The 1^st ISRO-DBT JWG meeting was convened on 28^th May 2025 (through online mode) under the Chairmanship of Shri. M Ganesh Pillai, Scientific Secretary, ISRO and Co-Chairmanship of Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Adviser/ Sci-H DBT. The JWG meeting is follow-up to the MoU signed on 25^th October 2024 between Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Department of Space (DoS).

The Union Cabinet has approved path breaking initiatives in the field of human space programme and biotechnology with the announcement of establishment of a Bharatiya Antariksh Station and the unveiling of ‘BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy for fostering high performance Biomanufacturing’ in the country, respectively. Under the initiative on fostering high performance biomanufacturing, futuristic space biotechnology/biomanufacturing is one of the Thematic areas.

An ISRO-DBT joint working group (JWG) has been constituted to take collaboration forward. Under the aegis of this ISRO-DBT collaboration, currently the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Institutions- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi and BRIC-inStem Bangalore are exploring the possibility of experiments in the field of Space Biotechnology and Space Biomanufacturing. The JWG discussed the ISRO-DBT joint “Announcement of Opportunity” in Space Biomanufacturing and Space Biotechnology. Several opportunities and challenges were discussed. The JWG also discussed the opportunities for both ISRO and DBT in the area of extra-terrestrial biomanufacturing or in-Space Biomanufacturing for futuristic long term space missions.

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NKR/PSM

Working Press Release