Biotechnology industry in India

India's bio-economy has grown nearly 20-fold over the past decade to US$ 195.3 billion in 2025, and is on track to reach US$ 300 billion by 2030, highlighting the country's rapid emergence as a global biotechnology hub.

Advantage India

Skilled human
capital

*With a total population of 1.4 billion, 47% being under the age of 25, India has a large pool of young and skilled workforce.

*The country is globally recognised for its dynamic innovation ecosystem and expanding biotech start-up base (11,855 start-ups in 2025).

*Increasing focus on advanced domains such as cell and gene therapy and precision medicine is strengthening future-ready capabilities.

Infrastructure
facilities

*The government, at present, supports nine biotechnology parks in various states, with the bulk being in the southern region and 73 BIRAC-supported bio-incubators as of early 2026.

*Union Minister of Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurates the Northeast's first International Biotech Conclave.

*Government of Odisha launched a five-year “Development of Biotechnology” umbrella scheme (2025-26 to 2029-30) with an outlay of Rs. 1,113.50 crore (US$ 126 million) to position the state as a biotechnology hub, comprising 17 sub-schemes focused on infrastructure development, research advancement and start-up incubation.

*Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU with Thermo Fisher Scientific to support over 500 biotech startups in the next three years through advisory, technology access, mentorship, and investor connect.

Policy
Support

*Policy focus on advanced biomanufacturing, precision fermentation, next-generation therapeutics and diagnostics is accelerating India’s transition towards high-value biotech segments.

*The Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, valued at US$ 11.60 billion (Rs. 1 lakh crore), is supporting deep-tech innovation across sectors, including biotechnology.

*The Government has approved the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for promotion of domestic manufacturing of critical Key Starting Materials (KSMs)/ Drug Intermediates (DIs) and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in India, with a total budgetary outlay of Rs. 6,940 crore (US$ 882.95 million) and scheme tenure from FY2022-23 to FY2028–29.

*NBM supports 101 projects, involving over 150 organisations and 30 MSMEs. It has also generated over 1,000 jobs, including 304 scientists and researchers. Additionally, the Genome India Programme, which involves sequencing 10,000 genomes, is expected to shape future global healthcare strategies, both in treatment and prevention.

Epidemiological
factors

*The country has undertaken large-scale preventive screening, with 41.5 crore individuals screened for hypertension, 41.3 crore for diabetes, 35.3 crore for oral cancer and 16.5 crore for breast cancer, reflecting strong focus on early diagnosis and disease management.

*Rising prevalence of lifestyle-related conditions is accelerating demand for vaccines, biologics, diagnostics and personalised medicine.

Snapshot Showcase Infographics Reports

Last updated: Sep, 2026

Biotechnology Industry Report

May, 2026

Introduction

India ranks 12th globally in biotechnology and 3rd in the Asia-Pacific region. It also has the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem and stands as the largest vaccine manufacturer worldwide.

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, has been instrumental in building a strong ecosystem for research, innovation, and commercialization across biopharmaceuticals, bio-services, bio-agriculture, bio-industrial, and bio-IT. The sector demonstrated its strength during the Covid-19 pandemic by rapidly developing vaccines, antivirals, diagnostic tools, and medical devices, which also positioned India as a reliable global supplier.

India’s biotechnology sector continued to grow in 2025, with registered biotech start-ups rising to 11,855 from 10,075 in 2024, reflecting strong innovation across key segments. The Indian pharmaceutical industry ranks 3rd globally by volume and 11th by value, with more than 3,000 companies and 10,500 manufacturing units. The domestic pharmaceutical market is projected to reach US$ 130 billion by 2030. As India transitions from a global generics leader to an emerging biopharmaceutical innovation hub, it supplies nearly 20% of global generic medicines and meets around 70% of worldwide vaccine demand, highlighting its strong manufacturing capabilities.

