AI AND BIOMANUFACTURING: CAN INDIA'S POLICIES MATCH ITS AMBITIONS?

When an AI model is used to control a bioreactor, how do we know it’s reliable? Who checks that the data it was trained on is representative of India’s diverse conditions, or that it won’t make a catastrophic error if something unexpected happens? These aren’t just technical questions. They are matters of public trust and safety

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India stands at a pivotal juncture in its quest to harness artificial intelligence (AI) for biotechnology innovation. On one hand, initiatives like the BioE3 Policy and the IndiaAI Mission reflect a bold vision to position the country as a global leader in AI-driven biomanufacturing and ethical AI development. On the other, fragmented regulations and lagging safeguards threaten to undermine this progress. As India races to capitalise on Al's transformative potential, a critical question emerges: can it balance ambition with accountability?

India’s biomanufacturing sector is abuzz with possibilities. For decades, the country has been the world’s go-to supplier for generic medicines and vaccines, a reputation it has built on scale, cost, and reliability. But now, as AI sweeps through the global life sciences industry, there’s a sense that something much bigger is in the works. Many modern biomanufacturing facilities already have robots running precision tasks, biosensors streaming real-time data, and AI models quietly optimising everything from fermentation to packaging.

Biocon, one of India’s largest biotechnology firms, is integrating AI to improve drug screening and its biologics manufacturing processes. By leveraging Al-based predictive analytics, Biocon will enhance the efficiency of fermentation and quality control, reducing production costs while maintaining global standards. Similarly, Bengaluru-based Strand Life Sciences uses Al in genomics and personalised medicine, helping accelerate drug discovery and clinical diagnostics. Their platforms use machine learning to analyse complex biological data, making it easier to identify drug targets and predict treatment responses. These efforts illustrate how Al is already reshaping biomanufacturing and healthcare delivery in India.