India, April 2 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
India's bioeconomy crossed the $150 billion milestone in 2023, achieving its projected target two years ahead of schedule. By the end of 2024, the sector reached $165.7 billion (https://www.birac.nic.in/webcontent/indian_bioeconomy_report_2025.pdf). Aligned with the National Biotech Development Strategy 2021, which prioritizes innovation and manufacturing excellence, the Department of Biotechnology along with its Public Sector Enterprise, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has implemented strategic measures to bolster the national biotech ecosystem and accelerate industry growth. Through targeted funding, policy interventions, and institutional capacity building, these initiatives have catalyzed bio-innovation, entrepreneurship, and domestic biomanufacturing. Key initiative includes:
This policy positions Bharat to realize the full potential of bio-economic growth through inclusive and sustainable resource management.
With a vision to elevate India's biopharmaceutical industry, the Government of India has announced the Biopharma SHAKTI scheme with a total outlay of Rs.10,000 crore over a five-year period. Implemented by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, the initiative intended to benefit the Indian pharma industry.
Besides this, the DBT and BIRAC has implemented various R&D and innovation-led programs across healthcare, agriculture, and allied sectors. These initiatives are pivotal in enhancing the global competitiveness of India's biopharmaceutical industry and expanding its export potential. Steps initiated in this regard include:
BIRAC has strategically adopted a comprehensive approach to advance the Indian biopharmaceutical sector from basic research to commercial manufacturing by identifying systemic gaps and implementing targeted interventions. This is achieved through various mechanisms such as national stakeholder consultations, brainstorming sessions, performance and portfolio analysis and infrastructure mapping etc.
Besides this, NITI Aayog has conducted a comprehensive study on the Ease of Doing Research, identifying key bottlenecks within the R&D ecosystem and proposing strategic measures to eliminate obstacles. The report focuses on seven critical areas: (a) R&D Funding and Utilization; (b) Attraction and Retention of Quality Human Resources; (c) Institutional Structures and Processes; (d) Technology Development, Translation, and Commercialization; (e) Access to Knowledge and Resources; (f) R&D in State Institutions; and (g) Monitoring, Evaluation, Capacity Building, and Policy Administration.
Further, in order to strengthen the domestic biopharmaceutical sector BIRAC supports Technology Clusters, like the NCR Biocluster, fostering collaboration among universities, hospitals, and industries. Through the Bioincubators Nurturing Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies (BioNEST) and Empowering Youth for Undertaking Value Added Innovative Translational Research (E-YUVA) schemes, BIRAC has established 94 centers, mainly focused on healthcare, across India. These initiatives provide infrastructure, regulatory guidance, and promote translational research, with a focus on regional inclusivity. BIRAC also strengthens industry-academia links by supporting Translational Research Consortiums and Clinical Trial Networks, and offers funding via the Biotech Ignition Grant (BIG) and equity funds, aiding startups in product development.
Besides this, The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed a framework to enhance the transition from lab research to market-ready applications. This involves incubating startups, offering scientific support, and organizing networking events like startup conclaves and industry meets. CSIR frequently holds training and skill development programs, collaborates with academic and industrial partners through MoUs, and facilitates industrial and educational visits. The CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative and DSIR-PRISM scheme support innovation and skill enhancement, with programs aimed at promoting science among students and teachers through hands-on research experiences and specialized workshops.
This information was submitted by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh in Rajya Sabha on 2nd April 2026.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
