GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th Feb. In a significant endeavor to address global health challenges and foster innovation in the healthcare sector, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, launched a pioneering initiative – the “i3c BRIC-RCB PhD Programme” in Biosciences.
Delivering the keynote address at the launch event held in New Delhi, Dr. Singh announced the enrollment of 1000 Ph.D. students over the next five years to drive innovation in critical healthcare domains.
The newly introduced Ph.D. program is structured on the foundational principles of ideation, immersion, innovation, and collaboration.
Highlighting the distinctive features of the program, Dr. Singh outlined that research scholars will receive hands-on training utilizing state-of-the-art facilities. Furthermore, they will have the opportunity to participate in an on-field ‘Immersion Fellowship’ supported by Grand Challenges India, aimed at gaining insights into real-world challenges and fostering collaborative research in DBT institutions.
Additionally, the program aims to extend opportunities to non-biologists through special fellowships, ensuring inclusivity and diversity in research endeavors. Dr. Singh revealed that the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has established a new Autonomous Body, Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), consolidating 14 autonomous research institutions. BRIC will synergize multi-disciplinary research and innovation initiatives, maximizing the impact of biotechnology in the country.
Moreover, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the DBT-Handbook on Bio-design for Med-Tech Innovations, along with licensed medical technologies developed by DBT-Bio-design fellows, highlighting the government’s commitment to nurturing Med-tech innovators. The DBT-Biodesign Program, currently operational across six Biodesign Centers in the country, aims to identify unmet health needs, invent health technologies, and translate them into patient care through startup incorporations.
Commending the efforts of the DBT Bio-design Centers and their fellows, Dr. Singh expressed optimism that indigenous technologies developed in the biomedical devices, diagnostics, and therapeutics sectors will contribute significantly to fulfilling India’s national needs and foster the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
Dr. Singh also underscored India’s robust bioeconomy growth, projecting a substantial surge from US$140 billion to US$300 billion by 2030. He highlighted the country’s ascent in the Global Innovation Index and emphasized the immense growth potential in the medical devices sector under the Make-In-India initiative.
The launch of the i3c BRIC-RCB PhD Programme marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards fostering innovation and addressing critical healthcare challenges, reaffirming the government’s commitment to advancing scientific research and promoting indigenous technological solutions.
