established
1985Postgraduate
programmes in
biotechnology launched
in six universities
Feb 27th Gazette notification for
formation of Department of
Biotechnology.
Dr. S Ramachandran becomes
the Secretary DBT.
National Institute of
Immunology established
SAC-DBT established
Indo-US Vaccine Action
Programme launched
BTISnet programme
launched
1988ICGEB begins operations
at Delhi
NCCS established in Pune
Oilpalm & other tissue
culture programmes
initiated
1996Dr. Manju Sharma
becomes Secretary
National Gene
Banks Started
1997NBRC established in Manesar
CDFD established in Hyderabad
Several Repositories established
Biovillage Mocha established
in Gujarat
1998CDFD launched
NIPGR established
National Bioresource
Development Board set up
Oilzapper launched
2000Launch of the DBT's Ten
Year Vision Document
Jan Vigyan Programmes
launched
2006SBIRI for funding
industry in PPP
mode launched
2007National Biotechnology Development Strategy launched
RCGB established in Thiruananthapuram
Stanford India Biodesign launched in partnership
among IIT Delhi, AIIMS and Stanford University
DBT established an Centre for Energy
Biosciences (CEB) at ICT Mumbai
Ramalingaswami Fellowship Launched
Tata Innovation Fellowship Launched
Vivek Hybrid QPM variety developed
20092008BIRAP- Pilot programme setup
BIPP a high risk funding for
industry programme launched
Lucknow Biotech Park
formally inaugurated
BUILDER programme launched
Star College Programme launched
DBT-Wellcome Trust Fellowship
THSTI & RCB at Faridabad,
inSTEM & C-CAMP in
Bangalore and NIBMG Kalyani
established
North Eastern Region
Biotechnology Programme
Management Cell established
1999
1986 1986
TIMELINE
1989BIBCOL and IVCOL
established
Large cardamom
programme initiated
1990BCIL established
Biosafety Guidelines
formulated
1992World's first IVF
buffalo Pratham born
1993Email facility using
ERNET launched
1994Dr. C. Bhatia becomes Secretary
HIV Tridot HIV detection kit
transferred to J. Mitra & Co.
Technology transfer of
cardamom
2001IBSD established in Manipur
India joins International Rice
Genome Consortium
Leprovac a vaccine for
leprosy launched
BTISnet grown to 57 centres
across the country
2002Institute of Life Science
becomes part of DBT's
Autonomous Institutes
Bt Cotton launched
Supercomputing Facility
established in IIT Delhi
2003 2004Dr. MK Bhan becomes
the Secretary
Bioprahar launched
Detection kit for
Shrimp's WSSV virus
infection launched
2005CSCR established in
CMC Vellore
DBT-Third World
Academy Sciences Italy
(DBT-TWAS) fellowship
India joins the
International
Consortium of
Lepidoteran
Genome Project
2010 2012 2013 2014DBT contributes to
'Make in
India'programme
Wheat Genome
Sequenced
BTIsnet is spread
160 institutes
BIRAC Established
Partnership between
DBT, Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation
Prof. K VijayRaghavan
becomes the Secretary
MoU with TEKES Finland
2014/15National Biotechnology Development
Strategy 2015 launched
Rotavac Launched
DBT contributes to Startup India programme
DBT pan-IIT Centre for Bioenergy launched
1986-1995EARLYBEGINNINGS &THE FIRSTSTEPS
Since independence until the 1980s, India had built
substantial scientific infrastructure in areas such as space and
agriculture lead by leading stalwarts Homi Bhabha and MS
Swaminathan. The focus on science, since independence, also
extended to modern biology including molecular and
structural biology which had put roots at several places in the
country such as IISc and TIFR Mumbai. By early 1980s India
also had a few biotechnology focused companies that
manufactured vaccines, enzymes and other biotechnology
products.The growth of biotechnology and its potential to
deliver valuable solutions to innumerable human needs did
not go without notice of the science policy makers in India.
The Indian S&T policy makers especially the Scientific Advisory
Committee to the Cabinet in 1981-82 strongly suggested the
creation of a 'National Biotechnology Board' (NBTB) which was
formed in 1982 under the Chairmanship of Dr. MS
Swaminathan and with the Dr. S Ramachandran as Member
Secretary to provide a focused impetus to the emerging field
of biotechnology. The Board consisted of several eminent
scientists such as MS Swaminathan, MGK Menon, Obaid
Siddiqui, the then Secretary Department of S&T who lent their
support to the functioning of the Board. The Board's mandate
was to encourage research, develop infrastructure and build
skilled human resources in biotechnology. To further boost
this emerging field in India, the Government of India took the
decision to create a separate Department of Biotechnology
(DBT) in February 1986. In December 1986, DBT formally
shifted to block two of the CGO complex, Lodhi Road.
DBT's mandate is to nurture R&D, technology validation & transfer and
build world class infrastructure and Centres of Excellence (CoE), create
top class skilled human resources, facilitate industry-academia
collaboration and take emerging technologies and products to the last
mile for the benefit of the society. From its early days, DBT has given a
sustained focus on to all aspects of its mandate and evolved a policy
of continual engagement with stakeholders.
The governance structure of DBT evolved to establishing a Scientific
Advisory Committee (SAC-DBT) in 1986 consisting of experts drawn
from science, economics, technology and industry. SAC-DBT provided
advice DBT in a range of areas especially on short term and long term
programmes, industry collaboration and international connect. Under
the auspices of SAC-DBT, the strategy adopted by DBT to initiate wide
ranging national and international projects has been through creation
of 'Taskforce'- a group of high level experts who advise, mentor and
monitor multitudes of programmes.
In addition, DBT also constituted an overseas committee of experts
called SAC-O with members drawn from the USA, Germany and
Netherlands which included senior scientists such as Dr. Inder Verma,
Dr. Ananda Chakrabarty and other world renowned science leaders.
By 1994-95, DBT had established many such Taskforce in several
leading areas such as agriculture, healthcare, marine biotechnology,
environment, industrial biotechnology. One distinctive feature of DBT
has been its openness to partner with agencies, both national and
international, to initiate and deliver important programmes. DBT, since
its inception, has partnered with DST, CSIR, ICMR, ICAR, DAE, DoS and
host of other agencies.
06 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
SAC-O Meeting, 1996
Hon’ble PM Shri V.P. Singh along with DBT Secretary
Dr. S. Ramachandran at an Exhibition of Biotechnology, during the
Parliament Consultative Committee on S&T meeting held on 1st March, 1990
DBT's Vision & Strategy
"Attaining new heights in
biotechnology research,
shaping biotechnology
into a premier precision
tool of the future for
creation of wealth and
ensuring social justice-
specially for the welfare
of the poor”
07Department of Biotechnology
CREATING NEW INSTITUTESCreating the Pillars of Indian BiotechnologyResearch, Development & Skilling
DBT initiated creation and operationalisation of new institutes that aimed at conducting world class
research, build skilled workforce and create impact in the society. In the early 1980s, DST (NBTB) had
initiated the establishment of National Institute of Immunology (NII) which became functional in 1986
becoming the first autonomous institute of DBT.
In the meantime, another institution was taking shape through a transnational initiative where India
played a significant role. India was a member and a host country, along with 46 signatory countries for
UNIDO's efforts to establish the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)
at Trieste Italy and New Delhi. The Government of India extended both financial and infrastructural
support to ICGEB at New Delhi which started its operations from March 1988.
Professor MGK Menon
unveiling the
foundation stone of the
first building of NII
while Professor S.
Vardarajan and
Professor GP Talwar,
Founder Director looks
on (October 27, 1983)
08 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
DBT also initiated the National Facility for
Animal Tissue and Cell Culture (NFATCC) at
Pune with the mandate to carry out research in
animal and human cell and tissue culture
especially characterisation as well as be a
repository/tissue bank. NFATCC then evolved
into National Centre for Cell Science in 1988.
The laboratory building of the NII was inaugurated
and dedicated to the nation by the then Prime
Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi on 6th October, 1986
Shri JRD Tata in conversation with
Dr. GP Talwar, Founder Director, NII
Construction of ICGEB building
09Department of Biotechnology
Construction of NFATCC Lab on UOP Campus NCCS Building (1996)
BIBCOL in Bulandshahr
10 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Besides these DBT established public
sector units such Bharat Immunologicals
and Biologicals Corporation Limited -
BIBCOL in 1989 at Bulandshahr to
manufacture vaccines such as oral polio
vaccines (OPV). The company went public
by 1994 and at the turn of the century
ithad manufactured more than 170 million
doses of OPVs. DBT also established the
Indian Vaccines Corporation Limited
(IVCOL)in 1989 in partnership with Indian
Petrochemicals Corporatiion Limirted,
Pasteur Merux Serums and Vaccines.
11Department of Biotechnology
DBT focused on transferring the
fruits of research into society and
the department initiated linkages
with industry. DBT established
Biotechnology Consortium India
Limited (BCIL) in 1990 for
technology transfer, training and
skilling, information
dissemination& was inaugurated
by Hon. PM Chandrasekhar.
Hon'ble former PM
Shri Chandrasekhar
inaugurating BCIL,
December 20, 1990
From very early on the focus of DBT was to build
cutting edge research institute and transferring the
fruits of research to society
EARLY INFRASTRUCTURENew centres & Facilities
DBT initiated strengthening of infrastructure in Further, it built infrastructure in the nascent autonomous
biotechnology across the country, first focusing on places institutes, established several national facilities and
where bioscience research was already prominent such repositories such as the National Facility for Microbial
as IISc Bangalore, TIFR Bombay (now Mumbai), Jawaharlal Type Culture Collection (MTCC) at Institute of Microbial
Nehru University, New Delhi, Centre for Cellular & Technology (IMTECH) Chandigarh, National Facility of Blue
Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, NCL Pune, TNAU Green Algal Collection at IARI New Delhi, National Facility
Coimbatore, MS University Baroda and Madurai Kamraj for Marine Cyanobacteria at Bharathidasan University
University, Madurai to name a few. In the early days, IISc Tiruchirapalli and National Facility for Plant Tissue Culture
received an umbrella programme from DBT covering Repository at NBPGR, Pusa, New Delhi. A Biochemical
several aspects of biotechnology research such as Engineering Research & Process Development Centre was
Primate Research Laboratory and Centre for opened in IMTECH along with MTCC.
Reproductive Biology & Molecular Endocrinology, a
Protein Peptide Sequencing Facility, Molecular Virology
Group, Plant Genome & Gene Structure, Immunology
Programme and an Oligonucleotide Synthesis Facility.
Similar programme support on multitudes of research
areas was provided to CCMB Hyderabad including the
fields of tumour rejection, molecular sex determination
and lens protein studies.
Six Crop Biotechnology & Plant Molecular Biology (CPMB)
centres were established in JNU Delhi, Madurai Kamraj
University Madurai, TNAU Coimbatore, NBRI Lucknow,
Osmania University Hyderabad and Bose Institute
Calcutta (now Kolkata). Similarly, Genetic Engineering
Units were established in MKU Madurai, JNU, Banaras
Hindu University (BHU) and IISc Bangalore and an Animal
House Facility was created in CDRI.
