The programme bridges research and enterprise, attracting private sector engagement and venture capital investment. It has catalyzed technology translation and startup creation from India’s public R&D ecosystem, reinforcing a robust pipeline from lab to market.
BRIC: A Model of Collaboration
Highlighting BRIC’s collaborative framework, Dr. Singh noted, “BRIC was the first experiment in the government setup to unify multiple research institutes under a single umbrella,” inspiring similar initiatives across scientific ministries. He urged the expansion of interdisciplinary partnerships, linking educational institutions, private industry, and global research organizations to accelerate discovery and innovation.
Successful collaborations include ongoing projects with Christian Medical College and Apollo Hospitals, demonstrating the value of cross-sectoral engagement. Integration of Artificial Intelligence in biosciences was also highlighted, aligning India with global best practices in AI-driven research.
Advancing Global Biotech Leadership
The Minister lauded BRIC’s contributions to India’s global biotech presence, including vaccine research spanning COVID-19, HPV, malaria, and dengue, and the development of four bio-foundries across the country. These initiatives support the government’s BioE3 Policy, enabling a sustainable bioeconomy and strengthening India’s standing in Asia-Pacific biomanufacturing.
BRIC, established in 2023 as a pan-India network of biotechnology research institutions, ranks top in biological sciences research per the Nature Index India 2025. Its emphasis on collaborative, interdisciplinary, and translational research has transformed India’s scientific ecosystem.
Empowering Future Researchers
Dr. Singh appreciated the i3c PhD Programme, now in its second year, training over 120 students to tackle challenges in healthcare, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and green energy. The programme promotes “Team Science,” nurturing problem-solving skills and an innovation-driven mindset among doctoral researchers.
Concluding his address, the Minister called for enhanced collaboration among research institutions, the private sector, and global partners to make India a “Vishwa Bandhu” in biotechnology. He also released the BRIC Annual Report 2025 and a booklet titled “Catalyzing Innovation: BRIC Networked Interdisciplinary Research Programs,” detailing the council’s achievements and future roadmap.
