India’s biotechnology sector is rapidly transforming, driven by strategic government initiatives and significant investment. Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, recently announced a milestone achievement: India now has a network of 94 biotechnology incubators across 25 states, a remarkable increase from just 50 biotech startups a decade ago to over 13,000 today.
The government, primarily through the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and its Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), has invested Rs 489.42 crore over the past 13 years (2012-2025). This funding is crucial for nurturing new startups and researchers by providing essential infrastructure, shared lab spaces, mentorship, and funding, helping to translate cutting-edge research into viable commercial products. The government has committed to an annual allocation of Rs 20-30 crore to support 10-15 new incubators.
This aligns with the BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment), launched in August 2024, which aims to drive green growth, enhance R&D, and create jobs through high-performance biomanufacturing. The impact is already visible, with facilities in states like Andhra Pradesh receiving over Rs 16 crore to spearhead innovation in specialized fields such as medtech and cancer research.
India’s proactive investments have positioned it as a significant global player, now home to 21 of the world’s 121 bio-companies. The country’s bio-economy has seen explosive growth, rising from $10 billion in 2015 to $130 billion in 2024, with projections to reach $300 billion by 2030. Key sectors driving this growth include biopharma and vaccines, where India is a global leader, supplying 60% of the world’s DPT, BCG, and measles vaccines. The sector also played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing $14.56 billion to the economy.
With new policies like the Bio-RIDE scheme and a focus on AI-driven biotech and precision farming, India is building a resilient, self-reliant biotech ecosystem. The ultimate goal is to become a global biotech hub by 2047, creating millions of jobs and driving innovations that will transform industries and improve lives.
