Key Takeaways
- Biotechnology is identified as a key sector for sustainable growth in India, projected to reach a $300 billion market by 2030.
- Panelists emphasized the importance of skill development in microbial culture, gene manipulation, and data analysis for future job opportunities.
- The webinar highlighted the necessity for sustainability to align with environmental, economic, and social needs.
Webinar Insights on Biotechnology’s Role in Sustainability
On February 8, 2026, a webinar titled “Biotechnology Education: Skills and Opportunities for a Sustainable Future” was hosted by the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai, in collaboration with The Hindu. The session featured panelists discussing biotechnology’s potential to shape a technology-integrated and sustainable future that aligns with societal needs and promotes healthy living.
Pooja Shivanand Breh, an Assistant Professor at the University of Brunei, highlighted India’s rapid bio-economy growth, expanding from $10 billion in 2014 to an expected $165 billion in 2024. She noted that the sector aims for a target of $300 billion by 2030, driven by contributions from bio-pharma, agriculture, IT, and industrial sectors. Breh stressed that sustainability relies on environmental suitability, economic viability, and social utility.
Dr. K.S. Nagabhushana, Director of Research at the Prayoga Institute of Education Research, discussed how biotechnology is facilitating greener practices focused on zero waste management. He called for sustainable development that serves current needs rather than unchecked consumption.
Focusing on career opportunities, Dr. G. Jayaraman, Professor and Dean at VIT, emphasized that those skilled in microbial culture techniques, gene manipulation, and data analysis would find ample opportunities in a future bio-enabled economy. He encouraged students to pursue careers that contribute to sustainable solutions.
Dr. Jayanthi Velayudhan, a Post-Doctoral Fellow, shared her experiences as a biotech researcher at VIT, underscoring the real-world applications of biotechnology in addressing sustainability challenges.
This webinar was part of an ongoing series titled “Biotechnology: Role in Industry 5.0 – Sustainable Future Pathways,” aimed at exploring the intersection of biotechnology with sustainable practices and job opportunities in the modern economy.
The session can be viewed here.
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