Market Size

India’s Bio-economy has undergone a significant transformation, expanding from US$ 10 billion in 2014 to US$ 195.30 billion by 2025, contributing nearly 4% to the national GDP. With a target of reaching US$ 300 billion by 2030, the country has already achieved close to 60% of this milestone. India is now globally recognised for its strong scientific talent, expanding start-up ecosystem and leadership in vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, genomics and industrial biotechnology. Supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the ecosystem has benefited from enhanced research infrastructure, industry collaborations and innovation-driven initiatives aligned with national programmes such as AatmaNirbhar Bharat, Startup India and Make in India. India’s biotechnology market size was valued at approximately US$ 37.09 billion in 2025 with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.09% during 2026-34, potentially reaching US$ 112.18 billion by 2034.

Growth drivers include rising demand for personalized medicine, chronic disease treatments, and integration of IT with biotech for precision medicine. In 2025, BioIndustrial emerged as the largest segment of India’s BioEconomy, valued at US$ 90.20 billion, followed by BioPharma at US$ 64.50 billion. BioServices and BioAgri contributed US$ 26.00 billion and US$ 14.60 billion, respectively, reflecting a well-diversified sectoral landscape. Regionally, Tier I states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana each exceeded the US$ 20 billion mark, driven by strong pharmaceutical manufacturing, industrial biotechnology capabilities, established research institutions and robust services ecosystems, collectively forming key hubs of the country’s life sciences industry.

The biologics market alone is forecasted to reach US$ 12 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 22%. Complementing this, The India Stem Cell Therapy Market is expected to reach at US$ 10.17 Million by 2032 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.14% from 2025 to 2032, driven by strong government support, private sector investment, and robust research infrastructure.

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.

The Union Budget 2026 introduced the Biopharma Shakti scheme with an outlay of Rs. 10,000 crore (US$ 1.13 billion) to strengthen domestic manufacturing, alongside India Pharma 2026 initiatives aimed at accelerating the transition towards deep-tech capabilities, advanced clinical research and a developed pharmaceutical ecosystem.

Some recent developments/investments in the Indian biotechnology sector are as follows:

India supplies approximately 52% of the world's Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccines and 45% of global measles vaccines, highlighting its significant role in global immunization programs. The country's strong manufacturing capabilities enable the large-scale production of high-quality, cost-effective vaccines for international organizations and global health initiatives.
India has successfully eradicated smallpox, polio, and maternal and neonatal tetanus through vaccination and continues to strengthen its immunisation programme. In 2026, India expanded its vaccination efforts with the launch of the HPV vaccine and the indigenous Td vaccine.
The Indian pharmaceutical industry ranks 3rd globally by volume and 11th by value, with more than 3,000 companies and 10,500 manufacturing units. The domestic pharmaceutical market is projected to reach US$ 130 billion by 2030.
Through Bio-NEST, BIRAC has supported 73 bio-incubators creating a cumulative area of 1045470 sq. ft. for budding entrepreneurs.
A total of US$ 4.60 billion in disclosed funding was recorded across more than 200 transactions during 2024 and 2025. In 2025, the sector witnessed 100 deals, accounting for US$ 1.58 billion, including several strategic investments and exits.
In February 2026, the Government of India introduced the Biopharma SHAKTI (Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation) initiative under the Union Budget 2026-27, a five-year scheme with an outlay of Rs. 10,000 crore (US$ 1.13 billion) aimed at strengthening India’s position as a global manufacturing hub for biologics and biosimilars.
In August 2025, the Government of India marked one year of the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy, launching the BioE3 Challenge for Youth and the National Biofoundry Network to strengthen indigenous biomanufacturing and innovation. The initiative focuses on advancing research in areas such as cell and gene therapy, climate-smart agriculture and functional foods.
On August 18, 2025, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division under the Digital India Corporation (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to leverage their combined expertise in biotechnology and artificial intelligence to foster innovation and development in India.
India’s cell and gene therapy market is projected to reach US$ 674.5 million by 2030, growing robustly. Bharat Biotech, Syngene, Laurus Labs, and Aragen are entering next-gen medicine manufacturing, including approvals for two indigenous CAR-T therapies, expected to make advanced cancer and genetic treatments more accessible and affordable.
India's pharmaceutical industry is anticipated to undergo significant growth, with exports projected to reach Rs. 32,99,500 crore (US$ 350 billion) by FY47, representing an increase of 10 to 15 times from current levels of Rs. 2,45,962 crore (US$ 28.44 billion) in FY25.
The report projects that the country’s pharma exports could double to Rs. 5,55,555 crore (US$ 65 billion) by 2030.
Shoolini University highlighted its contribution with infrastructure supporting 104+ advanced laboratories and 11 Centres of Excellence in biotech-related fields, supported by government grants to boost innovation and research facility quality.
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU with Thermo Fisher Scientific to support over 500 biotech startups in the next three years through advisory, technology access, mentorship, and investor connect.
Kathua is projected to become a frontline leader in North India’s biotech-driven economic growth, supported by startups and new incubation facilities at the biotech park, with government backing.
Bharat Biotech made a major US$ 75 million investment in its first integrated cell and gene therapy facility in Hyderabad, signaling a shift to advanced personalized medicine with expected launches by 2028.
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.
Data from the World Health Organization indicate that approximately 27,000 new clinical trials were registered in India between January 2024 and June 2025, representing a 50% increase compared to 2023. During this period, India accounted for 23% of all clinical trials registered globally.
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 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.

