India’s Bioeconomy Moved from $10 Bn to over $195 Bn, Says Union Minister Jitendra Singh

The bioeconomy sector now contributes nearly 4.8 per cent to GDP, supported by more than 11,800 biotech startups, with the industry expanding from around USD 165 Bn to USD 195 Bn within a year.

India’s biotechnology sector has expanded dramatically over the past decade, growing from USD 10 Bn to more than USD 195 Bn, with the Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, attributing the rise to strong policy backing, innovation ecosystems, and the role of BIRAC.

The transformation has been anchored in a decade-long policy focus on science and technology, with the government prioritising biotechnology as a strategic sector. Initiatives since 2014 have aimed to strengthen research translation, support startups, and encourage collaboration between academia and industry.

Speaking at a recent event, Singh highlighted how the organisation has evolved into a structured interface between public research and private enterprise. By moving beyond fragmented collaborations, BIRAC has enabled targeted funding, mentorship, and incubation support, helping convert laboratory research into commercially viable solutions.

“Over the last 10-11 years, we have moved from a $10 billion bioeconomy to over $195 billion. This growth has come despite multiple challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as financial and technical constraints,” he said.

India’s biotech sector has also demonstrated resilience, with Singh emphasising the inherent risks in scientific innovation. “Science has a high element of risk and failure. The real success lies in progressing despite the likelihood of failure,” he noted, underlining the importance of persistence in research-led industries.

Recent data from the India Bioeconomy Report 2026 shows that the sector now contributes nearly 4.8 per cent to GDP, supported by more than 11,800 biotech startups. The industry has also witnessed rapid recent growth, expanding from around USD 165 Bn to USD 195 Bn within a year, indicating strong momentum.

Policy frameworks such as the BioE3 initiative, focused on economy, environment, and employment, are expected to further accelerate growth by promoting areas like precision therapeutics, bio-based chemicals, and climate-resilient agriculture.

Alongside this, the INR 1 lakh Cr Research, Development, and Innovation fund aims to support scale-up and deep-tech investments. Singh also pointed to India’s expanding talent base and innovation capacity, particularly from smaller cities, as a key advantage.

With continued emphasis on public-private partnerships and institutional support through BIRAC, the country is positioning itself to reach a USD 300 Bn bioeconomy by 2030.

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