India’s biotechnology sector has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, expanding from USD 35.5 billion in 2014 to USD 165.7 billion in 2024. With ambitions set on reaching USD 300 billion by 2030, the sector is transitioning from research-centric to industrial and healthcare-driven impact. At a press conference marking 11 years of progress by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Secretary Rajesh S. Gokhale outlined milestones including cutting-edge vaccine innovations, gene therapy trials, personalized medicine through genome sequencing, and significant infrastructure development. Buoyed by over 10,000 startups and bold policy shifts, India’s bioeconomy is rapidly becoming a pillar of national progress.
India’s Bioeconomy: From Niche Science to National Strategy
India’s biotechnology ecosystem has transformed into a vital engine of economic, scientific, and public health advancement. Speaking at a press briefing, Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), declared that India’s bioeconomy has expanded nearly fivefold over the last decade — from USD 35.5 billion in 2014 to USD 165.7 billion in 2024. With a new target of USD 300 billion by 2030, the sector is set to play an increasingly central role in India’s innovation-driven growth narrative.
Gokhale emphasized that biotechnology is no longer a fringe scientific endeavor but a national priority that intersects with economic development, healthcare delivery, food security, and environmental sustainability.
Scientific Innovation With Societal Impact
Among the DBT's flagship initiatives is GenomeIndia, a nationwide effort that has successfully sequenced the genomes of 10,000 individuals from 99 population groups. This genetic database, unveiled earlier this year, is expected to pave the way for personalized medicine, population-specific diagnostics, and a deeper understanding of genetic diseases within the Indian demographic.
India also launched its first in-human gene therapy trial using lentiviral vectors to treat Severe Hemophilia A, marking a new chapter in clinical gene therapy research and application.
COVID-19 Response Showcased Innovation Ecosystem
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a litmus test for the agility and responsiveness of India’s biotech ecosystem. Under the DBT-led “Mission COVID Suraksha,” five indigenously developed vaccines secured emergency use authorization. Notably, GEMCOVAC-19, the world’s first thermostable mRNA vaccine, stood out as a symbol of Indian scientific innovation tailored for low-resource settings.
Other vaccines developed under this mission include an intranasal COVID-19 vaccine and CERVAVAC, India’s first indigenous quadrivalent HPV vaccine, which has now been integrated into the National Immunization Programme — a step toward preventing cervical cancer nationwide.
Breakthroughs in Agriculture, Aging, and Infectious Disease
Beyond health, Indian researchers contributed to a global milestone by decoding the genome of bread wheat with 94% coverage — a major leap in global food security research. In another development, DBT-supported scientists discovered how Mycobacterium tuberculosis can infect liver cells, offering new insights into the challenges of TB treatment efficacy.
In aging research, a study exploring the role of taurine — an amino acid — suggested a potential link between its depletion and the aging process, opening possibilities for novel anti-aging therapies.
Biotech Startup Boom and Infrastructure Build-Out
India’s biotech startup scene has exploded, growing from a few hundred ventures to over 10,000 startups in just a decade. These companies have launched over 800 biotech products, addressing sectors from healthcare and agriculture to industrial bio-manufacturing.
To nurture this entrepreneurial wave, the DBT’s Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has helped establish 95 bio-incubators across 21 states, ensuring regional access to research and commercialization infrastructure.
Major infrastructure milestones include India’s first dedicated biomanufacturing institute in Mohali, newly established Central Drug Laboratories for vaccine testing, and speed breeding centers for developing climate-resilient crops.
Policy and Partnerships for a Bio-Driven Future
In 2024, the Indian Cabinet approved the BioE3 policy, aimed at fostering high-efficiency biomanufacturing aligned with India’s Net Zero carbon targets. This forward-looking framework is expected to drive sustainable industrial practices and reinforce India’s leadership in clean biotechnology.
India has also broadened its international collaborations, including partnerships with ISRO on space biotechnology applications, and global alliances with CEPI, the Gates Foundation, and the Wellcome Trust, enhancing both funding access and global visibility.
Conclusion: Biotechnology as a Cornerstone of New India
India’s bioeconomy journey over the past 11 years stands as a testament to how scientific ambition, strategic policy, and public-private collaboration can reshape a nation’s development path. As the sector prepares to cross the USD 300 billion threshold by 2030, biotechnology is no longer a support pillar—it is fast becoming a cornerstone of India’s 21st-century growth model.
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