12 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
13Department of Biotechnology
Superconducting magnet of the
600 MHz NMR spectrometer
Vacuum testing during
freeze-drying of cultures
1500 Ltr. Pilot
Plant in operation
at IMTECH,
Chandigarh
An integrated BTISnet was established in 1986- with the Biodiversity Network (ABBNET) with the responsibility to
aim to provide information resource on genetic data, co-ordinate with seven other participating nations viz.
bibliographic references, and management information. China, Indonesia, Nepal, Phillipines, Sri Lanka, Thailand
BTISnet created a network of distributed information and Vietnam.
centres and sub-centres. From its early inception, eighty BTIsnet also initiated development of software packages
seven institutions became part of the network and were for computing the size of DNA fragments after
connected by distributed information centres. Satellite electrophoresis as well as size of proteins. Besides,
communication network was provided by VSATSs and BTISnet also aimed at developing educational software. In
later large bandwidth network was created using VPN the midst of strengthening infrastructure, DBT started
access thus establishing a Bio-Grid India. By 1994-95, accessing and utilising email communication through
DBT in partnership with FAO (through UNDP's FARM ERNET in 1993.
programme) had established an Asian Biotechnology &
BTISnet
Annual Course-Coordinators Meeting for Post-Graduate Programmes 1992
14 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
15Department of Biotechnology
TRAINING AND SKILLINGA new generation of biotechnologists
DBT kick started development of skilled human Through BCIL, DBT provided access for industrial training
resources through focused postgraduate level of biotechnology students through its flagship BITP
programmes in biotechnology that were initially started programme. The department also initiated 'Technician
at 6 universities in 1985 and later expanded to cover 29 Training programme', DBT Scholarship in Biology (from
universities by end of 1995. The department also 1989) for outstanding higher secondary school students
initiated specialised postgraduate courses in agribiotech, and School Teacher's Training programme. These efforts
marine biotechnology, medical, veterinary biotechnology led to creation of the first pool of human resources
and biochemical and bioprocessing engineering. The trained in various aspects of biotechnology. A whole host
department initiated Biotechnology National of other programmes were initiated.
Associateship for training scientists within India and
Biotechnology Overseas Associateship.
Course coordinators meeting held in DBT, New Delhi
Students at work at UDCT Bombay in M.Sc. Bioprocess
Technology Programme, 1992
Participants at workshop Genes & Development organised through
DBT at NII, December 1988 (Photo credit Dr. M Balasubramanian)
DBT and its autonomous
institutions also organised several
workshops to train postgraduate
and doctoral students.
16 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
A young volnteer explaining the model of a bacteriophage to the
then Hon’ble Minister of State for S&T, Shri K R Narayanan
17Department of Biotechnology
Secretary DBT addressing DBT scholars in Biology
In the initial years biotechnology was a
nascent area and DBT initiated several
activities to popularise biotechnology with
couple of primary objectives- improve
public understanding of biotechnology and
attract talent to pursue research and
development in the field. The department
published a wide variety of publications
including monographs such as 'Shot in
Arm' and 'Gene Power'. It also participated
in national and international exhibitions.
The department funded 'Popular Lecture'
series across several institutions. It also
produced several short films, such as
'Biotechnology in conquest of Diseases' in
1993, to popularise biotechnology.
POPULARISATION OF
BIOTECHNOLOGY
18 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
EARLY RESEARCH PROGRAMMESTargeted & Mission Modes
In the first decade, DBT concentrated on stimulating Chandigarh, NII Delhi, Cancer Research Institute Bombay.
research and development programmes across the It also transferred HIV detection kits to Ranbaxy and
country- both in the newly established institutes as well Lupin. DBT, through support to CDRI, Lucknow supported
as in other institutions and places of research. development of a diagnostic kit for kala azar and
development of antifertility vaccine at NII.The panoply of focus for research extended from basic
sciences, health and vaccines, industrial biotechnology, In 1994, a HIV Bidot/Tridot test devices were
plant molecular biology, animal biotechnology, manufactured for the first time for detection of
aquaculture, plant molecular biology, seribiotechnology, antibodies to HIV-I and HIV-II in human sera/plasma.
biofertilisers& pest control and environmental The technology was developed by DBT and transferred
biotechnology. In basic sciences, a range of studies in to J Mitra & Co.
protein engineering, m-RNA splicing and basic molecular
biology of Leishmania donovani (at IICB, Calcutta),
mycobacterium genome (at IISc), macrophage function (at
IISc), genome analysis at IISc and 'Genetic studies of
disorders in the Indian gene pool' at AIIMS especially
molecular characterisation of two of the commonest
single gene disorders viz. beta thalassemia and Duchenne
muscular dystrophy were undertaken. In a manjor effort,
DBT initiated a joined vaccine programme for cholera, TB
and Japanese encephalitis.
In the arena of human health and vaccines, a multi-
centric project on drug targeting in infectious, cancerous
and auto-immune diseases with liposome and antibody
as carriers was initiated at CDRI Lucknow, IISc Bangalore
and Delhi University. DBT contributed to development of
rapid detection of HIV infection by supporting HIV
diagnostic kit detection development at PGIMER
HIV Tri-dot detection Kit
19Department of Biotechnology
Venturing into bio-medicine, DBT conducted clinical trials One of the pioneering early mission mode project was
of an immunomodulatory drug to treat leprosy. Similarly 'The cattle herd improvement programme' which was a
in plant molecular biology and agriculture, a massive five year (1987-92) multi-institutional mission that
integrated approach to create transgenic lines of crops, focused on embryo transfer technology. This was
such as Bt cotton, mustard, rice, chickpea with improved implemented by National Dairy Development Board
varieties was undertaken in several institutions such as (NDDB) as the lead agency and National Institute of
the Bose Institute, DU and the six CPMBs. Further, Immunology (NII), IVRI, NDRI and CFSP&TI as
projects for crop improvement in tea, coffee, rubber, collaborating agencies where suitable infrastructure was
cashew were initiated. created. Through the network efforts of cattle
improvement, the world's first IVF buffalo calf (PRATHAM) The first transgenics were produced in model plant
was born at NDRI Karnal. Tobacco at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (DBT) within 3
years of such reports from Europe and the US laboratories. Within a few years, more than 300 calves (both cows and
In a landmark decision, DBT permitted the import of some buffaloes) were born using embryo transfer technology
100 seeds of Cocker-132 cotton with bacterial gene that is thus integrating the advanced technology for helping
responsible for resistance to boll worm which was later cattle farmers.
used by MAHYCO to develop Bt cotton.
Clinical trials of Leprosy VaccinePeanut Lectin Structure
Banerjee et al, PNAS 1994, 91, 227-231
Eleven Calves produced from 15 embryos collected in a single flush from a Holstein Cross-bred
20 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
World's first in vitro produced buffalo calf 'PRATHAM' in 1992.
21Department of Biotechnology
Praman assay kit for
pregnancy diagnosis in
buffaloes. The kit uses the
principles of enzyme amino
assay and a visual colour
difference for diagnosis of
pregnancy as early as 22-24
days after insemination. The
test kit is based on EIA
qualitative estimation of
progesterone.
Tissue culture raised plants of coffee - hardening in the Green House
Tissue culture raised vanilla
22 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
One of the major programmes of the
DBT, established in the early years, was
the focus on tissue culture and micro-
propagation. It established two Tissue
Culture Pilot Plant Facilities at TERI New
Delhi and NCL Pune with the focus on
micropropagation of several important
plant species such as Teak, Eucalyptus,
cardamom, vanilla, apple, black pepper
amongst others. Several millions of
tissue culture clones were planted for all
these important species which showed
superior growth potential.
Oilpalm cultivation in during the late 1980s at Bhadra reservoir, Karnataka
and Sindhudurg, Maharashtra (Photo Credit Dr. S Natesh, DBT)
23Department of Biotechnology
The Oilpalm Demonstration Projects (ODPs) were institutions, public sector corporations and private
launched in 1988-89 to explore the feasibility of oil palm copmpanies drew ambitious plans for expansion under
cultivation in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and oil palm.The technology Mission on Oil Seeds and Pulses
Maharashtra. Working with the State Governments, (TMOP) too supported implementation of the oil palm
private players were roped in to establish oil processing programme and aimed at increasing the acreage to 100K
units such as the Godrej Oil Palm Konkan Limited in hectares. At Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, DBT
Maharashtra, Oswal Palm India in Karnataka. The seed to initiated R&D in oil palm-water relations and
oil gained ground during the first decade and several Non photosynthesis of oilpalm.
Governmenatl Organisations (NGOs), financial
Tissue culture, micro-
propagation and oil
palm projects became
some off the biggest
programmes of DBT
Two year old oil-palm plantations intercropped with Jasmine in Karnataka.
24 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
The then DBT Secretary, Dr. S Ramachandran
verifying a tissue culture cardamom
plantation 1992.
Another large programme during this
decade was the Tissue Culture
Cardamom Product Plan (from 1989)
that aimed at tissue cloning high
yeilding cardamom clones.
Silkworm rearing
Azolla in the rice fields
25Department of Biotechnology
In seri-biotechnology, DBT provided
support to host of institutions such as
Central Silk Board, Central Sericulture
Research & Training Institute (CSR & TI),
Mysore, NII Delhi, Department of
Botany, DU to carry out several lines of
research in silkworm feed, diagnostic
kits, and artificial diet.
In the realm of biofertilizers, DBT
supported a large number of projects
through its 'Technology Development &
Demonstration of Biofertlizers' especially
in first identification of particular strains
of Rhizobium & blue green algae (BGA)
and then field testing the BGA and
rhizobium in crop cultivation such as
rice. DBT also concentrated in its efforts
to boost the aquaculture and fisheries
sector including large scale carp farming,
feed development, diagnostic, isolation
of bioactive compounds and
cryopreservation of prawn embryo.
DBT was cognisant of the fact that while biotechnology It established an oversight committee called Review
solutions create immense economic and social impact, Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) to approve,
however the new methods and processes in monitor and strengthen safety guidelines and regulation
biotechnology such as recombinant technology needed in the biotech landscape. Further, DBT worked closely
safety guidelines such that the products did not pose any with Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF) in guiding
risks to environment, human and animal health. In this the functioning of Genetic Engineering Approval
regard, DBT framed Recombinant DNA safety guidelines Committee (GEAC).
for research in recombinant products, in handling and During this decade RCGM gave permission to several
use of genetically modified life forms including microbes, organisations to carry out transgenic experiments such as
plants and animals. DBT put into action in setting up of permission to Proagro PGS India (for Mustard), MAHYCO
Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBSCs) to ensure the (for importing Bt cotton seeds) and Shantha Biotech
strict compliance of the safety guidelines in the country.
26 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
BIOSAFETY GUIDELINESSafety, Efficacy, Ethics & Transparency
DBT started international collaborations with several
nations such as Sweden, Germany, USA, UK, Russia,
China, Japan, Cuba, Poland, SAARC countries, G-15
amongst others. One of the earliest partnership that
DBT forged in 1987 is the Indo-US Vaccine Action
Programme with the two nodal agencies being DBT
from India and National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases (NIAID) USA.
It aimed to develop vaccines for a range of conditions
such as dengue, malaria, hepatitis, chickungunya and
enteric diseases including rotavirus. Another
collaboration with the US aimed at 'Contraceptive
Development Research in Immunology was launched.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONSReaching out to the world
Hi Tech Chemostal received by Centre for Biotechnology, Anna
University, madras under the Indo-Swiss Collaboration.
