India’s biotech sector, driven by innovation and government support, offers global leadership in vaccines, bio-pharma and sustainable agriculture solutions
6%
Share in Global Fermentation capacities (~1 MnL)
20%
Global biosimilar development pipeline is in India
65%
WHO’s Vaccine Requirements are sourced from India
India’s biotechnology sector is rapidly emerging as a critical driver of economic and technological growth, holding approximately 4% of the global biotech market with notable strengths in vaccines, bio-pharmaceuticals and agricultural biotechnology. The sector, divided into bio-pharma, bio-services, bio-agri, bio-industrial and bio-informatics, is led by bio-pharma, with India supplying around 60% of the global demand for DPT, BCG and measles vaccines.
Strategic government initiatives such as the National Biotechnology Development Strategy (NBDS) 2021-2025 support this growth by fostering a conducive environment for research, investment and innovation. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted India’s biotech capabilities in vaccine development and manufacturing, emphasizing the sector’s crucial role in public health. Biotechnology also addresses significant challenges in healthcare, agriculture and environmental sustainability, with innovations like genetically modified crops, biopesticides and biofertilizers enhancing food security and sustainable farming practices.
A strong network of research institutions, universities and industry players, alongside public-private collaborations, drives the sector’s success by translating scientific discoveries into commercial products. The establishment of biotech parks and incubators further supports startups with necessary infrastructure.
Biotechnology is pivotal to India’s future growth, with strategic government support and a thriving research ecosystem positioning the country to harness the sector’s full potential and offer innovative solutions to global challenges, improving quality of life worldwide.
37% Industrial R&D expenditure is in Biotechnology
9000+ Patents filed in the field of biotech (2022)
India’s proximity to emerging markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East positions it as a hub for cost-effective biotech exports and services.
India is rapidly becoming a global hub for biologics and biosimilars, leveraging expertise in producing affordable and high-quality therapies for regulated markets.
India offers strong opportunities for public-private partnerships, backed by institutions like DBT-BRIC institutes for fostering collaborative R&D for development of cutting-edge biotech solutions.
A vast genetic diversity, cost-efficient clinical trials and adherence to global regulatory standards make India a preferred destination for biotech testing and development.
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