Biotechnology industry in India

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.