BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND INNOVATION COUNCIL (BRIC)

THE CONTEXT: The Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) was established on November 10, 2023, by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, with cabinet approval. BRIC’s creation involved subsuming 14 Autonomous Institutions (AIs) under a single umbrella organization. This consolidation was designed to streamline operations, foster collaboration, and enhance the overall efficiency of India’s biotechnology sector.

TECHNOLOGIES TO IMPROVE BIOTECH RESEARCH EFFICIENCY:

• Bioinformatics and Data Analytics: The BiotechX initiative under BRIC’s advanced computational technologies to develop new biotech products and processes, and to improve research efficiency. This includes bioinformatics tools for analyzing large biological datasets.
• Blockchain Technology: The partnership between BRIC-THSTI (Translational Health Science and Technology Institute) and Blockchain for Impact (BFI) uses blockchain technology to accelerate biomedical research outcomes. This involves secure data sharing, tracking of research processes, or managing intellectual property.
• Virtual Network Programmes: The BFI-BIOME Virtual Network Programme in the partnership with THSTI has the use of virtual networking technologies to connect researchers and facilitate collaborative projects.
• Translational Research Tools: BRIC-THSTI’s focus on translational biomedical research implies the use of technologies that bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications, potentially including advanced imaging techniques, high-throughput screening platforms, and precision medicine tools.

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND INITIATIVES INTRODUCED AND SUPPORTED BY BRIC

• SpeedFlower Protocol: Developed at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) facility in Varanasi, this protocol combines specific light parameters with optimized growth conditions to expedite rice breeding, contributing to global food security.
• Gene Therapy: BRIC has been involved in supporting India’s first gene therapy clinical trial for Hemophilia A, involving a novel hematopoietic stem cell-based lentiviral vector-based gene therapy technology.
• Novel Blood Bag Technology: Researchers at BRIC-inStem developed taurine and acridine containing electrospun-nanofibrous-sheets (Tau-AcrNFS) to reduce damage to stored blood cells.
• Ceramic Membrane Integrated Anaerobic Bioreactor (CMIAR): This technology was developed for effective treatment of textile industry effluent.
• Fruit and Vegetable Preservation Technology: BRIC-NIPGR, through the startup Fruvitec, developed technologies to enhance the shelf life of fruits and vegetables while maintaining their nutritional status.
• Coal To Liquid (CTL) Technology: A process for converting municipal solid waste into CTL oil with 80% conversion efficiency.

BRICS ALIGNMENT WITH NATIONAL POLICIES: BRIC’s objectives and functions are closely aligned with several key national policies, most notably the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy. This alignment is evident in the following aspects:

• Economic Growth: BRIC aims to catalyze the growth of India’s bioeconomy, which is projected to reach ₹24,000 billion by 2030, contributing 5-6% to the GDP4. This aligns with the BioE3 policy’s goal of making India a US$150 billion bioeconomy by 2025.
• Environmental Sustainability: BRIC’s focus on sustainable biotechnology solutions complements the government’s ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy initiative and ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ program.
• Employment Generation: By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, BRIC contributes to the creation of skilled jobs in the biotechnology sector, supporting the BioE3 policy’s emphasis on expanding India’s skilled workforce.

CONTRIBUTION TO RESEARCH SYNERGY:

• Institutional Integration: By subsuming 14 Autonomous Institutions, BRIC creates a unified platform for collaborative research, breaking down silos between institutions.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: BRIC encourages the integration of biotechnology with other fields such as data science, clinical research, and engineering, fostering a more holistic approach to scientific problems.
• Shared Resources: Through initiatives like the SAHAJ scheme, BRIC makes state-of-the-art infrastructure accessible to researchers and startups across the country, promoting resource optimization.

POTENTIAL IMPACT ON INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

• Startup Ecosystem: BRIC, in conjunction with BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council), aims to nurture a vibrant startup ecosystem. Over 1,000 startups and entrepreneurs are expected to receive support under these initiatives.
• Commercialization of Research: BRIC focuses on accelerating the transition from laboratory research to commercial products. This is evident in the “Race from Science to Entrepreneurship (RaSE)” competition organized during BRIC’s first foundation day.
• High-Performance Biomanufacturing: BRIC’s emphasis on high-performance biomanufacturing aligns with India’s ambition to become a US$100 billion biomanufacturing hub. This focus is expected to drive innovation in areas such as bio-based chemicals, smart proteins, and precision biotherapeutics.
• Global Collaboration: BRIC facilitates international cooperation and collaboration, which are crucial for driving innovation. As Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science and Technology, remarked, “the world will remember India as the one country in every nation that will lead in the new Biotech Boom”.

THE CONCLUSION:

BRIC’s establishment aligns closely with national policies such as the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy. This alignment ensures that BRIC’s activities contribute directly to national priorities in biotechnology. Initiatives like the i3c BRIC-RCB doctoral programme are enablers for innovation and value creation.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:

Q. Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma? 2018

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q. Analyze the importance of integrating multiple autonomous institutions under a single umbrella organization like BRIC. What are the potential benefits of such restructuring in the field of biotechnology research?

SOURCE:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2072047