Business

India’s Bioeconomy Hits $165 Billion in 2025, Driven by Startups and Strategic Policy Push

Looking ahead to 2026, BIRAC projects further momentum in the sector, with annual growth expected to remain strong at 13–17 percent. Growth will be led by segments such as biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, med-tech, agri-biotech, synthetic biology, and biomanufacturing.

• By Newsdesk
• New Delhi
• Dec 25, 2025

Business

India’s biotechnology sector has achieved a major milestone in 2025, with the nation’s bioeconomy estimated to be worth about $165 billion, propelled by a surge in entrepreneurial activity and targeted government support, according to the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). 

The rapid growth reflects how the industry has matured from early research endeavours to commercially viable innovation, with more than 10,000 biotech startups now operating across key domains such as healthcare, agriculture, sustainable energy, and industrial biotechnology. 

Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of BIRAC, described 2025 as a defining year for the sector. He highlighted the organisation’s focus on helping innovators bridge the gap from laboratory research to real-world solutions, stressing that strengthening infrastructure and funding support has been central to accelerating commercialization. 

A cornerstone of this progress was the rollout of the BioE3 Policy, designed to build a future-ready bioeconomy by integrating innovation across strategic themes, including establishing biomanufacturing hubs and biofoundries. This policy, officials say, is helping connect research breakthroughs with large-scale manufacturing capabilities, positioning India to compete globally in advanced biotech production. 

Looking ahead to 2026, BIRAC projects further momentum in the sector, with annual growth expected to remain strong at 13–17 percent. Growth will be led by segments such as biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, med-tech, agri-biotech, synthetic biology, and biomanufacturing. 

Dr. Kumar noted that continued public funding, increased venture capital participation, and streamlined regulatory processes will be critical to sustaining this trajectory — with the ambitious goal of transforming India’s bioeconomy into a $300-billion powerhouse by 2030 and reinforcing the country’s role as a trusted global partner in biotechnology-led growth.