The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in New Delhi hosted a special session on System and Synthetic Biology, emphasizing their applications in healthcare, biomanufacturing, biodesign, and sustainable development.
On October 26, 2026, the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, held a curtain raiser event for the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2026). The event, which will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from October 27 to 29, 2026, featured a special session on System and Synthetic Biology and its transformative potential in advancing scientific research, biotechnology, and innovation in India.
The event was graced by Prof. Gobardhan Das, Member of the NITI Aayog, as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished dignitaries included Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT); Dr. Dhananjay Kumar Tiwary, Scientist-H at DBT; and Dr. Ramesh V. Sonti, Director of ICGEB New Delhi.
Dr. Ramesh V. Sonti provided an overview of ESTIC 2026, covering 12 key thematic areas including System and Synthetic Biology. He highlighted the significance of these emerging fields, mentioning that DBT would be steering a session on ‘Systems and Synthetic Biology’ in ESTIC 2026.
The session on System and Synthetic Biology emphasized the growing importance of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding complex biological systems and engineering biological processes for applications in healthcare, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and sustainable development. These emerging fields offer significant opportunities to accelerate innovation, develop novel biotechnological solutions, and strengthen India’s position in the global bioeconomy.
Dr. Dhananjay Kumar Tiwary, MD BIRAC, Scientist-H, DBT, highlighted the transformative potential of System and Synthetic Biology, emphasizing their applications in healthcare, biomanufacturing, and biodesign. He also underscored the role of Artificial Intelligence in accelerating biological research and highlighted the BioE3 Policy’s potential to create new opportunities for India’s biotechnology sector.
In his address, Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT, welcomed the participants and underscored the pivotal role of science in driving innovation and societal progress. He emphasized the growing significance of biology as a powerful platform for innovation, noting that biotechnology is entering its second revolution, with the potential to shape multiple aspects of human development.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Gobardhan Das, Member, NITI Aayog, highlighted India’s growing scientific capabilities and the immense potential of biotechnology to drive national development, strengthen the innovation ecosystem, and address emerging global challenges.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
