Science minister calls for domestic gene synthesis capacity at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave

27 October 2026

Speaking at a session on systems and synthetic biology at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said India's genetic and phenotypic diversity could make it an important global source of genetic resources for gene research. He said building domestic gene synthesis capacity matters because dependence on foreign suppliers causes delays and availability problems for researchers. Department of Biotechnology Secretary Dr Rajesh S. Gokhale took part in the session. The minister also referred to the recently enacted Shanti Act, which opens nuclear medicine research to private sector participation.