“Biotechnology Is Now A Tool For Climate Action And Growth”

How do you see biotechnology shaping global sustainability goals over the next decade?
I believe that biotechnology has the potential to contribute significantly toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. I will provide you with my perspective from inside KL Deemed to be University regarding the evolution of biotechnology from being an advanced science to becoming the leading agent of environmental stewardship, social equity, and sound governance across the planet during the next 10 years.

The opportunities afforded by biotechnology to create low-carbon systems enable the use of low-carbon energy sources, which are in line with the principles of environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing. They provide a means of developing inclusive economic growth opportunities by offering affordable alternatives to traditional ways of doing things. Additionally, they allow for increased levels of government accountability through transparency associated with the use of biological resources.

Biotechnology is no longer simply about scientific research, but rather about the widespread implementation of biobased technologies and solutions on a large scale. Through biorefineries, biotechnology can help develop a sustainable green economy and will be at the centre of climate action plans, sustainable manufacturing and resource-efficient approaches to development within the next 10 years.

Which emerging biotech innovations hold the highest potential to address large-scale environmental challenges?
- Numerous new ideas in biotechnology have enormous potential to combat massive global environmental problems. Synthetic biology provides the means for creating engineered microorganisms that can break down plastics, clean up oil spills, and create useful chemicals from industrial waste. Along with this are next-gen biofuels produced from algae, agricultural scraps, and enzyme engineering that greatly minimise carbon emissions. Also, advancements in biomimicry and cell-free systems have led to new low-energy industrial procedures that imitate nature rather than interfere with it.

In addition, as we study these technologies using the ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) perspective, we can see that these biotechnological developments create less environmental impact, provide a more equitable way to supply a cleaner source of materials, and increase accountability at an overall business level. The most exciting new trend is that much more rapidly and accurately designing sustainable materials, optimising gene modifications, and predicting future ecological conditions will all be possible by blending AI and biotechnology together. Each of these innovative approaches has the power to reframe how we will manage our environment at a global level.

What role can biotechnology play in climate action, especially in carbon capture and bio-based materials?
The growth of Biotechnology in Climate Action is rapidly increasing, particularly in the areas of Carbon Capture, Bio-remediation, and the development of Sustainable Materials. Engineered microorganisms can now capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into fuels, fertilizers, and biodegradable polymers, creating circular pathways in which carbon is viewed as a valuable resource rather than waste. This aligns well with Global Carbon Reduction Strategies and also supports ESG-driven Evolution to Low Impact Manufacturing. Additionally, Biotech is also developing Bio-based Materials, everything from Fungal Leather to Plant-based Composites, as viable alternatives to Fossil-derived Plastics and Chemicals in many industries. With a scalable and compatible approach to existing Industrial Systems, the attraction to all these Solutions is overwhelmingly compelling.

We believe Biotechnology will play a critical role in the development of India’s new "Green Economy," allowing industry to achieve Sustainability Targets while creating New Economic Development Opportunities. The next 10 Years will therefore see the Transition of Carbon Management from a Reactive Strategy to a Proactive, Innovation-led Climate Change Strategy.

How is biotechnology driving sustainable agriculture and long-term food security?
The ways that biotechnology is changing the future of Agriculture will be critical for maintaining food security over the next several decades as our world's population grows.

The introduction of the CRISPR gene tool allows for the development of crops that are tolerant of increased drought, insect damage, and temperature fluctuations caused by climate change. Traditional chemical fertilisers and pesticides can now be replaced with bio-based alternatives, which improve soil quality and lower environmental toxicity.

KL Deemed to be University promotes research using combinations of microorganisms to increase nutrient absorption, decrease stress on plants, and increase the viability of a regenerative model of farming. These new biotechnologies not only increase crop yields but also promote the principles of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) by focusing on environmental stewardship and well-being for rural communities.

Biotechnology can also increase supply-chain resiliency by providing ingredients produced in the laboratory, proteins developed in cultured environments, and systems for monitoring crops in real-time using biosensors. Therefore, these advances in biotechnology facilitate the evolution away from extractive agriculture toward regenerative agriculture and will continue to provide equitable, climate-resilient food systems to future generations.

