BioSaarthi Mentorship Initiative – Believers IAS Academy

BioSaarthi Mentorship Initiative

Why in information?

Not too long ago, the BioSaarthi Mentorship Initiative for biotech startups was launched by the Ministry of Science and Know-how.

• In the meantime, it additionally launched the India Bioeconomy Report 2025 (IBER 2025) which gives info on India’s rising bioeconomy.

Relevance:
GS-02 (Authorities insurance policies and interventions)

Concerning the BioSaarthi Initiative

• It’s a six-month cohort program that provides customized steerage by way of structured mentor-mentee engagements for rising biotech entrepreneurs.
• The initiative goals to strengthen industry-academia collaboration that ensures development within the biotech sector.
• This system is designed to equip biotech startups with abilities and information to navigate challenges and scale their improvements.
• Boosting India’s Bioeconomy: Half of a bigger effort to speed up the expansion of India’s bioeconomy and assist biotech startups in contributing to the sector.

India’s Bioeconomy from the IBER 2025

• Bioeconomy Progress: Valued at $165.7 billion in 2024, a big improve from $10 billion in 2014.
• Contribution to GDP (Nominal): 4.3% of India’s GDP.
• Sector-wise Contribution:
  • Bioindustrial (47.2%) – Largest contributor.
  • Adopted by BioPharma, BioServices, and BioAgri.
• Regional Contribution:
  • South Zone (45.4%) – Largest regional contributor.
  • Adopted by West, North, and East Zones.
• State-wise Contribution: Key contributors embody Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and so forth.
• Biotech Startups: Grew from 50 startups a decade in the past to over 10,075 in 2024.

Prelims Query:

With regards to the BioSaarthi Mentorship Initiative, contemplate the next statements:

1. It’s a six-month cohort program offering structured mentorship to biotech startups.
2. The initiative completely focuses on home mentors from India.
3. It goals to strengthen industry-academia collaboration within the biotech sector.

Which of the statements given above is/are appropriate?

A) 1 and a couple of solely

B) 1 and three solely

C) 2 and three solely

D) 1, 2, and three

Reply: B) 1 and three solely

Rationalization:

1. Assertion 1 is appropriate: The BioSaarthi Initiative provides structured mentorship by way of a six-month cohort program.
2. Assertion 2 is wrong: The initiative additionally contains abroad consultants from the Indian diaspora as worldwide mentors.
3. Assertion 3 is appropriate: It goals to strengthen industry-academia collaboration within the biotech sector.