India’s bioeconomy has experienced a significant transformation over the past decade, growing 16-fold from $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024. This remarkable achievement, as highlighted in the India Bioeconomy Report 2025, reflects the government’s strategic emphasis on biotechnology as a key driver of economic growth. Contributing 4.25 percent to the GDP, the bioeconomy has showcased a compound annual growth rate of 17.9 percent over the last four years, positioning India as a global leader in the biotechnology sector.
During the BIRAC Foundation Day celebration, the Minister announced the launch of BioSaarthi, a mentorship initiative designed to support biotech startups through personalized guidance and international expert collaborations. This six-month program aims to strengthen India’s biotech ecosystem by fostering innovation, enhancing industry-academia partnerships, and preparing startups for global success. Public-private partnerships and policy-driven initiatives have played a crucial role in enabling this growth, with the number of biotech startups rising from 50 in 2014 to over 10,075 today.
The recently approved BIO-E3 Policy-Biotechnology for Economy, Employment, and Environment is set to further accelerate research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the sector. Under the policy, initiatives like Bio-AI Hubs, Bio foundries, and bio-enabler hubs will integrate advanced technologies into biomanufacturing. Assam has emerged as the first state to adopt the BIO-E3 framework, marking a milestone in its nationwide implementation.
India has also achieved groundbreaking developments in biotechnology, including the indigenous production of Nafithromycin, a respiratory disease treatment, and successful gene therapy trials for hemophilia. The whole genome sequencing project involving 10,074 individuals across 99 communities is anticipated to revolutionize precision medicine and healthcare. Collaboration between the Department of Biotechnology and ISRO has opened new avenues for space biology and medicine, ensuring astronaut health and futuristic medical solutions as India prepares for its first space station.
The Gross Expenditure on Research and Development has more than doubled in the last decade, rising from ₹60,196 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1,27,381 crore in 2024. This growth underscores the government’s resolve to strengthen scientific research and innovation, paving the way for India’s bio-revolution to become as transformative as the IT revolution was globally. The bioeconomy continues to play a pivotal role in India’s economic development and global standing, with sustained efforts ensuring its leadership in the biotechnology revolution.
