Biotechnology industry in India

Investments and Recent Developments

India allows 100% FDI under the automatic route (a non-resident or Indian company will not require any approval from the government) for greenfield pharmaceuticals and manufacturing medical devices. Some recent developments/investments in the Indian pharmaceutical sector are as follows:

• The number of biotech startups has skyrocketed from just 50 in 2014 to nearly 9,000 as of February 2025, making India a global hub for biotech innovation. In bio-manufacturing, India now ranks third in the Asia-Pacific region and 12th globally, with its influence expanding rapidly.
• India's pharmaceutical exports reached Rs. 2,60,683 crore (US$ 30.5 billion) in FY25, marking a 9.3% increase from the previous year, according to a new report by Rubix Data Sciences, a leading provider of risk management and monitoring solutions.
• The report projects that the country’s pharma exports could double to Rs. 5,55,555 crore (US$ 65 billion) by 2030.
• The Telangana government has secured a significant investment of Rs. 2,150 crore (US$ 251.55) in the biotech, technology, and fintech sectors, officials said on June 10, 2025, highlighting the state's growing appeal to venture capitalists and entrepreneurs.
• India’s bioeconomy, backed by Bio-E3 and Bio-RIDE policies, has grown 16-fold in the past decade to Rs. 14,16,237 crore (US$ 165.7 billion) in 2024 and is projected to touch Rs. 25,64,100 crore (US$ 300 billion) by 2030, reinforcing its role as a global innovation and growth driver.
• Biofoundries and biotech clusters represent a crucial step in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in biotech innovation. With continued government support and industry collaboration, the sector is poised to break new ground, empowering startups to turn their ideas into impactful ventures.
• According to Parexel, India is ready to step in as an alternative site for early-stage clinical trials, the US-based company plans to boost its headcount in India by more than 2,000 over the next three to five years, from about 6,000 currently.
• In March 2024, Union Minister of Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated the pioneering "National Speed Breeding Crop Facility" at the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) in Mohali.
• In January 2024, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh inauguration of Biotech Startups Expo on “Emerging Startup Trends in North India at Biotech Park, Kathua.
• In December 2023, the Gujarat Chief Minister also inaugurated the ‘Start-Up Product Launch’ which included innovative products developed by startups such as Bioscan, SynerSense, Iota, and STRUmed Solutions during the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. The Pre-Summit also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Indus Setu Global Foundation and Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission.
• In November 2023, Bharat Biotech signs MoU with University of Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID) to collaborate on vaccine research initiatives and strengthen academic-industry partnerships.
• In October 2023, the Uttarakhand government signed several MoUs worth Rs. 5,450 crore (US$ 653.97 million) with industrial bodies in Dubai.
• In October 2023, the Uttar Pradesh government is planning to establish a Biotech Park in Pilibhit.
• In August 2023, CSIR- National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) published a special issue of the Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IJBB) on Biological Electron Microscopy and Nanobiotechnology.
• In August 2023, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the United States-National Science Foundation (US-NSF) announced to build bilateral collaborations between India and the USA through this Implementation Arrangement.
• In August 2023, Technology Development Board (TDB) and the Department of Science & Technology (DST) partnered with Chemlife Innovations for the Innovative Bio-Trace Minerals Project to enhance livestock productivity, optimize feed, and fodder resources and infuse technology into livestock management.
• In July 2023, 15 companies sign MoUs worth Rs. 2,000 crore (US$ 239.99 million) in a day, for investments in biotech sector.
• In July 2023, Aurigene Pharmaceutical Services to set up a US$ 40 million facility in Hyderabad.
• In July 2023, India and Argentina agreed to a bilateral exchange of young researchers and Startups, particularly in the field of Biotechnology and Agriculture.
• In July 2023, Biocon Biologics launched a biosimilar version of AbbVie's top selling biologic Humira (generically called adalimumab) in the US market under the brand name HULIO.
• In May 2023, India and Israel will strengthen their connection in areas such as innovation and start-ups, ushering in a new period of deeper bilateral cooperation.
• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurates the Northeast's first International Biotech Conclave.
• In February 2023, Serum Institute of India announces centre of excellence in Hyderabad to tackle future pandemics.
• In February 2023, Bristol-Myers Squibb intends to invest Rs. 800 crore (US$ 96.69 million) in establishing a cutting-edge centre in Telegana to boost its global medical development and IT capabilities.
• In January 2023, Yashoda Super Specialty Hospital will invest about Rs. 500 crore (US$ 60.42 million) in establishing a Biotech Park and 300-bedded hospital in Greater Noida, while Yashoda Medicity will invest Rs. 800 crore (US$ 96.67 million) in Ghaziabad to set up a new hi-tech hospital with a capacity of 1200 beds.