🗞️ Why in News The India BioEconomy Report (IBER) 2026, released by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), revealed that India’s bioeconomy surged 18% to a record $195.3 billion in 2025, contributing 4.8% to national GDP — the highest share ever recorded.
India’s Bioeconomy: A 20-Fold Rise in a Decade
The Numbers
| Year | Bioeconomy Size | Growth Rate | GDP Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | $10 billion | — | ~0.5% |
| 2020 | $70.2 billion | ~15% | 2.7% |
| 2024 | $165.7 billion | ~16% | 4.2% |
| 2025 | $195.3 billion | 18% | 4.8% |
| 2030 (Target) | $300 billion | — | — |
The bioeconomy added $29.6 billion in a single year — the largest absolute addition ever. Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh described the growth as “a validation of India’s science-led development model.”
Sector-Wise Breakdown
| Sector | Value (2025) | Share | Key Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioIndustrial | $90.2 billion | 46.2% | Biofuels, bioplastics, industrial enzymes, bio-based chemicals |
| BioPharma | $64.5 billion | 33.0% | Vaccines, biosimilars, recombinant drugs, diagnostics |
| BioServices | $26.0 billion | 13.3% | Contract research, clinical trials, bioinformatics |
| BioAgri | $14.6 billion | 7.5% | Biopesticides, biofertilizers, transgenic crops, tissue culture |
Biotech Startup Ecosystem
India’s biotech startup ecosystem continues to strengthen:
- Cumulative biotech startups: 11,855 (2025) — up from 10,075 in 2024
- New startups in 2025: 1,780
- India is the 3rd largest biotech destination in Asia-Pacific (after China and South Korea)
- Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has funded over 5,000 startups since inception
Key Government Enablers
- National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-25: Roadmap for bioeconomy growth
- BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council): Under DBT; provides funding, mentorship, and incubation
- Bio-PRIDE (Promoting Research Innovation Development through Enterprise): Startup support programme
- Genome India Project: Whole genome sequencing of 10,000 Indians for precision medicine
- BioRRAP (Bio-Risk Regulatory Automation Portal): Single-window clearance for biotech products
India as “Pharmacy of the World”
India’s BioPharma sector ($64.5 billion) is underpinned by the country’s role as the “Pharmacy of the World”:
- India supplies 20% of global generic medicines
- 60% of global vaccines are produced in India
- Serum Institute of India: World’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume
- India produces ~50% of global demand for various vaccines including DPT, BCG, and measles
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Bioeconomy data, BIRAC, DBT, Genome India Project, BioRRAP. Mains GS-3: Biotechnology as an economic driver, India’s pharma sector, biotech startups, S&T policy for economic growth. Mains GS-2: Government initiatives for scientific research and innovation.
📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia
India BioEconomy Report (IBER) 2026:
- Released by: Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology
- India’s bioeconomy (2025): $195.3 billion
- Growth: 18% (highest in recent years)
- GDP contribution: 4.8%
- Target: $300 billion by 2030
Sector Breakdown:
- BioIndustrial: $90.2 billion (46.2%)
- BioPharma: $64.5 billion (33.0%)
- BioServices: $26.0 billion (13.3%)
- BioAgri: $14.6 billion (7.5%)
Biotech Startups:
- Total registered: 11,855 (2025)
- New in 2025: 1,780
- India: 3rd largest biotech destination in Asia-Pacific
- BIRAC funded: 5,000+ startups
Key Institutions:
- DBT (Department of Biotechnology): Est. 1986, under Ministry of S&T
- BIRAC: Est. 2012, under DBT; funds biotech startups
- NCBS (National Centre for Biological Sciences): Bangalore
- CDFD (Centre for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics): Hyderabad
Other Relevant Facts:
- India: “Pharmacy of the World” — 20% of global generics, 60% of global vaccines
- Serum Institute of India (Pune): World’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume
- Genome India Project: Sequencing 10,000 Indian genomes
- Bioethanol Blending Programme: E20 target (20% ethanol blending by 2025-26)
- India’s biotech sector FDI: 100% FDI allowed under automatic route
Sources: Business Standard, PIB, IBEF, InsightsIAS