The bio-banking sector in India that was marred by ethical issues and infrastructural challenges is expected to witness a robust growth in coming years amid increased investment in research to develop covid-19 vaccines and therapeutics. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has notified 16 bio-repositories for collecting, storing and maintaining clinical samples, including oropharyngeal/ nasopharyngeal swabs, broncheoalveolar lavage, sputum, blood, urine and stool, of covid-19 patients. The samples from covid-19 patients will be collected and archived for future use to develop validated diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines etc. According to recent reports, the bio banking industry is anticipated to grow at 7.5% CAGR from 2019 to 2030, with Asia Pacific estimated to account for the highest growth due to increased investment in pharma and emerging diseases such as covid-19. The Department of Biotechnology would support these covid-19 designated bio-bank facilities through a well strategized future plan so that novel technological interventions can be developed in due course of time. These designated bio repositories will use the clinical samples for R&D purpose in their respective institutes, the government has said.