27Department of Biotechnology
The 7th
meeting of Joint
working Group
on Indo-US
Vaccine Action
Programme
held on 14th &
15th July 1993.
28 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
The partnership with Switzerland focused on several Tissue Culture" were also initiated between NCL Pune and
areas such as development of diagnostic tools for foot & University of Agricultural Sciences Uppsala. With
mouth disease (IVRI Bangalore and University of Berne), Germany, the initial collaborations included projects that
infrastructural facilities for advanced biotech processes at aimed at agricultural projects such as nitrogen fixation in
Anna University University of Madras, bioprocess crop plants at JNU, New Delhi.
development and genetic manipulation in microbial Partnership with SAARC centred around advanced
systems (MS University Baroda and Institute of training in genetic engineering, and joint workshops on
Biotechnology, Zurich).various aspects including immunodiagnostics.
The collaboration with Sweden focused on 'Applied The multitude of programme support that DBT
Biocatalysis' between Swedish Agency for Research & Co-established in the first decade created the early
operation in Developing Countries (SAREC) and CFTRI, beginnings of a biotech ecosystem in India.
Mysore, IIT Delhi, BERC New Delhi and University of Lund,
Sweden. Joint projects in tissue culture especially "Tree
DBT sponsored SAARC Workshop on Trends in Diagnostics
29Department of Biotechnology
Visit of Dr. James Watson to CDFD in 1997.
1996-2005THE DECADEOF EXPANSION:STRENGTHENINGINSTITUTION BUILDING ANDRESEARCH CAPABILITIES
The ecosystem for biotechnology had achieved a certain pace and
momentum by late 1990s- appropriate infrastructure had been built and
multitudes of programmes had been initiated in R&D including training
of skilled human resources. At this juncture, DBT released a ten year
vision document which was unveiled by the Hon. Prime Minister Atal
Bihari Vajpayee on 7th September 2001. The document provided a
decadal perspective and set the vision for nation's biotechnology as
"attaining new heights in biotechnology research, shaping biotechnology into
a premier precision tool of the future for creation of wealth and ensuring
social justice specially for the welfare of the poor".
BIOTECHNOLOGY - A VISIONTen Year Perspective
Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Hon’ble Minister of S&T
Shri M.M. Joshi releasing DBT’s Biotechnology - A Vision, September 2001
A major push for Indian biotechnology
came from Jan Vigyan programme that was
launched in 2000. Of the 21 mission
programmes, ten were initiated by various
departments within the Ministry of S&T,
four of which were launched by DBT in the
areas of new generation vaccines, herbal
product development, improvement of
coffee and establishment of mirror sites of
genomic database
31Department of Biotechnology
Foundation Stone
Laying of Centre for
DNA Fingerprinting
and Diagnostics by
Hon'ble PM Shri
Deve Gowda, 28th
January 1997
SPURT IN INSTITUTIONAL GROWTH
32 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
In the second decade, a series of new institutions were Genome Research which later became National Institute
established & operationalised while existing institutions of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) in 1998. DBT's focus
were strengthened thus rapidly filling the gap in on improving research and development in bioresources
infrastructure and human resources. Besides as well as commitment to develop the potential of the
strengthening NII, NCCS and ICGEB, DBT established the North East region of India resulted in establishment of
Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) in Institute of Bioresource & Sustainable Development
1997 at Hyderabad wherein it initially operated out from (IBSD) at Imphal, Manipur in 2001. During this period,
CCMB and later moved to its own premises. Recognising DBT provided necessary support to transform two state
the need for a modern research centre in neurology, level institutes into national centres- Institute of Life
DBT announced its intention to set up the National Brain Sciences (ILS) at Bhubaneswar and The Rajiv Gandhi
Research Centre(NBRC) in 1997 at Manesar Haryana. Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) in Trivandrum became
Similarly, DBT's initial focus on boosting plant science autonomous institutes within the DBT umbrella in 2002
research especially in genomics through its efforts with and 2007 respectively.
JNU, University of Delhi, and other agencies resulted in a
strategic decision to establish National Centre for Plant
NBRC Campus at Manesar
National Institute of Plant
Genome Research
(NIPGR) was established
in 1997-98. It moved to its
premises in 2005. Hon’ble
President Dr. APJ Abdul
Kalam inaugurating the
new campus in 2005. Also
present are Dr. MK Bhan,
Former Secretary DBT and
Dr. MS Swaminathan and
Prof. Asis Datta Former
Director NIPGR.
33Department of Biotechnology
Second SAC of IBSD in 2003 with Dr. Manju
Sharma (Secretary DBT) and Dr. MS Swaminathan.
Hon'ble Minister Shri MM Joshi inaugurating the First
Meeting of the Institute of Life Sciences Bhubaneswar, 2003
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruananthapuram
34 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
In the second decade, a super computing facility for in-silico
studies in genomics, proteomics and drug design was
established at IIT Delhi in 2002 which hosted 70 processors
(Ultra Spare III cu. 9000 Mhz), Sun Cluster and 16 processors
PC cluster. The facility's mandate was to create, maintain and
provide state of the art facility to develop new scientific
methods and new software for protein structure, prediction
and active site directed rational drug design.
A 'Malaria Parasite Repository' at Malaria Research Centre,
Delhi was made fully functional in 1997. Isolates of P
falciparum, P. Vivax were collected. Similarly, Repositories for
Filarial Parasite and Reagentsw was established in Tropical
Disease Research Centre, MGIMS, Sevagram. At the
repository, B malayi infection is maintained in Mastomys.
Several more repository platforms were created- for example
a 'Repository on Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Material' was
established in 1997 at CIMAP, Lucknow and another'
Repository on Cryopreservation of blood cells was
established in1997 at Indian Institute of Haematology,
Mumbai. Additionally, a ‘Repository of HIV Sera’ was started
at PGINER Chandigarh and JALMA Agra.
EXPANDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE
A super computing facility for in-silico studies in genomics,
proteomics and drug design was established at IIT Delhi in 2002
35Department of Biotechnology
A rapid expansion of infrastructure was carried out to build the
foundation of the future biotech ecosystem
36 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
DBT established several germplasm banks
Dedication to the nation of
the Tissue Culture Pilot Plant
Facility at TERI New Delhi
The Filarial
Parasite
Repository
37Department of Biotechnology
BTISnet
The BTISnet was expanded rapidly and by 2002-03, it consisted of 10 Distributed Information Centres, 50 Sub-
Distributed Information Centres (Sub-DICs) and an apex Biotechnology Information Centre(BTIC) which co-ordinated
the functioning of the entire network. The BTISnet centres had developed more than 100 databases on various
aspects of the biotech field. DBT successfully established a high speed and bandwidth network in the form of Virtual
Public Network (VPN) named as BIOGRID INDIA through HCL Infosystems and co-ordinated by National Brain
Research Centre. Eleven institutions including JNU, University of Delhi South Campus, IGIB, NII, NBRC, MKU, IISc,
CDFD, University of Pune and IMTECH were networked under this project.
Connectivity of BIOGRID IndiaThe Alpha version of the software entitled, “Gene to Drug, A
proof of concept” developed by the research group was
released on July 31, 2002. Hon’ble Minister (S&T) Professor
M.M. Joshi, Displaying the same to the audience.
Malaria Parasite
Repository' at
Malaria Research
Centre, Delhi, 1997
Repositories for Filarial
Parasite and Reagents
in Tropical Disease
Research Centre,
MGIMS, Sevagram
Repository on Medicinal
and Aromatic Plant
Material' was established
in 1997
at CIMAP
National Neurosciences
Information Centre
and Human Brain
Tissue Bank for
neurobiological studies
were established at
NIMHANS Bangalore
Repository on
Cryopreservation of
Blood Cells was
established in1997 at
Indian Institute of
Haematology, Mumbai
Repository of HIV
Sera was started at
PGINER Chandigarh
and JALMA Agra
DBT CREATED
SEVERAL REPOSITORIES
38 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
39Department of Biotechnology
DBT built a comprehensive pedagogical system for studies. DBT also expanded its support for researchers
biotechnology education. The postgraduate programmes who wished to pursue doctoral (DBT JRF fellowship) and
were expanded to include both general courses as well as post-doctoral studies.
specialised courses (such as Pharmaceutical BITP industrial training was expanded and mobility was
biotechnology, medical biotechnology, marine encouraged through Biotechnology Overseas
biotechnology etc). By 2004, the number of courses at the Associateship Programme and Visiting Scientists from
postgraduate level had expanded to more than 50 Abroad programme. DBT continued to support several
postgraduate level courses across universities and other awards, fellowships and training programmes such
academic institutions- 30 of which were MSc in general as, National Women Bioscientist Award which by 2004
biotechnology, 7 were in agriculture biotechnology, 6 in had supported 20 women scientists. A National
MTech in biochemical engineering, bioprocess Bioscience Award for Career Development supported
technology, 3 in neurosciences, 2 in marine biotechnology scientists below the age of 45 in basic and applied
and 1 each in medical biotechnology, industrial research consisting of a cash amount of INR100,000, a
biotechnology, pharmaceutical biotechnology. DBT also citation and a research grant of INR 300,000.
expanded its support for researchers who wished to
pursue doctoral (DBT JRF fellowship) and post-doctoral
BOOSTING THE HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Awardees of National Bioscience Awards 2000 for
Career Development with Hon'ble Minister (S&T)
Shri M.M. Joshi and MoS (S&T) Hon’ble B. Rawat
Conference of Women Scientists and Technologists
in National Development in 2002
To recognise senior scientists's work,
DBT launched a new " Distinguished
Biotechnologist Award" and to foster
industry R&D the “Biotechnology Product
& Process Development and
Commericialisation Award” was also
instituted. Through its Patent Facilitating
Cell (BPFC), DBT provided patenting
facilities to scientists in India. BPFC also
started conducting IP workshops and
seminars to create awareness about IP
issues.DBT continued to award Biology
Scholarships to 10+2 students to
encourage excellence in biology
National Bioscience Award for Career Development 2000-01
IP Workshop conducted by DBT’s
Patent Facilitating cell (BPFC)
The first Golden Jubilee
Biotechnology fellowship Awards.
Prof. G. Padmanaban, IISc.
Bangalore, (Sr. Fellowship),
Dr. Syed E. Hasnain, NII, New Delhi
and Prof. Jayant B. Udgaonkar
40 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
41Department of Biotechnology
DBT continued to focus on building and
strengthening both basic research as well as
applied research across India.New lines of
research were initiated in structural biology,
oncology, apopotosis, medical microbiology stem
cell biology, vaccine programmes, animal and
seri-biotechnology, environmental biotechnology.
QUICKENING OF
BIOTECH RESEARCH
Collection of Umbilical cord blood from human
for stem cell isolation and preservation. DBT
funded studies on standardisation of methods
for isolation of stem cells from umbilical cord,
bone marrow and their cryopreservation.
