India’s biotech surge builds momentum but faces scale bottlenecks

Frontline
Frontline
3M ago
India's biotech sector has rapidly grown from 500 startups in 2018 to over 10,000 in 2025, highlighting its potential. However, scaling challenges and regulatory complexities threaten to hinder this momentum.
India’s biotech surge builds momentum but faces scale bottlenecks
A What happened
India's biotechnology landscape has transformed dramatically, with the number of startups increasing from approximately 500 in 2018 to over 10,000 by 2025. This growth is supported by government initiatives like the BioE3 Policy and a vision for a $300-billion bioeconomy by 2030. Established companies have demonstrated India's capabilities in affordable vaccines and generics, while startups leverage AI for advancements in drug discovery and diagnostics. However, the sector faces critical challenges, including a lack of funding for scaling operations and fragmented infrastructure that complicates development processes. Regulatory complexities further delay progress, deterring international collaboration. To sustain growth, India must consolidate resources, bridge financing gaps, and streamline regulatory frameworks, ensuring that its biotech sector can compete globally and deliver impactful healthcare solutions.

Key insights

  • 1

    Funding Shortages: Many biotech startups struggle to secure necessary funding for scaling operations.

  • 2

    Regulatory Complexities: Existing regulations often hinder the rapid advancement of biotech innovations.

  • 3

    Fragmented Infrastructure: The lack of integrated facilities complicates the development cycle for startups.

Takeaways

To unlock its full potential, India must address funding, regulatory, and infrastructure challenges in its biotech sector. A collaborative approach among government, industry, and academia is essential for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

Topics

Science & Research Biology Health & Medicine Medicine

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