The 2025 International Biomanufacturing Summit will be a turning point for Assam and Northeast India. Positioning the region in the global bioeconomy scenario, Gauhati University hosted the first summit, which is expected to attract entrepreneurs industrialists, researchers, policy makers and academics around the world To discuss the relationship between biotechnology and sustainable development.
In an exclusive conversation with Business North East (BNE), Nani Gopal Mahanta, Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University, highlighted the significance and vision of this groundbreaking event. "We are organizing the Biomanufacturing 2025 International Summit, which brings together entrepreneurs, industrialists, researchers, policymakers, and academics from around the globe, including the US and other prestigious institutions in India," he stated. The participants include important stakeholders such as the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), NABARD, NIPER, and NIELIT.
While xplaining the choice of Assam as a host, Mahanta emphasized the region's rich biodiversity and growing potential in the bioeconomy. "Assam is among the most significant biodiversity hotspots globally." The bio-economy represents the future of economics, and we require a strategy that is resilient, environmentally friendly and conserves resources. "We required a site that represented all these aspects, and Assam, with its abundant natural legacy, is ideally situated to spearhead this initiative," he stated. The main focus is on bio-e3—bio-environment, bio-economy, and bio-employment—ensuring that the economic model is sustainable and resilient.
Mahanta added that the strategy should involve the people of Assam and the northeastern diaspora, which has shown enough enthusiasm to participate in the development of the region. "This proposal is enduring, sustainable, and environmentally friendly." We intend to make Assam a place where technology meets sustainable development and bio-engineering," he added.
The summit has received robust institutional support, as DBT recently announced Assam-specific policies on bio-engineering and bioeconomy. Mahanta seems optimistic about the future initiatives by saying, "You will find a fuller manifestation of the entire edifice in the upcoming Advantage Assam investment summit scheduled for late February." These initiatives are going to further consolidate Assam's position as the hub for innovation in biomanufacturing.
Talking about the technological aspect, Mahanta said AI and machine learning can transform biomanufacturing. "During the inaugural session, we came forward with examples of how AI and machine learning, as well as new developments in Industry 4.0, can enhance the bio-engineering process. These discussions will continue in the closed sessions of the summit," he informed.
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AI-driven innovations promise to optimise the process of biomanufacturing, enhance precision in bio-agri, and accelerate advancements in bio-pharma. By integrating these technologies, the industry could be more effective, sustainable, and scalable.
This 2025 International Biomanufacturing Summit is more than an event; it is a vision for the future of Assam and beyond. Mahanta effectively summarised, "Assam is poised to play a decisive role in the days to come, becoming a harbinger of sustainable development and bio-engineering." This summit is expected to catalyze a new era of innovation, collaboration, and investment in the bioeconomy, presenting an opportunity in a space that resonates far beyond the region.
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