Building upon the infrastructure that already had been cell research including technologies for preservation of
laid and that was been established, research progressed haemopoietic cells- DBT funded studies on
in the areas of proteomics (at JNSCASR, IISc, PGIMER, standardisation of methods for isolation of stem cells
NCL and BHU to name a few) and focus was as diverse from umbilical cord, bone marrow and their
as characterisation of enterotoxin (1ETN), folding of cryopreservation. Projects on adult stem cells as well as
HLA-B27 (implicated in Ankylosing Spondolitis) hsp 60 embryonic stem cells were extensively funded at NCCS
expression in Drosophila melanogaster. Scientists at Pune, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Centre for Human Genetics
JNCASR elucidated the structure of Palsmodium Bangalore, NBRC Manesar, IICB Kolkata and CMC Vellore.
falciparum Adenylosuccinate Synthetase at 2A CMC Vellore established a technology for clinical grade
resolution, Focus was also on several aspects of stem purification of CD34+ haematopoietic stem cells.
BASIC SCIENCE TAKES OFF
42 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Leprovac Vaccine was released. The technology was
developed at NII and transferred to Cadila
Pharmaceuticals
In the arena of health, Leprovac- an immunomodulator therapy
was released on the occasion of the first 'National Technology Day'.
DBT also established a series of 'Genetic Diagnosis and Counselling'
units across India (numbering 14 by 2001).
HUMAN HEALTH
Isolation of stem cells from blastocyst using immunosurgery, NCCS, Pune
43Department of Biotechnology
Signing of MoU 1997-98 on technology transfer of HIV I & II
detection developed by NII New Delhi in presence of
Hon'ble Minister HRD and S&T, Shri MM Joshi
Testing for brain impairment in children
LVPEI carried out work on limbal stem cells for Human Brain Tissue Bank is a national facility and was
transplanting it to patients with ocular surface disorders first of its kind that focused on neurobiology research
with 70% success. The first haploidentical stem cell utilising a scarce material and by 1997 it had collected 125
transplantation was carried out using CD34+ cells CSF/sera samples from viral encephalitis, TB meningitis,
collected from a father of a child patient who suffered dementia, Alzheimer and parasitic diseases.
from Glanzmann thrombasthenia. This was first of a kind
of transplantation in India. At AIIMS, a rapid pre-natal
diagnosis method of uncultured amniotic fluids using
interphase cytogenetics and in-situ hybridization
technique FISH was developed for identifying
chromosomal abnormalities wherein the results could be
delivered within 24 hours instead of 2-3 weeks by
conventional cytogenetic method. Similar genetic studies
to detect mutations and chromosomal abnormalities
were carried by CMC Vellore. The department initiated
several studies in oncology and cancer biology especially
molecular characterisation of oral cancer, breast cancer,
cervical cancer at several research locations such as
Jaslok Hospital, AIIMS, ACTREC Mumbai & CRI Mumbai,
NCCS Pune, ICPO Delhi and IISc Bangalore.
Significant progress were achieved in indigenous efforts
to detect HIV I and II especially at Cancer Research
Institute, Mumbai, NII and University of Delhi with some
of the technologies being transferred to Cadila
Pharmaceuticals and ACE Diagnostics & Biotech Ltd.
Liposomal mediated drug delivery especially clinical trials
for safety and efficacy of the liposomal amphotericin B
was conducted at Seth GS Medical College & KEM
Hospital, Mumbai. A National Neurosciences Information
Centre and Human Brain Tissue Bank for neurobiological
studies were established at NIMHANS Bangalore. The
44 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Hon'ble President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam interacting with
Dr. MK Bhan and others for understanding the status of
stem cell biology in the country, 2004
LVPEI carried out work on limbal stem cell transplantation to
patients with ocular surface disorders with 70% success (2003)
In the field of animal biotechnology, DBT
continued its focus on ETT and extending this to
other important cattle breeds. For detection of
Infectious Bovine Rhinotrachetitis (IBR) a kit was
manufactured by BAIF Development Research
Foundation. Funded by DBT, Vittal Mallaya
Scientific Research Foundation (VMRSF)
Bangalore developed an Elisa kit to detect snake
bites. Research in the use of animal by-products
was conducted for example at CLRI, reconstituted
type I bovine collagen membrane was used a
wound cover in periodontal regeneration
especially in gingival recession.
ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY &
AQUACULTURE
Field trails of IBR vaccine
45Department of Biotechnology
DBT also funded development of Anthrax vaccine which was transferred to Panacea Biotech in 2001. DBT continued to
focus on developing and expanding fish farming and prawn culture. In Aquaculture, besides the focus of increasing
productivity of fish and carp farming, focus was also shown to diagnostics (for example diagnostics for detection of
white spot disease of shrimp WSSV), molecular epidemiology, cell lines development (development and selection of
selected fin-fish cell lines),anticlastogenic and antitumour agents, proteases from deep sea fungi.
Development of a
detection kit for
Shrimp's WSSV virus
infection by
UAS,Mangalore, 2004
Prawn culture
Fish farming
46 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
During this decade, in the field of crop biotechnology, was indeed a large scale programme involving several
DBT launched major programmes on transgenic institutions (NIPGR New Delhi, IARI New Delhi, UAS
research on at least a dozen food and non food crops Dharwad, ICRISAT, UDSC New Delhi, TERI New Delhi,
such as brinjal, banana, cotton, okra, cauliflower, pigeon Directorrate of Rice Research Hyderaabad, MSSRF
pea, sorghum, tomato, mustard, mungbean and wheat. Chennai, Osmania University,MKU Madurai and biotech
This was the decade when for the first time in India a r- companies such as Mahyco, Ankur Seeds, JK
DNA product Bt Cotton was released in the market. This Agrigenetics, Hyderabad, Mahendra Hybrid Seeds.
AGRICULTURE & CROP BIOTECHNOLOGY
MEC Chairman & members visiting the contained
experiment; fields of Bt Cotton, 1999
DBT funded several projects for generation of
transgenic crops that have superior qualities- namely
cotton, rice, brinjal, sugarcane and mustard
47Department of Biotechnology
Bt Cotton was
released in India
for the first time
in 2002.
Transgenic sugarcane, 2003
India joined the International
Rice Genome Consortium (a
consortium of 12 countries)
and was assigned to
sequence Chromosome 11.
The sequencing work was
lead by Dr. Akhilesh Tyagi
(Department of Plant
Molecular Biology, University
of Delhi) and Dr. Nagendra
Singh of National Centre on
Plant Biotechnology, IARI.
Hon’ble PM Shri. Atal Bihari
Vajpayee’s message on completion
of the rice genome
Chromosome 11 of Rice
DECIPHERING THE
RICE GENOME
48 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Dr.AkhileshTyagi (Department of Plant Molecular Biology,
University of Delhi) and Dr. Nagendra Singh of National
Centre on Plant Biotechnology, IARI
Along the lines of rice genome sequencing, India joined the the
International Consortium on Lepidopteran Genome Project, that included
eight countries, the Indian silkworm genome initiative aimed at sequencing
greater than 20,000 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from Bombyx mori and
muga silk worm (Anthrecea assama) at CDFD Hyderabad and close to 10,000
ESTs from tropical tasar silk worm (A mylitta) at IIT Kharagpur
49Department of Biotechnology
The focus on tissue culture expanded in the second decade.
Field view of Patchouli grown in experimental plot. KET's
Scientific Research Centre, Mumbai
50 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
DBT continued its focus on the mission
programmes of Oilpalm and black pepper. Two
major initiatives that DBT initiated were
establishing tissue culture program for mass
propagation of selected elite genotypes especially
large cardamom, vanilla amongst host of other
important plant species such as Teak, banana,
sugarcane, tea, saffron and turmeric. As
mentioned, DBT had created two 'Tissue Culture
Pilot Plants' (TCPPs) with micro-propagation
facilities at TERI, New Delhi and NCL Pune. By 2000,
these two facilities had the capacity to produce 2
million plants. Micropropagation technology for
Teak, bamboo, Eucalyptus, Sugarcane were
transferred to Cadila Pharmaceuticals,
Ahmedabad. Micropropagation techniques were
used to generate clones of saffron plant, walnut,
bamboo, casurina among many others.
EXPANSION OF TISSUE CULTURE
The two tissue culture facilities in NCR and TERI had the capacity
to produce more than 2 million plants by 2000
Tissue culture
saffron
Tissue culture of
tea, 2003
Tissue culture
of vanilla
51Department of Biotechnology
52 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
With the approval of the Cabinet, in 1999, a National example, a cold tolerant gene was identified from a plant
Bioresource Development Board (NBDB) was established species in Himachal while salt tolerant gene was identified
that launched a major multi-institutional collaborative and cloned from the mangrove ecosystem. Several
programme on "Bioprospecting of Biological Wealth bioactive molecules with biocidal activities were also
using Biotechnological Tools". This involved 15 partner identified and characterised. Later biome level maps of
institutions to landscape and create a biome level other areas were also created.
ecological zone map as well as collection, The NBDB also initiated evaluation and characterisation of
documentation, molecular characterisation and gene rice accessions (at IGAU Ranchi) and in this project about
prospecting. The project initially chose two hot spots for 5000 rice germplasm were obtained and characterised on
study- the North Eastern Himalayas and South Western the basis of grain colour, size and other special features. In
Ghats. This programme also drew upon the collaboration parallel to the bioprospecting program, DBT also launched
between DBT and Department of Space to create a major programme on molecular taxonomy for
ecological zonal maps. This programme documented inventorisation, documentation and molecular
extensively priority species from Western Ghats and characterisation of economically important plant species
coastal systems and screened for anti-microbial and anti-and their sustainable use.
pesticidal properties against several microbes. For
BIORESOURCE USE AND BIOPROSPECTING
Hon’ble Minister S&T
Shri M.M. Joshi
addressing at the 1st
meeting of the National
Bioresource
Development Board
53Department of Biotechnology
Sea weed cultivation
During this decade the UNDP implemented FAO's
FARM project with DBT as the 'Biotech Node' . DBT
had the responsibility to provide technical support
for biotechnology and bioinformatics activities to the
member countries.
The then DBT Secretary Dr. CR Bhatia
at FAO-FARM event
54 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Vegetation Type Map of Arunachal Pradesh
Environmental Biotechnology and bioremediation was gaining importance due to anthropogenic
activities especially related to growth in extractive industries such as mining and oil exploration. DBT
initiated a focused programme on 'Petroleum Biotechnology' in 1992 and one of the projects sanctioned
was to TERI- to investigate indigenous microbial strains that can degrade petroleum oil and sludge. After
seven years of research, TERI developed a consortium of microbesbranded as 'Oilzapper' which could
successfully clean oil spills. The product received extensive national and international recognition. DBT
continued its focus on generating new varities of biopesticides and Funding from DBT at ICGEB resulted
in development of a biopesticide 'Bioprahar'in 2005.
ENVIRONMENT
55Department of Biotechnology
TMOilzapper developed by TERI
through DBT funding
Sludge oil in experimental land
Hon'ble Minister of S&T, Shri. Kapil Sibal launching
Bioprahar developed by ICGEB which was transferred
to Nirmal Organo Biotech.
Oilzapper treated land regenerated with
vegetation (Photo credit: Dr. Banwari Lal, TERI)
56 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
India and Syria sign
a workplan to
collaborate, 2002.
