ICGEB New Delhi forms landmark partnership in space biotechnology

October 25, 2024: The ICGEB New Delhi Component hosted the signing of a framework memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, Indian Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Department of Space (DoS).

Exciting news from the ICGEB New Delhi Campus, where ISRO and DBT India have officially signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding, setting the stage for expansive advancements in Space Biotechnology in India.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Science and Technology, Govt. of India marked a significant milestone in India's journey towards pioneering space-driven biotechnological research and applications, in a collaboration to open new frontiers, driving innovation and research at the intersection of space exploration and biotechnology.

This MoU focuses on collaborative efforts in Space Biotechnology and emphasises India's strides in biotechnology, now extending to new frontiers in space research.

Dr. Singh applauded the vision and collaborative spirit behind the MoU and highlighted how biotechnology has come out of the lab and is now playing a crucial role in application-oriented fields. He emphasised that the MoU between ISRO and DBT serves as a pivotal step toward deploying biotechnology in practical, interdisciplinary applications, stretching its impact from Earth into space. Reflecting on the journey of Indian biotechnology, he also acknowledged the groundbreaking work led by DBT and the work done by its Secretary, Dr Rajesh Gokhale.

Government and scientific leaders, including ISRO Chairman S. Somnath, Secretary of DBT Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, ICGEB Director Dr. Ramesh V. Sonti, and Dr. Alka Sharma, Chief Scientist of the Department of Biotechnology and ICGEB Appointed Governor for India were present.

Three research proposals shortlisted under this initiative were featured in the presentation by DBT. Two of these are spearheaded by ICGEB New Delhi research groups: the Systems Biology for Biofuel Group, headed by Dr. Shireesh Srivastava and the Metabolic Engineering Group, headed by Dr. Shashi Kumar Rhode. The third project is led by iBRIC-inStem, Bangalore, marking a joint endeavour across research institutes to leverage biotechnology for space applications. The Hon. Minister extended his congratulations to both ICGEB New Delhi and inStem Bangalore for their project proposals, which have been carefully evaluated in collaboration with experts from ISRO and NASA.

During his presentation, Dr. Ramesh V. Sonti, Director of ICGEB New Delhi, emphasised the biomanufacturing capabilities available at the ICGEB headquarters in Trieste, Italy. This infrastructure, he noted, plays a pivotal role in advancing biotechnology research that holds great potential to transform the biotech economy.

In addition to the signing ceremony, an ISRO delegation, including the Directors of the Human Space Programme, engaged with Group Leaders from ICGEB New Delhi. Their meetings centered on exploring research collaborations with ISRO officials offering insights into space biotechnology domains that are currently being explored for partnership.

As biotechnology takes its first steps beyond the confines of the Earth, this MoU represents a historic milestone setting a transformative example for collaboration and scientific advancement.