| Department of Biotechnology | |
| Size: | 100px |
| Abbreviation: | DBT |
| Type: | Government organisation |
| Headquarters: | New Delhi |
| Region Served: | India |
| Leader Title: | Minister of Science and Technology |
| Leader Name: | Jitendra Singh |
| Leader Title2: | Secretary |
| Leader Name2: | Rajesh Sudhir Gokhale |
| Affiliations: | Ministry of Science and Technology (India) |
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is an Indian government department, under the Ministry of Science and Technology responsible for administrating development and commercialisation in the field of modern biology and biotechnology in India. It was set up in 1986.[1]
Source:[2]
International Organization
Public Sector Undertakings
Supported Institutes and laboratories
| Name | Designation | Department | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jitendra Singh | Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) | Ministry of Science and Technology & Earth Sciences | |
| Dr. Rajesh Sudhir Gokhale | Secretary | Department of Biotechnology | |
| Abhinav Gupta | PS to Hon. Minister of Science & Technology | Minister’s Office |
In December 2015, the Department of Biotechnology launched the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015–2020 programme. The stated aim of the programme is to intensify research in the fields of vaccines, humane genome, infectious and chronic diseases, crop science, animal agriculture and aquaculture, food and nutrition, environmental management and technologies for clean energy. The mission, through stakeholders in the biotechnology and technology domains is backed with significant investments to create new products, creating a strong infrastructure for research and development, commercialization, and empowering human resources scientifically and technologically.[10]
With an emphasis on microgravity research, space biomanufacturing, bioastronautics, and astrobiology, the Department of Biotechnology and the ISRO have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 25 October 2024 to collaborate on space biotechnology research. The application will be in ISRO's human space flight project, Gaganyaan. The MoU will address problems like food storage, radiation, microgravity, and constant nutrient supply, as well as health risks like cancer, cataracts, and loss of bone and muscle.[11]