India's Bio-Economy: A 16-Fold Growth in a Decade

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Releases "India Bioeconomy Report 2025" and BioSaarthi Mentorship Initiative for Biotech Startups. The Indian bio-economy witnessed remarkable growth during the past decade because it expanded from its original $10 billion value in 2014 to reach an impressive $165.7 billion in 2024. The Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh made this announcement when he released the "India Bioeconomy Report 2025" (IBER 2025) at the BIRAC Foundation Day celebration which happened at the National Media Centre.

Key Highlights from IBER 2025

• The bio-economy in India has exceeded its original projected value of $150 billion which was established for 2025.

• The biotechnology sector presently adds 4.25% to the national GDP measurements.

• A 17.9% annual rate of growth during the last four years has elevated India to a status of leading biotech power in the world.

Launch of BioSaarthi: A Global Mentorship Initiative for Startups

• Dr. Jitendra Singh introduced BioSaarthi as a ground-breaking program which mentors biotech startups through structured activities. 

• The six-month cohort BioSaarthi serves as a mentor-mentee engagement program which provides specific guidance to new biotech entrepreneurs through its organized framework.

• This initiative will:

  • Foster innovation in India's biotech ecosystem.

  • Enhance industry-academia collaboration.

  • Indian startup organizations will gain better prospects to succeed internationally.

• The program should enlist foreign experts together with professionals from the Indian diaspora to function as international mentors.

Policy Support and Expansion

• Government launched the BIO-E3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy and Employment and Environment) to accelerate research and entrepreneurship in biotechnology.

• This policy features major initiatives that include:

  • Bio-AI Hubs and Biofoundries with Bio-enabler hubs must be created to unite advanced technologies with biomanufacturing operations.

  • Assam leads the country by becoming the initial state to use the BioE3 framework and thus launches nationwide deployment.

What is Bioeconomy?

• A bioeconomy refers to an economic framework which uses sustainable biological resources to generate products ranging from materials to chemicals to food together with energy.

• The UN FAO defines the bioeconomy as "knowledge-based production and the sustainable use of biological resources and their methods and processes for creating goods and services in all economic sectors."

Key Components:

• Renewable biological resources (plants, animals, microorganisms, organic waste).

• Biotechnology and life sciences innovation.

• Sustainable production and circular economy principles.

Importance:

• Reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

• Promotes environmental sustainability.

• Supports economic growth through green and biotech industries.

Biotech Startups: A Tenfold Increase

• During the last decade the biotech startup environment in India expanded dramatically from an initial 50 businesses to reach over 10.075 current companies. The impressive growth had its origins in the following factors: 

  • Strong public-private partnerships.

  • The approach stems from policy initiatives which motivate innovation.

  • Increased investment in research and infrastructure.

Groundbreaking Biotech Achievements

• India has achieved several important biotechnology milestones during the recent years.

• Scientists developed Nafithromycin which became the first anti-respiratory medicine made in India.

• A successful gene therapy trial for hemophilia.

• The Whole Genome Sequencing Project examines the DNA profiles of 10,074 individuals residing in 99 Indian communities while preparing to transform healthcare delivery in the country.

• ISRO joins forces with the Department of Biotechnology to create new opportunities for studying space biology and Space Medicine.

• biotechnology is a future essential component of Indian space missions where medical solutions and astronaut health maintenance will be essential.

Increasing Investment in Research and Development

• The Gross Expenditure on Research and Development of India (GERD) has experienced doubling growth from ₹60,196 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1,27,381 crore in 2024. 

• The substantial growth in funding indicates how seriously the government views scientific research along with innovation.

Conclusion

In his anniversary message to BIRAC Dr. Singh highlighted the need for industry leaders and research experts and policymakers to use biotechnology momentum for developing a bio-powered Indian economy. India shows promising signs to become an international leader in biotechnology during the next several years.