Biotechnology harnesses biological systems or living organisms to develop new technologies and products. The Indian biotechnology sector has transitioned from a developing industry into an expanding hub for innovation. This growth is supported by a skilled scientific workforce and immense biodiversity, providing unique advantages in research and development. The country’s bioeconomy has shown major expansion, growing from $10 billion in 2014 to over $150 billion, with projections aiming for $300 billion by 2030.
Major Biotechnology Sectors in India
The Indian biotechnology landscape is composed of several distinct yet interconnected segments.
- Biopharmaceuticals is the largest sector, commanding a significant share of the market. It is a major supplier of the world’s vaccines for immunizations like DPT, BCG, and measles. Indian companies also lead in developing and manufacturing biosimilars, which are near-identical copies of original biologic drugs.
- Agricultural biotechnology (agri-tech) focuses on developing genetically modified (GM) crops to enhance food security and create more sustainable farming practices. These efforts aim to produce crops with improved yields, heightened resistance to pests, and better tolerance to environmental stressors.
- Industrial biotechnology applies biological processes to produce materials for various industries, including enzymes for textiles and detergents, as well as biofuels. This segment contributes to a circular bioeconomy by using renewable biological resources for industrial applications.
- Bioinformatics and bio-services provide contract research, clinical trials, and data analysis services to global pharmaceutical and biotech companies. This segment leverages the country’s skilled workforce and IT infrastructure to support the broader ecosystem.
Government Role and Policy Framework
The trajectory of India’s biotechnology sector has been shaped by governmental support and strategic policy-making. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), established in 1986 under the Ministry of Science and Technology, is the primary body for promoting and developing biotechnology in the country. It has created a supportive environment for research and innovation.
A key part of the DBT’s vision is the National Biotechnology Development Strategy. First launched in 2007, the strategy outlines a roadmap that focuses on strengthening research and development, fostering innovation, and building human capital. It aims to position India as a global biomanufacturing hub.
To translate policy into practice, the government has promoted the establishment of specialized infrastructure. This includes nine biotechnology parks and over 60 bio-incubators. These parks provide small and medium-sized enterprises with facilities for pilot studies and technology demonstration, bridging the gap between research and commercial application. This framework supports startups and encourages public-private partnerships.
Key Research and Industry Hubs
India’s biotechnology industry is concentrated in several geographical clusters. Bengaluru is a primary hub, home to companies like Biocon, India’s largest biopharmaceutical company and a leader in biosimilars and novel biologics. Bengaluru’s ecosystem is strengthened by numerous research institutions and a focus on biopharmaceuticals and contract research.
Hyderabad has emerged as a powerhouse, earning the titles “Pharma City of India” and “Vaccine Hub of India.” The city hosts Genome Valley, a biotech cluster with over 200 life sciences companies, including Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Bharat Biotech, and Novartis. This hub is supported by research institutions and policies that have fostered innovation in vaccine manufacturing and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Pune is another significant node in India’s biotech network, with a focus on vaccine production and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. It is the headquarters of the Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. The city’s research landscape is enriched by institutions like the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) and the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs). Mumbai and Ahmedabad also contribute to the national biotech landscape.
Notable Innovations and Global Impact
A prominent achievement is in vaccine manufacturing, where Indian companies supply a majority of the world’s vaccines for diseases like polio and measles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech were central to the global response, developing and mass-producing vaccines such as Covishield and Covaxin.
In the pharmaceutical space, Indian firms have made life-saving medicines more accessible. Biocon was the first Indian company to receive U.S. FDA approval for a biosimilar, an approval that helps reduce healthcare costs globally. Companies like Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Cipla have a long history of producing affordable generic drugs and have expanded into developing complex biologics.
Agricultural biotechnology has seen impactful developments, such as the widespread adoption of Bt cotton. This genetically modified crop contains a gene providing resistance to a destructive pest, leading to increased cotton yields and reduced pesticide use. The development of bio-fortified crops like Golden Rice, which is enriched with Vitamin A, demonstrates the potential to address malnutrition.