Government Initiatives

The Government of India has taken multiple initiatives to make India competitive internationally in biotechnology research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and industrial growth. Some of these are:

The Government has approved the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for promotion of domestic manufacturing of critical Key Starting Materials (KSMs)/ Drug Intermediates (DIs) and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in India, with a total budgetary outlay of Rs. 6,940 crore (US$ 882.95 million) and scheme tenure from FY2022-23 to FY2028–29.
India plans to invest US$ 1.1 billion over the next five years to strengthen biologics and biosimilars research and manufacturing. As part of this initiative, the government is establishing three new national research institutes, providing funding to seven existing research facilities, and developing a network of more than 1,000 clinical trial sites to enhance the country's clinical research ecosystem.
The government envisions creating biofoundries, Bio AI centres, and thematic hubs focused on bio-based chemicals, smart proteins, and carbon capture as part of policy support to foster biomanufacturing and innovation.
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, is driving a transformative shift in North-East India (NER) by integrating biotechnology with biodiversity conservation and economic growth. Since 2010, DBT has allocated 10% of its annual budget to specialized programs in NER, fostering research, education, and entrepreneurship.
The Cabinet has endorsed the consolidation of two Department of Biotechnology schemes into Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) with a new Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry component. The budget allocation for 'Bio-RIDE' is Rs. 9,197 crore (US$ 1.1 billion) for 2021-22 to 2025-26 under the 15th finance commission.
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.
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) of the Ministry of Science and Technology in India, and UNESCO-TWAS established a fellowship program 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 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).
The Indian government has accepted to announce a new initiative to encourage pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) in the Union Budget for 2023-24.
In the Interim Budget 2024-25, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) was allotted Rs. 2,251.52 crore (US$ 271 million).

Department of Biotechnology

Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech Mission was implemented by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology. The purpose of this mission is to address the challenges of maternal and child health, antimicrobial resistance, vaccines for infectious disease, food and nutrition, and clean technologies.

BIRAC

Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) established by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is aimed at strengthening and empowering emerging biotechnology enterprises to undertake strategic research and innovation.
In February 2022, BIRAC invited proposals for development, validation, and pre- commercialization of products/ technologies in the areas of healthcare, energy and environment, veterinary sciences and aquaculture, agriculture, and secondary agriculture.

Biotech Parks

The government, at present, supports nine biotechnology parks in various states, with the bulk being in the southern region.
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 the necessary infrastructure support.
These biotechnology parks offer facilities to scientists, and SMEs for technology incubation, technology demonstration and pilot plant studies to accelerate the commercial development of biotechnology.
The government supports nine biotechnology parks in various states with the bulk being in the southern region of the country.

Road Ahead

India’s biotechnology sector is entering a transformative phase, driven by entrepreneurship, innovation, and a thriving start-up ecosystem. The increasing number of biotech incubators and clusters is strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and government, while also nurturing talent and encouraging indigenous research. This innovation pipeline is helping position India as a global hub for affordable, high-quality biotechnology solutions.

