Transformations in digital technology have revolutionized biological research, offering profound insights into the complexities of living systems. According to Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairperson of the Biocon Group and the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE), bioengineering represents the next horizon in technological advancement.
The unlocking of genetic engineering capabilities has bolstered bio-manufacturing, especially evident in the fermentation industry. Historically, beer and wine production exemplified large-scale bio-manufacturing where yeast transformed sugars into ethanol. Nowadays, yeasts, bacteria, plants, insects, and mammalian cells are being genetically tailored to produce medications, food, proteins, biomaterials, and biofuels, she explained.
The utilization of CRISPR gene editing and predictive protein structure platforms like Alphafold are enhancing both the speed and accuracy of genetic engineering endeavors. Speaking at the Bangalore Technology Summit during the session “Bio-manufacturing E3-Towards Viksit Bharat,” the Biocon Group leader emphasized that Bengaluru possesses the scientific prowess needed to participate in the global push for advancing technology. She highlighted efforts spanning from brain research to robotics, demonstrating both academic and industrial attempts to transform science into technology.
ARTPARK, situated in IISc, along with IBAB, are emerging as leading centers in computational sciences’ future realms. This AI Robotics Technology Park acts as an incubator and accelerator program aiming to nurture startups from innovation stages. Mazumdar-Shaw pointed out the need to bridge academic and industry research divisions through international faculty exchanges, where academics gain industry experience through sabbaticals and vice versa. She stressed that scientists often lack understanding of scientific business dynamics, while business requires a deeper comprehension of science.
Following the discovery of DNA by Watson & Crick, breaking the genetic code of life in 1953, it is anticipated that quantum computing will unravel the intricate pathways of electrical, chemical, and protein signaling critical to living systems’ functionality. The enormity and complexity of data processing within the human body achieve instant results, making quantum computing’s operational environment incredibly remarkable, noted Mazumdar-Shaw.
In studying living systems, genetic memory and learned behavior play crucial roles. For instance, birds migrate based on genetic memory but acquire skills like worm-catching through learned practice. Artificial intelligence utilizes iterative local language models, but lacks the innate intelligence seen in living beings’ genetic memory encoded in their DNA. Future AI memory chips may need to integrate such genetic memory, potentially through a DNA interface, she remarked.
The Biocon and ABLE leader debated the potential of launching pivotal technologies at scale within Global Capability Centres (GCCs). She pointed out the burgeoning opportunity in new biology, a sector on the rise, urging prompt requests for government grants. India stands as a frontrunner in bio-innovation and bio-manufacturing, investing vigorously in R&D capabilities and healthcare infrastructure.
In conclusion, with technology and talent serving as the cornerstones, advancements in robotics, wearables, cell therapies, synthetic biology, and brain research are underway. She affirmed that all this stems from bioengineering being at the forefront of revolutionary technology.