Dr. Manju Sharma
signing the
agreement
DBT connected globally for collaborative work on issues in biotechnology that impact health, agriculture and
environment by building new linkages with countries and strengthening existing bridges. DBT also reached out to
many countries and signed bilateral agreements with countries such as Syria (2000), Sudan (2002), Brazil (2002),
Mauritius (2002), Sri Lanka and ASEAN. The department continued to focus on several ongoing partnerships such as
Indo-Sweden (bioremediation of mine dumps, at NEERI), Switzerland (bioferlizers, biopesticides, marker assisted
breeding, transgenic technology esp. Golden rice). With the US, DBT built upon the existing vaccine programmes in
partnership with the Indo-US Vaccine Action Plan as well as Contraceptive and reproductive health research. To
complement this partnership a new partnership was mooted in agriculture (Indo US Collaboration in
agribiotechnology) in May 2003 and the first meeting of the Joint Working Group was in December 2004. The projects
supported under the Indo-US agriculture collaboration umbrella were development salt and drought resistance
transgenic rice, R&D in late blight in potato and fruit and shoot borer disease resistant egg plant (brinjal). On the
whole, DBT indeed came into its own in its second decade- building upon the foundations that were laid in its early
years. The third decade of DBT was beckoning for geometric expansion and amplification.
EXPANSION OF GLOBAL WINGSGlobal Partnerships for Biotechnology
57Department of Biotechnology
Hon’ble Minister S&T
Shri Kapil Sibal at the
Consultative Meeting for
the Regional Centre for
Training and Education in
Biotechnology
A MoU for biotechnology was
signed between India and
Denmark by the Hon’ble
Minister of State for Science
and Technology of India Sh.
Kapil Sibal and the Hon’ble
Minister of Science,
Technology and Education of
Denmark Mr. Helge Sander
India and the US expanded their collaboration to include
agricultural biotechnology. Hon'ble Minister Shri. Kapil
Sibal, Ambassador of the USA Dr. David Mulford and
Secretary DBT, Dr. MK Bhan, 2004
Indigenous Rotavirus vaccine being administrated to infants under Phase-1 clinical trial
The third decade of DBT was
beckoning for geometric expansion
and amplification
58 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
59Department of Biotechnology
Workshop for new DBT officers who joined in 2008-09
Dr. Robert J. Hay, Head- Animal Cell Culture, ATCC, USA visits NCCS
2006-2015AMPLIFICATION:DEEP SCIENCE,TRANSLATIONAND ENTERPRISE
Hon'ble Minister for S&T Shri Kapil Sibal releasing the
National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2007 with
Secretary, DBT, Dr. M. K. Bhan
The cover of NBDS 2007 outlining the key
elements of the 'The Future Bioeconomy’
The key elements of NBDS 2007 were reinforcing the regulatory
framework, interministerial co-ordination, a stated goal of promoting
the biotech industry and investing 30% of DBT's budget in public private
partnerships for fostering innovation and translation. The 2007 strategy
also put forth the goals to launch focused funding programmes for
industry such as Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP)
and Small Business Innovation Research Initiative (SBIRI) to help in
discovery research as well as scale up and facilitate commercialisation.
Another important stated goal was to establish an industry focused
organisation Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
(BIRAC) to nurture the industry. The strategy envisaged revamping the
pedagogical systems in colleges and universities as well as rapid
expansion of PhD and postdoctoral fellowships.
KEY ELEMENTS OF NBDS
By the time DBT entered its third decade, biotechnology
was very much entrenched in the nation's canvas of S&T. A
whole host of academic institutions had been built that
moved the gears of the biotechnology ecosystem.
Industrial activity in this domain had also been noticed in
the radar especially beginning from late 1990s. DBTs
responded to the emerging scenario by an extensive
stakeholder consultation culminating in a new strategy,
the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2007
which looked to change the ecosystem significantly
through deep science, translation and enterprise.
61Department of Biotechnology
62 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
The NBDS strategy aimed at amplifying
translation and unleased a second wave of
cutting edge institutions that focused on deep
science as well as translation & were
committed to take the fruits of research for
societal benefit. One of the early new centres
that DBT built at the start of the third decade
was the Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR)
at the campus of CMC Vellore in 2005.
THE SECOND WAVE OF
INSTITUTION BUILDING
Hon'ble President APJ
Abdul Kalam at
CSCR,CMC, Vellore
63Department of Biotechnology
CSCR at CMC Vellore
64 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Regional Centre for
Biotechnology,
Faridabad
Campus of THSTI,
Faridabad
that forms a
cluster with RCB
65Department of Biotechnology
Within a few years, DBT established Translational Health in 2009 one focused on research and translation in stem
Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in 2009 at cells and regenerative medicine called Institute of Stem
Faridabad and co-located THSTI along with Regional Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine (inSTEM) and
Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) which was built under the another for platform technologies and high end
auspices of UNESCO. Both THSTI and RCB together form instrumentation as well as an incubator called Centre for
the Biotech Science Cluster in the North. The focus of Cellular & Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP). Both inSTEM
THSTI focus is vaccine & infectious diseases, paediatric and C-CAMP were housed within the already existing
biology, human microbial ecology, biodesign, drug campus of National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)
discovery and policy for biomedical research, while RCB's to form the Bangalore Biocluster. In the East, DBT
focus is to initiate research in multidisciplinary fields of established National Institute of Biomedical Genomics
biotechnology including biomedical science, (NIBMG), in 2009, to carry out functional and
bioengineering, biochemical science, agriculture, climate translational genomics for human health and disease. In
change amongst others. Together, THSTI and RCB formed Northern India, DBT established National Agri-Food
the foundation for the Biotech Science Cluster. With a Biotechnology Institute to carry out research in
similar philosophy to build a biotech cluster in the Indian agriculture and food science.
startup hub, Bangalore, DBT built two new organisations
inSTEM, Bangalore
66 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Hon'ble PM Shri. Narendra Modi visiting inSTEM in 2015. In
frame are Prof. Sumantra Chattarji & Prof. K VijayRaghavan,
Secretary DBT and Former Director NCBS
67Department of Biotechnology
Campus of NIBMG, Kalyani, West Bengal
68 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Dr. MK Bhan, Secretary DBT cutting the celebratory
cake during the 1st Foundation Day of NIBMG. Also
present are Prof. P Majumder, Director NIBMG,
Dr. Eric Green Director National Human Genome
Institute, USA and Prof. Obaid Siddiqui Founder
Director, NCBS (1998)
NABI, Mohali, Punjab
69Department of Biotechnology
Building upon its exercise of creating institutions parks in the country such as the Lucknow Biotech Park
focussed on conducting research in biotechnology, DBT Lucknow, Biotechnology Incubation Centre (BTIC) at
set into motion a strategy to seed clusters that consists Shapoorji Pallonji Park, Hyderabad, Golden Jubilee
of academic institutions (build upon a foundation of Biotechnology Park for Women, Chennai, TICEL Park,
deep science) and surrounded by elements that facilitate Chennai, Guwahati Biotech Park Technology Incubation
translation and DBT's focus was to connect different Centre Guwahati, Biotechnology Park, Karnataka,
elements of the biotech ecosystem into a cluster such Biotechnology Park Kerala. These parks initiated the
that such that the entrepreneurial energies of each of development of clusters and create a pool of skilled
these elements can combine to cascade bio-innovations. entrepreneurs.
DBT provided extensive support to several biotechnology
CLUSTERING FOR COMBINATORIAL POWERBioclusters, BioParks, Technology Centres and Platforms
DBT'S EMERGING BIOCLUSTERS
Bioclusters: DBT set into motion a strategy to seed clusters that consists of academic institutions
surrounded by elements that facilitate translation and build upon a foundation of deep science
National Health Technology Biocluster: THSTI & RCB along with a Biotechnology Incubator
Agri-Food Biotechnology Mohali Cluster: NABI surrounded by MHRD's Indian Institute of
Science Education & Research (IISER), a management school and a nanoscience institute
as well as Panjab University
Bangalore BioCluster: Centred around DAE's National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)
with inSTEM and C-CAMP as well as University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore
70 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Biotech Park,
Lucknow formally
inaugurated by Sri
Kapil Sibal, Hon'ble
Minister for Science
& Technology and
Earth Sciences,
Government of
India on 7th
December 2008
Golden Jubilee Biotech Park for Women Society at Chennai
71Department of Biotechnology
C-CAMP, Bangalore
As mentioned before, besides these parks, DBT, through
inSTEM, built a state of the art technology platform,
C-CAMP, housing high end instruments that are accessible
to startups, SMEs and big companies from all across India.
It houses expertise for proteomics, next generation
sequencing (NGS) and manages a con-focal microscopy
facility and incubation facilities for biotech start-ups.
72 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
• High Throughput Genomic Analysis in Human Complex Disorders at JNU, New Delhi
• Structural Studies on Proteins and Nucleic Acid Fragments at University of Madras, Chennai
• National Facility for Microarray Genetics and Cell Imaging at IIT Kanpur
• Aerosol Containment Facility at NII New Delhi
• Centre for Excellence in Epilepsy and Magnetoencephalography at NBRC
NEW FACILITIES
In the last decade, DBT has focused on
building the nation's capabilities in
bioenergy and reduce the country's
dependence on fossil fuels. In
partnership with the Institute of
Chemical Technology (earlier called
UDCT) at Mumbai, DBT established an
Centre for Energy Biosciences (CEB), in
2007, that has an integrated focus on
both basic as well as translation
capabilities with the major areas of
focus being bioethanol, biodiesel,
bi-hydrogen and biomethane
especially development of Indigenous
lignocellulosic Ethanol Technology -at
demonstration level with rice straw
and wheat straw.
73Department of Biotechnology
Hon'ble Minister for S&T Dr. Harsh Vardhan at the
DBT-ICT Mumbai Centre, 2015
DBT-ICT Cellulosic Ethanol Demonstration
Plant at India Glycol Ltd., Kashipur
74 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Signing of the MoU by Dr. R K Malhotra Director (R&D) of Indian Oil and Dr. Renu Swarup,
Senior Adviser, DBT in the presence of former Secretary DBT, Dr. MK. Bhan and
Mr. RS Butola, Chairman Indian Oil Corporation, 2011(Photo credit: Indian Oil Corporation)
Inauguration of DBT IOC Bioenergy Research Centre, 2015 by Secretary, DBT, Prof. K VijayRaghavan
Similar facilities have been created in partnership with ICGEB in
establishment of DBT-ICGEB Centre for Advanced Bioenergy Research.
In 2011, DBT signed an agreement with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to
establish a Bioenergy Research Centre which was inaugurated in 2015. In
2015, DBT established a DBT-Pan IIT Centre for Bioenergy- a partnership with
five Indian Institute of Technologies (IIT)-Bombay, Kharagpur, Guwahati,
Jodhpur, and Roorkee and coordinated by IIT Bombay.
75Department of Biotechnology
Inauguration of the CCBT laboratories by Professor Sir Leszek
Borysiewicz, Vice-Chancellor, University of Cambridge along
with Prof. K. VijayRaghavan, Secretary, DBT
In the emerging area of chemical biology, DBT last decade, The BTISnet has now expanded to include 170
established a Centre for Chemical Biology and centres that include centres for excellence, Distributed
Therapeutics (CCBT) in 2014- a multi-disciplinary centre Information Centres, Distributed Information Sub-Centres
which is a partnership between inSTEM and NCBS and bioinformatics infrastructure facilities.
