DhruvStar Industry Insights

( Image: DhruvStar Industry Insights | Original Artwork) India’s Bio-Economy Expansion and Global Positioning India’s bio-economy has expanded nearly sixteen times over the past decade, reaching over $165 billion in 2024, with a clear trajectory toward $300 billion by 2030. The country now ranks among the leading global biotechnology hubs, supported by a strong startup base and the world’s largest vaccine manufacturing capacity. This growth reflects a transition from isolated research successes to a more integrated biotechnology ecosystem spanning research, manufacturing, and commercial deployment. Read More: Biomanufacturing Capacity at Concordia University Biomanufacturing, Biofoundries, and the BioE3 Framework A major milestone in 2025 was the launch of India’s first National Biofoundry Network, comprising six biofoundries and a high-performance biomanufacturing platform. Implemented under the BioE3 Policy, this initiative prioritises: Bio-based chemicals, APIs, and enzymes. Smart ...

( Image: DhruvStar Industry Insights | Original Artwork) Why Nitrogen Fixation Matters for Cereals India’s cereal-based farming system relies heavily on urea to meet nitrogen demand. This dependence contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, high energy use in fertiliser production, and long-term groundwater contamination. Leguminous crops avoid this dependence by forming symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Enabling cereals to access atmospheric nitrogen could significantly reduce fertiliser inputs while maintaining productivity. Read More: Draft Seeds Bill 2025 The Scientific Breakthrough Explained Recent molecular research shows that cereals already possess receptor proteins similar to those used by legumes to enable symbiosis. A small molecular switch within these receptors determines whether a plant triggers an immune response or allows beneficial bacteria to enter its roots. By modifying just two amino acids in this switch, cereal crops can be reprogrammed to co...

( Image: DhruvStar Industry Insights | Original Artwork) Concordia University has announced a major expansion of its sustainable biomanufacturing infrastructure, backed by a $5 million investment supported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and matching funds from Quebec’s Ministry of Higher Education.  The upgrade enhances the university’s Genome Foundry and bioprocessing facilities, reinforcing its position in synthetic biology and applied biomanufacturing. What the Investment Supports The funding enables Concordia to strengthen end-to-end biomanufacturing capabilities, spanning: Design of microbial and mammalian cell systems Bioprocess development and optimisation Testing and refinement of bio-based medicines and chemicals This integrated setup enables the development of alternatives to products traditionally sourced through resource-intensive, unsustainable chemical processes. Applications Across Sustainable Biotech The expanded facilities support a wide range of i...

( Image: DhruvStar Industry Insights | Original Artwork) The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a dedicated Centre of Excellence in Green Hydrogen at IIT-BHU, Varanasi, under the UP Green Hydrogen Policy-2024. The initiative aims to accelerate research, innovation, clean-mobility testing, and capacity building in green hydrogen technologies within the state. Institutional Collaboration & Objectives The Centre will be jointly developed by: IIT-BHU (lead institution) Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology (MMMUT), Gorakhpur UPNEDA (Uttar Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Development Agency) has granted formal approval with a mandate to support: Research and technology development Capacity building for engineers and faculty Industrial applications of hydrogen Policy inputs for green hydrogen production, storage and utilisation Nearly 50% of the infrastructure will be developed at MMMUT, contributing to the eastern UP clean energy ecosystem. Hydrogen Mobility: Train &...

( Image: DhruvStar Industry Insights | Original Artwork) Fermenta Biotech has approved an INR 110 crore investment to expand its Dahej facility. The company aims to expand its footprint in plant-based Vitamin D3, its derivatives, and green chemistry enzymes - areas where global demand is rising. Read More: BIRSA 101 Gene Therapy What the Expansion Covers The investment targets three specialised manufacturing streams: Plant-based Vitamin D3 Vitamin D3 derivatives Green chemistry enzymes Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and its derivatives are used to support bone health, immune function, blood pressure management, overall health & weight management, among others. Green chemistry enzymes enable the sustainable, cleaner production of essential pharmaceuticals and supplements . They reduce the need for hazardous organic solvents, high temperatures, and high pressures. Read More: India International Science Festival 2025 Implementation Timeline The planned rollout will occur across two fis...