How can biotech innovations accelerate circular bioeconomy models such as waste-to-energy and waste-to-value?
New Technologies in Biotechnology are allowing us to take steps quickly to create models for a Circular Bio-Economy through Waste-to-Value and Waste-to-Energy systems. Biocatalysts, or Enzymes that have been engineered to Break Down organic material from both Municipal and Industrial waste streams, are able to turn those Materials into fuels like BioGas and BioHydrogen, as well as valuable Chemicals. Other Biological technologies, such as Microbial Fermentation, can be used to convert Agricultural residue, Wastewater, and Food Waste into Bioplastics and Green Fuels. This means that we're creating Closed Resource Loops where these previous Pollution point-Source Contributions are now Closed and Converted into Value rather than contributing to Pollution. Both of these areas reduce Pollution and improve ESG (social, Environmental and Governance) Transparency in Resource Management and reduce reliance on Non-Renewable Inputs.

KL University is leading the charge for Multidisciplinary Research that marries Engineering and Sustainability Management to create Systems for converting Waste into both Economic and Ecological Value. As Circular Bio-Economy Models continue to grow in Volume of Supply, Biotechnology will be the Engine driving the Transformation of Linear Wasteful Industries into Regenerative Eco-Systems that enhance Climate Resilience and Economic Competitiveness.

How is biotechnology contributing to sustainable healthcare and the rise of green bio-manufacturing?
Biotechnology has been a game-changer when it comes to the environment. Through the use of greener methods of producing drugs, greener methods of manufacturing, and the elimination of waste in the medical supply chain, we are seeing an increase in sustainable methods of delivering health care around the world. The advent of green biomanufacturing, which uses plant-based expression systems, microbial cell factories, and enzymatic synthesis, to replace energy-intensive chemical production methods have created a way to provide high-volume pharmaceuticals without producing waste or carbon emissions.

At KL Deemed to be University, we see the intersection of sustainability and biotech innovation in how we are preparing our students for success by training them to create biological systems that are efficient and environmentally responsible. There is a significant amount of carbon emissions produced globally due to the way we deliver health care; the biotechnology industry provides many options for creating climate-neutral medical systems. By combining life sciences and sustainability analytics, we are providing the foundation for developing a health care ecosystem that supports the health of the planet and of individuals, ensuring that future medical innovation does not hurt the planet.

How is your institution preparing students to become sustainability-focused biotech innovators?
Our mission is to support students, preparing them to become sustainability-focused innovators within the biotechnology field. We are embedding ESG principles within our students' curriculum so that they are aware not only of the science behind biotechnology but also how it affects the world in the areas of ethics, environment, and society. Students are developing and working on real-world issues using interdisciplinary programs, hands-on laboratories and green innovation incubators. They are utilising and developing biodegradable materials, creating circular bio-based processing systems, etc. We partner with industry and research organisations to expose learners to sustainable manufacturing practices associated with climate-focused biotechnology applications.

Experiential Learning: We empower students by providing opportunities for them to prototype solutions that will be both technologically sound and environmentally responsible. Entrepreneurship: We are promoting entrepreneurship through dedicated biotech accelerators that help student-led start-ups. Example industries include bioenergy, waste valorisation, and sustainable agriculture. KL University is developing future leaders in India by creating scientific experts with a degree of ESG awareness, enabling them to lead India into an era of bioeconomic transformation.

How can academia, industry, and government collaborate to ensure ethical, responsible, and impactful biotech development?
To ensure that biotechnology is developed ethically, responsibly and effectively, a strong partnership between academia, industry and government is critical. Academia provides the basic research and talent, industry converts discoveries to workable solutions, and the government sets the rules that protect the public and the environment. By collaborating, these three sectors can develop innovative ecosystems that support ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) values, while also fostering sustainable economic growth.

We envision an open innovation platform that enables researchers, policy makers and companies to jointly develop solutions for climate change, sustainability, and the bioeconomy. We stress the importance of transparent governance, responsible use of data and community engagement in all our partnerships. Additionally, we believe collaborative funding models, combined with shared infrastructure, will democratize access to advanced technologies so that biotechnology advances will benefit all of society. By bringing the strengths of the three sectors together, we believe that these partnerships can guide biotechnology toward generating long-term environmental and social value.