Bangalore. The centre aims to conduct cutting edge In 2006-07, a new scheme within BTISnet was initiated
research in small molecule tools targeting novel class of namely Bioinformatics Infrastructure Facilities (BIF) to
target molecules that are important in biomedicine. One foster bioinformatics studies through an appropriately
of the earliest incoming wave of biotechnology that DBT named programme called 'Biology Teaching through
sensed was the role of growing information being Bioinformatics' which now includes 70 colleges spread
generated from biological systems- be it cellular across the country. These institutions use various forms of
networks, structural biology and even genomics that bioinformatics teaching tools such as video clippings,
were being classified into databases and access to these demonstrations and webinars. BTIsnet also established
databases was becoming crucial. several Centres of Excellence (COE) in bioinformatics - at
DBT responded to the incoming Big Data conundrum by Bose Institute Kolakata, IISc Bangalore, JNU New Delhi,
taking a bold step in initiating the BTISnet right at the Maduraj Kamraj University, Madurai Kamraj University and
beginning in 1986-87. BTISnet grew at a rapid pace in the University of Pune.
BTISnet became the BIOGRID
of India allowing scientists to
study and research on
computational biology,
Genomics and structural
biology efficiently and
collaboratively
76 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
In other infrastructural new programmes, DBT
established a focused 'DBT's North Eastern
Region Biotechnology Programme
Management Cell'-NER BPMC- in 2009 to
develop the North Eastern region of India
especially the seven sister states of Assam,
Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland,
Arunanchal Pradesh and Mizoram. Several
initiativesa in North East were undertaken
such as establishment of a Bioresources
Centre at NEHU, Meghalaya, establishment of
a biotechnology incubator in Assam and a
Network Programme on Developing Drugs
from Medicinal Plants and a Center for
Excellence on Fisheries and Aquaculture
Biotechnology (FAB-COE) at College of
Agriculture, Tripura.
Geographical locations of BTISnet in 2009-10
DBT focused on re-engineering and transforming the centres of biology and
biotechnology education- beginning with undergraduate colleges,
universities and research institutes.
HUMAN REOSURCESTranforming the Pedagogical Systems &Reaching Out to the World to Attract Talent
Hon'ble Minister of S&T
Shri. Harsh Vardhan
laying the Foundation
Stone of the Technology
& Skill Development
Centre at IBSD, 2015.
Dr. MK Bhan, Former
Secretary, DBT,
interacting with
Students at NBRC
77Department of Biotechnology
78 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
DBT Star College Scheme Workshop organised by Fergusson College Pune (Photo Credit: Fergusson College website)
In addition to all the postgraduate programmes that were expanded, DBT launched the 'Star Colleges' scheme
in 2008 to strengthen undergraduate life science teaching and infrastructure as well as training. Starting with
25 colleges in 2008, the scheme is now being implemented in 92 colleges. A major outcome besides
infrastructure development has been knowledge sharing especially laboratory SOPs, e-resources, various
platforms for sharing experiences and learning amongst colleges.
Student
Symposium
for Khorana
Program
Scholars
One of the major strategies was to tap into the high encourage scientists who are conducting cutting edge
calibre resource in the Indian expat scientist community world class science with the emphasis on translation. This
and bring them back into India- this was done via an fellowship has been extended to 37 scientists. The DBT
innovative program called Ramalingaswami Re-entry Wellcome Trust Alliance Fellowship programme was
Fellowship launched in 2006 which by 2015 had attracted initiated in 2008 between DBT & Wellcome Trust UK which
150 fellows back into India- many of whom have secure is funded equally for a fellowship programme in various
permanent positions in India. DBT initiated the Tata aspects of biological and biomedical sciences- from
Innovation Fellowship in 2006 to foster, reward and fundamental studies to clinical and public health.
Launch of DBT-Wellcome Trust India
Fellowship Programme, 2008 in
presence of Hon'ble Minister S&T &
Earth Sciences Shri. Kapil Sibal. In frame
left to right Dr. Virander Chauhan,
Former Director ICGEB, Dr. Mark
Wolport, Wellcome Trust, Dr. MK Bhan-
the then Secretary DBT, Dr. Natesh S,
Former Senior Adviser DBT and Prof. K
VijayRaghavan, Current Secretary DBT
and the then Director NCBS
79Department of Biotechnology
80 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
NEW SCIENCE & FRONTIER AREAS
New Research revealed a novel 'assembly line' manufacturing process used by the TB bacterium-
and a potential target for therapeutics sabotage. A. The end to end orientation of PKS12B. Active
site residues C. Model for docking domains of PKS12
The start of the new millennium ushered several cutting and regenerative medicine including tissue engineering,
edge technologies many of which influenced the bioengineering, medical technologies including MEMS
directions taken by biotechnology and life sciences. The based systems. Many of these such as RNAi were platform
global consortium for Human Genome Initiative and technologies that impacted every sphere- healthcare,
later Rice Genome and Tomato genome had shown that agriculture and environment. The flavour undoubtedly
global enterprise for collaborative science was the future was 'deep science', 'translation' of deep science and
and India had to walk in tandem with the rapid changes weaving an 'enterprise mode to take the fruits of research,
that were taking place. The science, including as some say popularly, from "bench to bedside" or from
biotechnology, that emerged in the last decade, "farm to fork". This needed a change in the cultural DNA-
coinciding with the 3rd decade of DBT, cut across integrating 'entrepreneurial' spirit in institutions as well as
disciplines breaking boundaries between traditional build new institutions with 'entrepreneurial' attitude -
approaches for doing science. DBT's new policy NBDS taking informed risks such that outcomes could be
2007 took notice of this and re-doubled its efforts in new non-linear.
vistas such as RNAi technologies, nanoscience, stem cell
81Department of Biotechnology
As mentioned, DBT while continuing to focus on canonical areas also started several programmes in
nanoscience, molecular immunology, neuroscience and neuriobiology, regenerative medicine and its
application, bioengineering and biodesign to name a few.
BASIC SCIENCESNew Paths for exploration
TEM image demonstrating the binding of Transferring gold
particles on the surface of M tuberoculosis H37Ra
These two fields cut across several disciplines impacting with nanodimensional phosphors as potential
agriculture, animal husbandry, environment and drug electrolumiscent materials and it was also used to in
delivery and healthcare. Programmes at several places several projects that focused on developing
such as IGIB, New Delhi focused on generating nanopesticides.
nanoparticles using a novel cross-linker wherein the net
charge of the nanoparticles could be modulated and
characterised in terms of their ability to interact and bind
with DNA- the study could show that nanoparticle-DNA
complex exhibit multiple fold efficacy of gene transfer.
Other projects involved using nanoparticles mediated
drug delivery of doxorubicin for hepatic cancer (in IICT
Mumbai). Projects at IICT also aimed at developing
colloidal nano-carriers for entraping anti-malarial drugs
such as Primaquine and Halofantrine. Many pioneering
projects in use of nanoparticles in drug delivery systems
were conducted in NCL Pune, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute
of Medical Science & Technology, RGCB Trivandrum and IIT
Guwahati, University of Madras, PERD Ahmedabad, IIT
Chennai and Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi to
name a few. Nanotechnology projects were also
kickstarted in agriculture in plant pathogen detection
NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
82 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
GMR Gold driven Hsp90-RNAi
suppresses polyQ induced eye
degeneration in UAS-MJDtr-Q78
expressing flies. BHU, Varanasi
Macrophage engulfing
antigen entrapped
polymer particles
(Photo credit: Dr. A. K.
Panda, NII, New Delhi)
83Department of Biotechnology
RNAi technology: Like the focus on nanotechnology, DBT network project on "Development and stress specific
also mapped the global move in sciences in using RNAi genomics of small non-coding RNAs in Brassica sps., rice
technology in various fields and initiated several RNAi and wheat involving Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi
projects in 2007. At IISc, researchers carried out, and ICGEB New Delhi. Further, studies involving transgenic
microarray based expression profiles of all known tomato plants with RNAi construct with an ODC gene of
human miRNA tissues and three normal brain tissues Fusarium oxysporum showed increased resistance to wilt
which resulted in identification of grade IV glioblastoma disease caused by Fusarium. Basic research in
and also to differentiate the primary glioblastoma from developmental biology, infectious diseases and several
the secondary. Similarly, in plant sciences DBT initiated a other areas continued to gain pace.
Transgenic tomato plants (raised with ODC RNAi construct) show greater
resistance to wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum (right)
Section of the mouse cortex at embryonic day
16 where the green fluorescent cells are the
ones in which BMP signalling has been
inhibited and hence their migration from the
ventricular zone has been slowed down
(Photo credit Jonaki Sen, IIT Kanpur)
84 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Outer edge of a differentiating human embryonic stem cell colony (BJNhem20) shows generation of multiple cell types in a
spatially and temporally regulated manner. Each color represents a different protein or combination of proteins. Nuclei are
stained blue (Photo Credit: Dr. Maneesha Inamdar, JNCASR Bangalore)
Toxoplasma gondii infected
human fibroblast Host Cell
Nucleus (Blue), Toxoplasma
(Red and Green)
(Photo credit: Dr. Puskar Sharma,
NII, New Delhi )
Stem cell research and regenerative medicine became a
high focus area with multitudes of interdisciplinary teams
working on several aspects of stem cell biology
85Department of Biotechnology
Differentiating human embryonic stem cell colony shows generation of
multiple cell layers as seen by staining for marker proteins (Green: Rudhira;
Red: Vimentin; Blue: nuclei). Dr. Maneesha Inamdar, JNCASR Bangalore)
In plant biology, like the previous decade
India joined a consortium to decipher the
tomato genome and the wheat genome
and the DBT created several other
focused program such as the Maize
Improvement Programme from which
emerged a very high quality Maize QPM
version of Vivek Hybrid-9.
86 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
India joined the
International Tomato
Genome Sequencing
Project with Dr. Akhilesh
Tyagi and Dr. JP Khurana
Department of Plant
Moecular Biology,
University of Delhi,
South Campus
Inauguration of SOL
2009 which highlighted
outcome of Tomato
Genome Sequencing.
Dr. M. K. Bhan lighting
the lamp alongwith
Hon’ble Minister S&T
Shri Prithviraj Chavan
87Department of Biotechnology
A pilot plant for the recovery of
Sericin from the waste
degumming liquor of silk was
set up by IIT, Delhi jointly with
an industrial partner. The waste
degumming liquor was purified
and converted into readily
usable powder
DBT also continued to focus on generating novel biopesticides
and bioferilizers. TERI developed a biopesticide against cotton
bollworm. DBT through BCIL, transferred 'Bollcure' technology
to 2 Indian companies, Sri Biotech and Pasura Biotech; and a
US company, Marrone Biotech. The formulation is being
produced on a commercial scale by TERI at TERI Gram near
Gurgaon. It obtained an organic certification by Vedic organic
certification agency (VOCA), which certified that 'Bollcure' is fit
for use in organic agriculture in India and abroad.
With funding from DBT the Department of Plant Molecular
Biology, University of Delhi developed a technology through
use of novel nucleotide sequences from rice Tungro bacilliform
virus (RTBV) which can be used for selective expression that
can be used to induce desired characteristics in specific plant
parts. Further the promoter technology was transferred to Bejo
Sheetal Seeds Pvt. Ltd, Jalna on November 24, 2008.
