India’s Bio-Economy Surges 16-Fold in a Decade, Reaches $165.7 Billion: Dr. Jitendra Singh

New Delhi: India’s bio-economy has experienced a phenomenal 16-fold rise over the past decade, soaring from $10 billion in 2014 to an impressive $165.7 billion in 2024. This milestone was announced by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh while unveiling the “India Bioeconomy Report 2025” (IBER 2025) at the BIRAC Foundation Day ceremony held at the National Media Centre.

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that this exponential growth underscores the government’s dedication to positioning biotechnology as a cornerstone of India’s future economic expansion. He noted that the sector has already surpassed its original 2025 target of $150 billion and now contributes 4.25% to the national GDP. Over the past four years, the bioeconomy sector has maintained a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 17.9%, solidifying India’s status as a global biotech powerhouse.

In a significant move to foster innovation, the Minister also launched BioSaarthi, a pioneering global mentorship initiative tailored for biotech startups. Designed as a six-month cohort program, BioSaarthi will provide structured mentor-mentee engagement, offering personalized guidance to emerging entrepreneurs in the sector.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that BioSaarthi will strengthen India’s biotech ecosystem by enhancing industry-academia collaboration and preparing Indian startups for global success. He further announced that the initiative will involve overseas experts, particularly from the Indian diaspora, who will serve as international mentors.

The Minister attributed this transformation to proactive government policies, particularly the recently approved BIO-E3 Policy—Biotechnology for Economy, Employment, and Environment. The policy aims to accelerate research, innovation, and entrepreneurship by establishing Bio-AI Hubs, Bio Foundries, and Bio-Enabler Hubs to integrate advanced technologies with biomanufacturing.

A major milestone in the implementation of this framework is Assam’s adoption of the BioE3 Policy, making it the first state to do so. This move is expected to set the stage for pan-India implementation.

India’s biotech startup ecosystem has seen extraordinary growth, expanding from just 50 startups a decade ago to over 10,075 in 2024. Dr. Jitendra Singh attributed this tenfold increase to strategic public-private partnerships and policy-driven initiatives that have cultivated an enabling environment for entrepreneurship.

The Minister also highlighted groundbreaking achievements in India’s biotech sector, including:

• Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenous antibiotic, developed to treat respiratory diseases.
• Successful gene therapy trials for hemophilia, marking a significant leap in genetic medicine.
• India’s whole genome sequencing project, covering 10,074 individuals across 99 communities, paving the way for advancements in precision medicine and healthcare.

Dr. Jitendra Singh announced a landmark partnership between the Department of Biotechnology and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to drive research in space biology and space medicine. This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in astronaut health management and the development of futuristic medical solutions as India progresses toward establishing its first space station.

India’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) has more than doubled over the past decade, increasing from ₹60,196 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1,27,381 crore in 2024. This substantial increase underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering scientific research and technological innovation.

“We are witnessing the dawn of a bio-revolution that will be as transformative for India as the IT revolution was for the West. With sustained efforts, India is not just participating in the global biotechnology revolution—we are leading it,” Dr. Jitendra Singh affirmed.

The event saw the participation of prominent dignitaries, including Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology and Chairman, BIRAC; Ms. Ekta Vishnoi, Joint Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Sh. Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau; Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director, BIRAC; and FCA Nidhi Srivastava, Director-Finance, BIRAC.

As BIRAC marks its 13th anniversary, the Minister called upon industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to seize the opportunities ahead and ensure that biotechnology remains a key driver of India’s economic growth and global standing in the years to come.