The sector is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing challenges across healthcare, agriculture, energy, and the environment. Rising demand for vaccines, biosimilars, diagnostics, and medical devices is opening new market opportunities, while advancements in stem cell research and bio-manufacturing are creating avenues for high-value growth.

With strong government support, rising private investment, and expanding export potential, India’s bioeconomy is projected to reach US$ 300 billion by 2030, significantly enhancing its contribution to GDP and global biotechnology leadership.

References: Department of Biotechnology, Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises, BIRAC, Global Bio-India, Union Budget 2026-27

FAQs

The biotechnology industry combines biological sciences with technology to develop solutions across healthcare, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, diagnostics, and environmental sustainability. India has emerged as a global biotechnology hub with strengths in vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, and research-driven innovation.

The biotechnology industry in India is expanding due to rising investments in research and development, a thriving startup ecosystem, strong vaccine manufacturing capabilities, supportive government policies, and increasing demand for biopharmaceuticals, genomics, and precision medicine.

The biotechnology industry in India comprises BioPharma, BioIndustrial, BioServices, and BioAgri, along with bioinformatics, genomics, diagnostics, and medical devices. These segments support innovation across healthcare, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology.

The biotechnology industry contributes significantly to India's economy through vaccine production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, exports, innovation, employment, and startup growth. India's bioeconomy reached US$ 195.3 billion in 2025, contributing nearly 4% to GDP.

The Government is strengthening the biotechnology industry in India through Bio-RIDE, Biopharma SHAKTI, the National Biopharma Mission, BioE3 Policy, Biotech-KISAN, DBT initiatives, and BIRAC programmes that promote research, innovation, and commercialisation.

The biotechnology industry in India offers investment opportunities in biologics, biosimilars, cell and gene therapy, vaccines, precision medicine, contract research, biotech manufacturing, and life sciences startups. Strong FDI policies and government support continue to attract investors.

The biotechnology industry is being driven by rising healthcare demand, personalised medicine, genomics, AI-enabled research, increasing clinical trials, startup growth, and expanding collaboration between industry, academia, and government institutions.

Biotech startups are accelerating innovation across the biotechnology industry by developing vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics, agricultural biotechnology, and deep-tech solutions. Supported by BIRAC incubators and Bio-NEST, they are strengthening India's innovation ecosystem.

The biotechnology industry in India is expected to witness robust long-term growth, supported by innovation, government initiatives, rising exports, and private investment. India's bioeconomy is projected to reach US$ 300 billion by 2030, strengthening its global biotechnology leadership.

Biotechnology Industry Report

May, 2026

Related News

17 Jul 26

India’s Bioeconomy Projected to Reach US$ 300 Billion by 2030: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh...

India’s bioeconomy is projected to reach US$ 300 billion by 2030, driven by biotechnology innovation, healthcare advancements, sustainable manufacturing and the BioE3 policy framework.

2 Jul 26

Mankind Pharma joins hands with Denovo Sciences for AI-powered drug discovery...

Mankind Pharma's partnership with Denovo Sciences will combine a human-in-the-loop AI model with continuous scientific validation to shorten early-stage drug discovery timelines and improve the precision of lead candidate selection, strengthening India's pharmaceutical R&D and biotechnology capabilities.

19 Jun 26

India’s Pharmaceutical Sector Records Transformative Growth Over 12 Years, Strengthening Affordable Healthcare and Self-Reliance...

Government initiatives promoting domestic manufacturing, affordable medicines, innovation and healthcare accessibility have strengthened India’s pharmaceutical sector and enhanced its global leadership in generic medicines and vaccines.

18 Jun 26

India among Asia-Pacific's most AI-ready healthcare markets as demand for coordinated care rises: Bain...

India’s growing use of GenAI in healthcare, rising demand for coordinated care and pressure for more convenient services are accelerating the sector’s shift towards AI-enabled, patient-centric delivery models.

12 Jun 26

Biopharmaceuticals are Shaping the Future of Modern Healthcare, India Well-Positioned to Emerge as a Global Leader...

India is advancing its biopharmaceutical ambitions through the Biopharma SHAKTI initiative, which aims to launch 100 biologics by 2047 and strengthen the country's global leadership in biologics, biosimilars, innovation, and advanced healthcare manufacturing.