New Delhi: India’s bio-economy has witnessed a staggering 16-fold growth over the past decade, surging from $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024, according to Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh.
The announcement was made at the BIRAC Foundation Day ceremony where the “India Bioeconomy Report 2025” (IBER 2025) was released. The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Dr Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology and Chairman, BIRAC; Ekta Vishnoi, Joint Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Dr Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director, BIRAC; and FCA Nidhi Srivastava, Director-Finance, BIRAC.
Dr. Singh highlighted that this exponential growth underscores the government’s commitment to positioning biotechnology as a cornerstone of India’s economic future. “In just 10 years, India’s bio-economy has expanded beyond expectations, exceeding the initial target of $150 billion by 2025,” he stated, citing IBER 2025.
The report reveals that the sector now contributes 4.25 per cent to India’s GDP, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.9 per cent over the past four years, solidifying India’s status as a global biotech leader.
Mentorship Initiative and Policy Framework
At the event, Dr Singh also launched BioSaarthi, a global mentorship initiative aimed at nurturing biotech startups. The program, designed as a six-month cohort, will offer structured mentor-mentee engagements and personalized guidance for emerging entrepreneurs.
He emphasized that this initiative would bolster India’s biotech ecosystem, enhance collaboration between industry and academia, and engage experts from the Indian diaspora as international mentors.
Further reinforcing the government’s commitment to the sector, the Minister detailed the recently approved BIO-E3 Policy—Biotechnology for Economy, Employment, and Environment.
This policy aims to accelerate research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in biotechnology. Key initiatives include the establishment of Bio-AI Hubs, Bio Foundries, and bio-enabler hubs to integrate advanced technologies into biomanufacturing.
Notably, Assam has become the first state to adopt the BioE3 framework, setting a precedent for nationwide implementation.
India’s Booming Biotech Startup Ecosystem
The biotech startup landscape in India has seen an unprecedented tenfold expansion, growing from just 50 startups a decade ago to over 10,075 today. Dr Singh attributed this success to strategic public-private partnerships and supportive policies fostering innovation and investment in the sector.
Among the notable advancements, the Minister highlighted India’s first Indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, which is effective against respiratory diseases, and the country’s successful gene therapy trial for haemophilia.
Another major milestone is the completion of India’s whole genome sequencing project, covering 10,074 individuals across 99 communities, which is expected to revolutionize precision medicine and healthcare.
Biotechnology’s Role in Space and Research Investment
Dr. Singh also pointed to a groundbreaking collaboration between the Department of Biotechnology and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), paving the way for research in space biology and space medicine.
As India progresses towards establishing its first space station, biotechnology will play a critical role in astronaut health and developing advanced medical solutions.
India’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) has more than doubled in the past decade, rising from Rs 60,196 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1,27,381 crore in 2024. This significant increase in research funding reflects the government’s determination to strengthen scientific innovation.
Dr Singh concluded by asserting that India is on the cusp of a bio-revolution that could be as transformative as the IT revolution was for the West.
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