Signing of license agreement
with Pasura Biotech Ltd. for
Bollcure. 2008
88 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Commercial Launch of Diagnostic Kits for Celiac Disease developed
ICGEB by the then Hon'ble Minister S&T, Shri Jitendra Singh, 2014
Dengue detection kit developed
by scientists at ICGEB
89Department of Biotechnology
Neuroimaging
at NBRC
MRI Diffusion Tensor
Imaging to demarcate
Brain's Nerve Fibres for
taking precaution
during Surgery
Computational
Neuroscience &
Neuroimaging
Laboratory, National
Brain Research Centre
90 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Biotechnology interfaces with several other disciplines-
engineering especially design engineering is core of medical
technology. There is a big lacunae in India for medical
technologies as almost three fourth's of medtech products are
imported into India. To address this lacunae, DBT initiated a
few streams of activities- it started a pioneering collaborative
programme called Stanford India Biodesign in 2007 involving
Stanford University, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS)
and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi with BCIL as
management partner. By 2015, Stanford India Biodesign
evolved into a School of International Biodesign with partners
QUT Australia and the Japan Federation of Medical Devices
Associations (JFMDA). SIB has licensed 13 technologies,
launched 1 device in the market and has created 9 start ups.
BIOTECH INTERFACE WITH
ENGINEERING & DESIGNStandford India Biodesign & HTIC
Discussion Meeting on Stanford India
Biodesign Programme in 2007
Fecal Incontinence Device Soft Tissue Biopsy Device
91Department of Biotechnology
Limb immobilization device
Auditory Impairment Screening Device
DBT initiated a Centre for Biodesign &
in-vitro diagnostics at THSTI through a
multi institution network involving
THSTI, ICGEB, AIIMS and University of
Turku, Finland. And further DBT has
established a Health Technology
Innovation Centre (HTIC) at IIT Madras
Research Park. which aims to develop
cutting edge medical technology & its
adoption as well as diffusion through
collaboration with industry
To spur the industry DBT
initiated several pioneering
activities such as setting up of
BIRAC, Stanford India
Biodesign, and HTIC. Together
they are creating linkages with
industry to build novel
products that are high quality
and affordable.
92 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
The stated goal of the NBDS 2007 was to spur the and grow the emerging biotechnology industry in India
biotechnology innovation as a whole. DBT also and catalyse the growth of the industry to global
integrated into its focus to foster and support an excellence. BIRAC quickly grew and strategized to
innovation culture in the industry. Two pioneering implement its mandate with several new programmes.
schemes were launched within a short space of time. Besides, managing SBIRI and BIPP, BIRAC has launched
First, in 2005-6, DBT launched Small Business and implemented pioneering flagship schemes such as
Innovation Research Initiative (SBIRI). The aim of SBIRI early stage funding for startup through Biotechnology
was to focus and build incremental innovations and Ignition Grant (BIG), Bioincubator Support Scheme (BIS),
essentially energise the R&D capital of SMEs. DBT social innovation programme SPARSH and an focused
followed up SBIRI with another programme called programme to bring together industry and academia
Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programmne called Contract Research Scheme (CRS).
(BIPP)- a PPP model in true sense where innovation Together these programmes have had an invigorating
risks are shared both by the innovator company and impact on the emerging biotechnology landscape in
the Government. The aim of BIPP was to support high India. BIRAC has supported, 300 companies, 170 startups
risk projects all the way from proof-of-concept to and entrepreneurial individuals. 45 new startups were
validation and scale up. Together, BIPP and SBIRI have created through support from BIG and 199 startups
supported 340 high level R&D projects.incubate in BIRAC supported incubators. BIRAC has
In another landmark decision, DBT received a cabinet facilitated commercialisation of 23 products and 19
approval to create a unique nodal biotech industry technologies and 45 IPs have been generated- a
agency Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance testament to the power of 'Make in India'.
Council (BIRAC) in 2012 with the mandate to nurture
ENGAGING & SPURRING THE INDUSTRYThe creation of nodal biotechnology industry agency BIRAC
93Department of Biotechnology
3rd Foundation Day BIRAC with dignitaries, Shri Utkarsh Palnitkar, Dr. Renu Swarup, Prof. G Padmanaban, Prof. K VijayRaghavan,
Shri Amitabh Kant, Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Shri Pramod Chaudhari, Dr.VM Katoch & Dr. MK Bhan
Hon'ble MoS S&T Shri. Y. S. Chowdary,
releasing BIRAC's Brochure at the 3rd
Foundation Day, 20th March 2015 along
with Prof. K. VijayRaghavan, Secretary,
DBT and Chairman, BIRAC
94 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Biotech Start Up Culture
BIRAC’s BIG funding is creating a vibrant biotech startup culture in the country
95Department of Biotechnology
Some products catalysed by BIRAC funding
Fluorescence reader to detect multiple
infections by Designinova with ICGEB
and University of Turku, Finland
Aina device- designed and developed by
Janacare to measure blood glucose, HbA1AC,
lipids (HDL, LDL, TrG) and creatinine
Maxio: a device designed and made in India by
Perfint Chennai, that aids in surgical ablation of
tumours. It has received an FDA approval
Malaria diagnostic kit by Genomix
96 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
ROTAVAC: ROTAVIRUS VACCINEThe journey from clinical observation to impact through extensive collaborative efforts
Childhood diarrhoea, especially in newborns and infants, is a leading cause of mortality in India. It is reported that
Rotavirus diarrhoea is responsible for close to a tenth of all children dying before they reach five and India has the
largest incidence of Rotavirus related deaths in the world. The story of indigenous development of Rotavirus
vaccine in India is an example of how an initial discovery at a leading Indian hospital AIIMS of a strain 116E as a
potential candidate for rotaviral vaccine, combined with support from national and international agencies catalysed
the final delivery of this life saving vaccine from discovery to final product. It also exemplified how combination of a
dedicated trans-national team can overcome hurdles to successfully bring a product to the market.
97Department of Biotechnology
® ROTAVAC India's first
indigenously developed
vaccine is launched in the
private market. In July
2014, the Indian Prime
Minister announced the ®introduction of ROTAVAC
into the publicly funded
Universal Immunization
Programme (UIP)
Hon'ble PM, Shri Narendra Modi launching the Rotavac vaccine in presence of Hon'ble Minister
Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and
Parliamentary Affairs, Hon'ble Minister S&T, Dr. Harsh Vardhan and MoS S&T Shri YS Chowdary
The release of Rotavac by the Hon'ble PM Shri. Narendra collaborative mechanisms with Indo-US Vaccine Action
Modi along with Hon'ble Minister of S&T Dr. Harsh Program, PATH, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, NIH and
Vardhan, Hon'ble Minister Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Minister BIRAC) in the progress of the 116E candidate to an
for Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty eventual vaccine. The manufacturing license was agreed
Alleviation and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon'ble Minister with Bharat Biotech International. A whole host of
of State S&T, Shri Y. S. Chowdary. Also present are organisations were involved during the clinical studies and
Prof. K. VijayRaghavan (Secretary DBT), Dr. M. K. Bhan multi-centre Phase 3 clinical trials- Society for Applied
(Former Secretary DBT & discoverer of the 116E strain), Studies (SAS), Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, King
Dr. T. S. Rao (Former Senior Adviser, DBT) and Dr. Edwards Memorial (KEM) Hospital Research Centre, Pune,
Krishna Ella Founder CMD Bharat Biotech. DBT played a THSTI and Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
significant role (both directly as well as through
98 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
The efficacy of the 116E vaccine was found to be a
similar to that of the already existing vaccines,
however the cost of the 116E vaccine was
significantly reduced to US$1. Bharat Biotech
manufactured the rotavirus 116E vaccine in the
name of Rotovac. In 2015, the vaccine was included
in the universal immunization programme in India
by the Hon'ble PM Shri. Narendra Modi.
The Second
ASEAN-India
Bioinformatics
HRD Programme
DBT, since its inception has maintained a very open culture to
forge alliances with several nations to further R&D in
biotechnology, promote knowledge exchange, leverage
strengths of partner countries as well as build and foster
research capabilities. It has built a panoply of collaborations
with both the leading nations in biotechnology as well as
emerging biotech nations including the US, UK, Germany,
Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Australia, Canada Japan, Russia,
Spain, the Netherlands, Brazil, Vietnam, ASEAN and the SAARC
countries as well as the G-15.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONSLeveraging Combinatorial power of collaborations
99Department of Biotechnology
Indo-US: DBT's engagement with the US extends from its for collaboration in translation and clinical research. The
early days of association, since July 1987, in the Indo-US level of engagement with the US was expanded to include
Vaccine Action Programme 1987 which supported Indo-US Brain Research Collaborative Partnership in 2014
vaccine projects for malaria, TB, rotavirus and with projects in JNU as well as Indo-US Collaboration on
leishmaniasis. These vaccine development projects Expansion of Vision Research as well as Indo-US low cost
involved several Indian partners such as ICGEB, AIIMS an diagnostic and therapeutic medical technologies. Recently
NII. In 2007, DBT also engaged with NIH's National the Indo-US started a collaboration focusing on
Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NBIB) renewable energy.
Dr. MK Bhan Secretary DBT signing an agreement with Dr. Elias A Zerhouni to renew the two decades long
partnership of Indo-US Vaccine Action Program. Also present are Dr. S Natesh Senior Adviser DBT, Director
NIAID, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, Director Fogarty International Center, Dr. Roger I. GlassScience and Technology
Counselor from the Embassy of India, Dr. Kamal Kant Dwivedi (Photo Credit: Fogarty International Center, 2007)
100 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
DBT's engagement with the UK gathered pace with signing
of an agreement with the Biotechnology and Biological
Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) in 1998 to facilitate co-
operation in several areas of biotechnology including Cancer
Research Program (implemented through NII & Queens
University Belfast), crop improvement and a unique Indo-UK
Young Entrepreneurs Scheme (YES). Besides, as mentioned
before, DBT partnered with Wellcome Trust UK to esablish
DBT Wellcome Trust fellowships
Signing of MOU between DBT and TEKES, Finland in presence of Hon’ble President of India on a visit to Helsinki, Finland
INDO-UK INDO-FINNISH
DBT's engagement with Academy of Finland as well as
TEKES aims to boost excellence in innovation and
enterprise. One of the aims of the collaboration is to
develop a Diagnostic Centre in THSTI in partnership
with University of Turku. The collaboration also
extends to joint research in synthetic biology, food
allergen and microbiota studies.
101Department of Biotechnology
INDO-SWISS, INDO SWEDEN & INDO JAPAN
The Indo Swiss Collaboration in Biotechnology (ISCB) was initiated in 1974 and DBT actively participates in the
Governing Body of ISCB. In a separate MoU with Switzerland signed in 1999, DBT has built a partnership in
many aspects of biopesticide development, agriculture especially in improvement in biotic and abiotic stress
tolerance in pulses and other crops such as cassava.
