Patiala, 14th April, 2025:  The Department of Biotechnology at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET), Patiala, proudly inaugurated BIO3: Biotechnology, Biomanufacturing, and Bioeconomy on March 20, 2025. This highly anticipated event serves as a dynamic platform for fostering innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange in the realm of biotechnology and its applications.

The inauguration was graced by Prof. Ashwani Pareek, Executive Director, BRIC-NABI, Mohali, who served as the Chief Guest and Inaugural Speaker. The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome by Prof. Rafat Siddiqui, Officiating Director & Dean (Sustainability), who introduced the distinguished guests and provided introductory remarks. Prof. M. S. Reddy, Chairperson and Head (Biotechnology), delivered the official welcome address, followed by Dr. N. Tejo Prakash, Dean (Research), who highlighted the institute’s rich research and academic legacy.

Prof. Sanjai Saxena, Convenor of BIO3, provided insights into the vision behind the conference. He emphasized that BIO3 is more than just a conference—it is a dynamic forum aimed at exchanging groundbreaking ideas, fostering collaborations, and exploring biotechnology’s transformative potential in shaping a sustainable future. He underscored the alignment of BIO3 with India’s national initiatives such as Make in India, I3 (Innovate, Integrate, Implement), and Viksit Bharat, reinforcing its commitment to translating biotechnological advancements from research laboratories to impactful real-world applications.

Through insightful sessions, expert talks, and engaging discussions, BIO3 will explore key areas including synthetic biology, industrial biotechnology, bio-based materials, sustainable agriculture, biopharmaceuticals, bioenergy, and entrepreneurship—each playing a crucial role in economic growth and environmental sustainability. The conference features nine subtracks, representing the frontiers of research, development, and innovation in India.

The highlight of the inaugural session was the keynote address by Prof. Ashwani Pareek, titled “Can Biomanufacturing be a GOLDMINE?”. Prof. Pareek elaborated on the significance of biomanufacturing in linking biotechnology and the bioeconomy, aligning with India’s Vision 2047 (pre-Amrit Kaal) and its goal of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy. He further elaborated on how biomanufacturing aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), emphasizing its role in sustainability and economic growth.

Following the inaugural address, the first technical session on Agri-Food Biotechnology commenced. This session featured a keynote address by Shri Deepak Pareek and Dr. Navin Kumar Sharma, along with an invited talk by Dr. Ajay K. Pandey, Scientist F, BRIC-NABI. The session provided deep insights into emerging technologies and advancements shaping the future of agriculture and food biotechnology.

BIO3 promises to be an intellectually stimulating and action-oriented conference, bringing together leading experts, researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to drive the future of biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and the bioeconomy. The event continues with a series of expert sessions, discussions, and knowledge-sharing opportunities aimed at fostering sustainable and impactful innovations.