India is the third-largest biotechnology market in the Asia-Pacific region and one of the top 12 globally. The nation controls around 3% of the worldwide biotechnology market. India is also the world's second-largest producer of BT cotton and the third-largest producer of the recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine. The biotechnology sector is divided into five segments - biopharmaceuticals, bio-services, bio-agriculture, bio-industrial and bio-IT.
India’s bio-economy industry has grown from US$ 10 billion in 2015 to US$ 130 billion in 2024. India's bioeconomy is poised to reach US$ 300 billion by 2030. The Indian biotechnology industry is expected to reach US$ 150 billion by 2025. India's vaccine industry can grow from US$ 2 billion to US$ 5 billion, as new Indian and global pharmaceutical companies are including vaccines as a key part of their portfolios. By 2025, the vaccination market in India is projected to be worth Rs. 252 billion (US$ 3.04 billion). In July 2022, India’s 1st indigenously developed quadrivalent Human Papilloma Virus (qHPV) vaccine against cervical cancer supported by DBT and BIRAC received market authorization from DCGI.
India has 665 FDA-approved plants in the US; 44% of the global Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDA) and more than 1,400 manufacturing plants, which are compliant with WHO’s requirements. As of October 2024, the Department of Biotechnology has 1,547 ongoing projects.
The biotechnology sector has witnessed a significant rise in new startup registrations across the nation in 2021, with approximately 1,128 fresh startups entering the market. This surge has contributed to the overall count of biotechnology startups reaching around 6,000 by the year 2023.
India's biotech sector has expanded from 50 startups in 2014 to nearly 9,000 by end of 2024, reflecting a decade of strong growth in the bioeconomy.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, India's pharmaceutical exports increased by 9.67% to reach US$ 27.9 billion. The United States continues to be the largest market, accounting for more than 31% of the exports, with the UK and the Netherlands following behind.
India also has a strong start-up ecosystem, originating from gradual improvements in the ease of doing business, proof-of-concept funds for start-ups, and favourable government policies. BIRAC, a public sector undertaking of DBT, has partnered with innovative foundations and universities to focus on ‘Make In India’ and ‘Startup India’ programmes. In January 2022, BIRAC made a major contribution to developing the world's first Intranasal vaccine for Covid through Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL).
The Union Budget 2025-26 strengthens India’s biotechnology sector with increased funding for the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to support R&D, biomanufacturing, and startups. It allocates Rs. 20,000 crore (US$ 2.30 billion) for private research, launches the National Manufacturing Mission, and promotes AI-driven biotech, precision farming, biofuels, and genetic research, driving innovation and sustainability.
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.
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) of the Ministry of Science and Technology in India, and UNESCO-TWAS established a fellowship programme for foreign scholars from developing countries who wish to pursue research towards PhD/post-doctoral research in biotechnology.
The National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2020-25 provides the government with a platform to strengthen skill development, resource and innovation converging into one strong ecosystem for knowledge sharing.
In December 2023, IPL Biologicals signed a MoU with the Gujarat government to establish a Rs. 400 crore (US$ 48.1 million) bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticide facility in the state.
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, the 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 July 2023, the National Biopharma Mission is supporting 101 projects including more than 150 organizations and 30 MSMEs. It has increased employment opportunities and engaged 1,065 manpower including 304 scientists/ researchers.
In April 2023, under the Biotech-KISAN scheme, 160,000 farmers received benefits during the last one-year (January-December 2022).
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 announced 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 February 2022, DBT inked a five-year MoU with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and IAVI.
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 1,200 beds.
Investment in India's bioeconomy increased 400%, reaching Rs. 4,200 crore (US$ 507.77 million) in 2022 from Rs. 7.3 crore (US$ 1.20 million) in 2014.
In August 2022, the government announced 75 "Amrit Grants" worth Rs. 10-15 crore (US$ 1.22-1.83 million) for biotech projects involving startups, industry, academia, and research organisations working together.
Indian biotech companies have made massive strides with vaccine development, as Indian biotechnology industry growth is driven by vaccines and recombinant therapeutics. In December 2022, the world's first COVID-19 intranasal vaccine, iNCOVACC was launched, which has been developed by Bharat Biotech. The Serum Institute of India partnered with US company Novavax to manufacture their Covid vaccine (NVX-CoV2373) for the US market. India also administered the world’s first DNA vaccine – ZYCOV-D in Patna, which was developed by Ahmedabad-based vaccine manufacturer Zydus Cadila. Bharat Biotech has also received permission from the DCGI to start trials of its intranasal booster dose in India.
The New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 were developed by the government to create a streamlined legal framework for the biopharmaceutical market to reduce costs, approval timelines and cut bureaucratic red tape. India is among the preferred destinations for clinical trials owing to a large patient pool, transformation of the healthcare market, well-educated physicians, and cost competitiveness.
Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi inaugurated the Biotech Startup Expo in June 2022. The Expo's theme was 'Biotech Startup Innovations: Towards AatmaNirbhar Bharat. The Expo showcased 75 successful startups supported by BIRAC, 75 Specialized Biotech Incubation Centres supported by BIRAC, 21 IITs/ universities, 50 successful startups supported by DPIIT and various national and international programs of BIRAC.
Biotechnology parks and incubators are established across the country by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, to translate research into products and services by providing necessary infrastructure support. These biotechnology parks offer facilities to scientists, and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) for technology incubation, technology demonstration and pilot plant studies to accelerate the commercial development of biotechnology. The government, at present, supports nine biotechnology parks in various states, with the bulk being in the southern region. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has supported 11 Biotechnology Parks in various States.
The success of the Indian biotech industry depends on the growth of start-ups and the advancement of research, both of which will be aided by an increase in the number of biotech incubators. The biotechnology industry has the ability to offer a variety of solutions for problems in several fields like health, agriculture, the environment, energy, and industrial processes, mostly because of its multidisciplinary approach.