The collaboration between DBT and VINNOVA of Sweden is being developed in the areas of mobile health for
ante-natal & post-natal care, TB as well as studying silk (through Silk2Heal) for would dressing material as well
as optimising silk production. The Indo-Japan collaboration has gathered pace especially DBT's partnership
with AIST Japan in several areas such as bioinformatics, cell engineering and establishment of DBT-AIST
International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB)
Signing DAILAB in presence of AIST President, Dr. Ryoji
Chubachi (Right) and DBT Secretary,
Dr. K. VijayRaghavan (Left), Smt. Deepa Gopalan
Wadhwa Indian Ambassador to Japan (Centre)
Joint launch of Cohort Study at AIIMS (From Left: Prof. M. C. Misra,
Director, AIIMS; Sh. S. Jaipal Reddy, Hon'ble Minister S&T & India ES; Ms.
Edith Schippers, Hon'ble Minister Health Welfare and Sports, The
Netherlands; Prof. K. VijayRaghavan, Secretary, DBT and HE A. Stoelinga,
Ambassador of The Netherlands to India. (2013-14)
102 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
DBT established a partnership with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to launch the Grand
Challenges Programmes which will focus on Family Health, Nutrition and Sanitation. BIRAC is the
programme management unit of this partnership.
DBT-BIRAC-BMGF
Grand Challenges
Awardees, 2014
DBT - BILL & MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION - BIRAC
103Department of Biotechnology
THE NATIONAL
BIOTECHNOLOGY
DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGY 2015-2020
The stated policies in the NBDS 2007 document
of building PPP models for boosting both deep
science and enterprise were implemented.
Later DBT-BIRAC in partnership with
Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises-
the nodal biotech industry association released
a roadmap plan titled “Indian Biotechnology-
the Roadmap to Next Decade and Beyond,” in
2012, that gave a goal of reaching US$100
billion Indian biotech industry by 2025. The
implementation of NBDS-2007 revealed
insights about the immense possibilities that
lie in harnessing the power of biotechnology to
address the challenges that India faces.
DBT deliberated a new strategy built upon the
NBDS 2007 such that the department can
broaden and deepen the biotech research and
enterprise in the country.
104 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
After a two year extensive consultation a NBDS 2015-2020 (also referred to as NBDS-II) was released by the Hon.
S&T Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan. The document outlines the strategies that DBT will adopt to scale and amplify
the outcomes of NBDS 2007 and create an Indian bioeconomy of US$100 billion by 2025. The NBDS-II aims at
boosting the skilled workforce by re-engineering the university system, establishing EMBL like centres in the
country, evolve a data policy and data centres, enhance and encourage úse inspired research in basic and
interdisciplinary sciences, nurture and amplify innovation, entrepreneurship and enterprise by leveraging BIRAC
to nurture bioentrepreneurship, create Innovation and Translational Accelerators, create 150 TTOs and through
BIRAC nurture and strengthen entrepreneurship. The policy goals including establishment of a BIRAC AcE Fund
became part of the National programme on Startup India 2016 plan.
Release of the National Biotechnology Development Strategy by Hon’ble Minister S&T
Dr. Harsh Vardhan on 30th December 2015, along with Prof. K. VijayRaghavan, Secretary, DBT
105Department of Biotechnology
DBT and CNRS agreed to jointly set up National Institute of Marine Biotechnology. Prof. K VijayRaghavan,
Secretary DBT signing an MoU in presence of Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi and Hon'ble Francois Hollande
105Department of Biotechnology
THESOCIETALIMPACT
Devanai from Pooncheri village showing healthy
worms from a vermicompisting pit
As a young department within the administrative Leprovac, disease (both human & animal) testing kits, Bt
structure of central governance, DBT has been able to cotton and other superior hybrids, Oilzapper, industrial
deeply impact all sections of society- first and foremost it products and vaccines such as Rotavac have impacted not
has built a foundation for biotechnology in India that only the lives of citizens of India but also the world.
combines positive aspects of blue skies research as well The direct impact that DBT has forged is its numerous
as translation of research in bringing positive societal programmes that it runs to improve society through direct
change be it in healthcare, agriculture and nutrition, interventions- be it training farmers for mushroom
industrial and environment- especially through cultivation, biopesticides, bee keeping, silkworm rearing,
innovative products and processes. Some of the vermiculture, production of essential oils, pig farming,
examples examples have been shown in this book. The aquaculture and health screening camps such as
impact is both in terms of tangible elements (the screening for genetic diseases. DBT has also responded to
research outcomes, pool of researchers, infrastructure) natural disaster situations such as the Latur in 1993, Bhuj
as well as the intangibles such as the culture. DBT has earthquake or the 2004 Tsunami- running rehabilitation
managed to create a culture of research and innovation programmes for the affected, training women for livelihood
in the country- the outcomes of which are triggering generation and many other social impact activities.
other innovation sparks. The examples of drugs such as
Tissue culture silk cotton sapling being grown
by village women
107Department of Biotechnology
108 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Over the years, DBT has directly
interacted with farmers, women self help
groups (SHG) and villagers. This has
provided DBT an excellent tool to
understand the needs at the ground level
Inauguration of essential oil production unit
in Hime village, Arunachal Pradesh
DBT has continued to train local villagers in techniques
of vermicomposting and usage of vermicomposted soil
DBT has trained thousands of villagers in mushroom culture
109Department of Biotechnology
Uldan farmer with
Palmarosa crop
Through its societal programmes, DBT has
provided training for bee rearing and cultureTraditional system of production of rooh
from Kewda flowers, RRL, Bhubaneswar
Distillation unit for lemon
grass in Uttar Pradesh
110 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Packing of harvested vermicompost in bags
Packing flax snacks by women self help groups
Making of flax biscuits by beneficiaries
Through its efforts DBT has
impacted thousands of families
especially in health diagnostics
and livelihood generation
111Department of Biotechnology
Farmers supported by DBT for aquacultureInoculation of Trichoderma by the
farmers with help of isolation chamber
Computer assisted sperm class analyser
to assess semen quality for pig farming
112 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Popularisation of quail farming in Assam
Feeding of Grower Giriraja by beneficiary
Dr. MS Swaminathan visiting a Giriraja centre in Imphal, 2011
Grower Giriraja at a beneficiary farm
113Department of Biotechnology
Kissan mela organised for the beneficiaries
DBT in an innovative move established a
'Biovillage'in Gujarat near Porbandar
and initiated integrated programmes to
use biotechnology tools for economic
development of the village.
Activities in DBT's adopted BioVillage
114 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
A view of the Mocha Village
DBT also runs extensive genetic disorder
screening and counselling patients. One
of the examples of high end translational
R&D positively impacting people and
solving their problems is the case of
'Mobile Eye Surgical Unit'that was
designed at the DBT centre HTIC at IIT
Madras in partnership with Shankar
Netralaya to provide access for cataract
surgery in remote corners in a
controlled, germ free environment.
Blood samples being taken from women near Lucknow for
study of genetic disorders SGPGIMS, LucknowHealth awareness programme
115Department of Biotechnology
Dummy Text
Health awareness programme
Back view of Mobile Eye Surgical Unit developed by
HTIC in partnership with Shankar Nethralaya
Front view of Mobile Eye Surgical Unit
Mobile surgical unit parked in a village Cataract operation being conducted
The last three decades of DBT's journey has shown that how a small step by the Government
can result in positive non-linear outcomes. DBT's impact on the landscape of Indian S&T
landscape including academia and industry. It has facilitated, fostered and catalysed the
translation of research into products and processes for societal benefit. DBT has gained the
experience of sowing the seeds of scientific endeavour, nurturing the seedlings and seeing the
fruits of R&D bring benefit to the local, national and global communities.
The global dynamics of S&T are changing rapidly- new forms of technologies are coming to the
fore and influencing global scientific endeavours. DBT needs to remain nimble such that it can
sense and respond to the fast moving research and technology development.
If the goal of achieving US$100 billion biotech industry has to be accomplished then DBT
needs to scale. The tools to scale are many, however the optimal scaling strategy would involve
leveraging existing partnerships and building new partnerships to bridge gaps.
The National Biotechnology Development Strategy lays the template for future growth to
reach a US$100 billion dollars by 2025. DBT would exponentially scale up its efforts to achieve
the targets and bring even greater societal benefits for the nation.
THE FUTURE BECKONS
Department of Biotechnology
6th-8th Floor, Block 2, CGO Complex
Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110 003, India
Website: www.dbtindia.nic.in
Akar/Del/Feb/2016
February, 2016
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Through this Coffee Table Book we have tried to capture the 30 years
glorious and eventful journey of Department of Biotechnology. This has
been possible because of the contribution of all our DBT colleagues, both
present and retired, and also the contribution of the DBT aided
Autonomous Institutes and the Scientists and researchers across the
country who have received funding support from DBT. The names of the
Scientists and Researchers who have contributed are so many that they
cannot be listed in this Acknowledgment.
We would like to thank our Former Secretaries Dr. S. Ramachandran,
Dr. C.R Bhatia, Dr. Manju Sharma, Dr. M.K Bhan and also
Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, Prof. G. Padmanaban, Dr. R.A Mashelkar,
Prof. P.N Tandon and Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw for having shared their
thoughts with us on this special occasion. We would like to specially thank
Dr. K.VijayRaghavan, Secretary, DBT for his continuous guidance and
support for the publication of this Book.
The Publication Team comprising Dr. Renu Swarup, Sr. Adviser, DBT;
Dr. Madhan Mohan, Adviser, DBT; Dr. Kalaivani Ganesan, Scientist'D', DBT;
Dr. Vaishali Panjabi, Scientist 'D', DBT and Dr. Satya Prakash Dash, Head,
SP&ED, BIRAC have made special effort to ensure that each major event is
captured in this Coffee Table Book. There could be some omissions which
were not intentional.
Publication Team
Cover Picture
Stem cells application can be a transformative
tool to alleviate variety of human conditions
thus positively impacting healthcare. DBT has
supported both basic and applied research and
development in stem cells. The cover picture
highlights the the outer edge of human
embryonic stem cell line BJNhem20, showing
generation of multiple cell types. (Photo credit:
Dr. Maneesha Inamdar, JNCASR)
Photo Credits
Most photographs used in this book have been
sourced from DBT's Annual Reports or were
provided by DBT's partners including its
Autonomous Institutes and their websites.
Some photographs have been sourced from
Dr. Maneesha Inamdar JNCASR (cover page,
stem cell pictures in page 84 & 85),
Dr. M Balasubramanian (Genes & Development
workshop picture page 16), Dr. S Natesh, DBT
(page 23, 24), Press Information Bureau
(page 31, 97), Dr. Akhilesh Tyagi, NIPGR
(rice genome pictures, page 48, 49),
Dr. Banwari Lal, TERI (Oilzapper and its related
pictures page 55), Biospectrum (page 61),
Wikipedia (page 67), DBT-IOCL (page 74),
Fergusson College website (page 78), IUSSTF
(page 79), Dr. A. K. Panda, NII (macrophage
picture, page 82), Dr. Jonaki Sen, IIT Kanpur
(mouse cortex picture, page 83),
Dr. Pushkar Sharma, NII (Toxoplasma picture,
page 84), Dr. Purnima Sharma, BCIL (signing of
license agreement picture, page 87), Dr. PK Roy,
NBRC (page 89), Fogarty International Center
(Page 99), Dr. Mohanshankar Sivaprakasam,
HTIC (page 115).
The copyrights of the photographs remain with
the owners and any inadvertent omission is
regretted.