As India moves toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the phrase “Made in India” is poised to take on a new identity, one inspired by the power of microbes. Synthetic biology, a cutting-edge intersection of engineering, computer science, and molecular biology, is rapidly emerging as the next industrial revolution, promising to reimagine how India produces food, fuel, medicine, and materials.

At its core, synthetic biology is about programming life. By designing and building new genetic components, scientists can create organisms that manufacture biodegradable plastics, low-carbon fuels, or life-saving therapeutics, at scale and often with minimal waste. 

And for a country like India, this is a strategic pathway to sustainability, economic independence, and global competitiveness.

From Petri Dish to Factory Floor

India’s reliance on imported crude oil, synthetic chemicals, and high-end pharmaceuticals has long been a bottleneck in its manufacturing and healthcare sectors. And synthetic biology is changing that.

Fermentation-based biomanufacturing, where engineered microbes replace petroleum-based processes, is already being used to produce cost-effective drugs and biofuels from agricultural waste.

Take String Bio, a Bengaluru-based startup turning methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into high-value proteins and biodegradable polymers. Its proprietary fermentation platform was recently recognized as safe for use in global food and feed markets. This innovation not only valorizes waste but creates a scalable model for a climate-smart industry.

Similarly, Sea6 Energy, another Bengaluru-based pioneer, is using marine biotechnology to produce seaweed-based bioplastics and biofuels. By farming seaweed offshore and converting it into biocrude, Sea6 provides a carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels without competing for arable land or freshwater. In 2024, the company partnered with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) to further scale its seaweed-to-fuel technology, a sign of industry-level traction.

A New Wave of Indian Healthcare Innovation

India’s healthcare sector, valued at over $370 billion, is burdened by rising chronic disease rates and global dependency for advanced treatments. Synthetic biology could localize drug production and also enable precision therapies tailored to India’s diverse population.

Bugworks Research is addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major public health concern in India, by developing next-generation antibiotics that are effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Currently in Phase 1 human clinical trials in Australia, Bugworks’ innovations are supported by international partners like CARB-X and GARDP.

Meanwhile, Zumutor Biologics is leading the immuno-oncology frontier. With its proprietary NK cell therapy platform, the company’s lead candidate, ZM008, is showing promise against solid tumors. 

Reshaping Food and Agriculture

Agriculture supports nearly 60% of India’s population but contributes only 17% to its GDP. Low yields, water stress, and climate change continue to threaten food security. Here, synthetic biology offers solutions, from drought-resistant crops to microbial fertilizers and protein alternatives.

The environmental clearance for genetically modified (GM) mustard in India in 2022 marked a significant regulatory milestone. It signals broader acceptance of genetic innovations that can reduce pesticide use and improve yields. Additionally, precision fermentation and engineered microbes are being explored to produce next-gen food ingredients that are sustainable, scalable, and nutritious.

India’s BioE3 policy and targeted schemes like Bio-RIDE, with a budget of ₹9,197 crore, are actively channeling support toward R&D in synthetic biology and biotech startups, including those focused on agri-biosciences and cellular agriculture.

Building the Bioeconomy

India's bioeconomy has grown from $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024, with a target of $300 billion by 2030. We expect this to reach $300 billion by 2030. This growth is anchored in a strong startup ecosystem, robust academic talent, and increasing private and public sector investment in synthetic biology.

Eyestem is developing regenerative therapies for retinal diseases, aiming to address conditions like age-related macular degeneration through stem cell-derived products. 

Meanwhile, Utopia Therapeutics is working on novel vaccine platforms designed to improve disease management and prevention. 

According to the Department of Biotechnology, synthetic biology’s role in India's future is pivotal—not just as a tech enabler but as a national capability. With decreasing costs of DNA synthesis and automation, biofoundries and innovation clusters are becoming the new industrial parks.

Challenges Ahead, but the Future Looks Bright

India still faces critical challenges on its synthetic biology journey. Building a skilled workforce that bridges biology, engineering, and data science is essential. Regulatory frameworks must evolve to balance innovation with safety, while ethical and environmental oversight needs to keep pace with rapid advances.

Nevertheless, the momentum is undeniable. With policy alignment, investment, and a new generation of bio-entrepreneurs, synthetic biology can truly redefine what it means to be “Made in India”—not just stamped in a factory, but cultured in a lab, designed for the planet, and powered by nature.

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah