India’s Bioeconomy Grows 18% to $195 Billion in 2025: BIRAC Report

India’s biotechnology-led economy is experiencing significant momentum, with the country’s bioeconomy reaching a valuation of $195 billion in 2025, up from $166 billion in 2024.

According to the latest report published by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), this growth highlights the increasing contribution of diverse biotechnology sectors and reflects India’s growing strength in the global innovation ecosystem.

India’s Bioeconomy Shows Strong Growth

India Bioeconomy Report 2026

Key Valuation Highlights

The report highlights that India’s bioeconomy grew by $29.6 billion in 2025, achieving a strong 18% increase—the fastest pace recorded in recent years.
As stated in the report:
”These four emerging trends and new product areas, along with the other traditional biotechnology segments, have led to India’s BioEconomy adding $29.6 billion in 2025. This 18% growth is the highest witnessed in the last few years,”

Broadening Scope of the Bioeconomy

Beyond Conventional Biotechnology

The definition of the bioeconomy has evolved beyond traditional biopharma and industrial biotechnology. Today, it encompasses a wide array of sectors, including:

• Biofuels and clean energy solutions
• Enzyme-driven industrial applications
• Digital biology and data-driven platforms
• Contract research and manufacturing services
• Agricultural biological innovations

Integrated Industrial Growth

This diversification highlights how biotechnology is becoming deeply embedded across industries, making a substantial contribution to India’s overall economic output.

Key Factors Driving Growth

Policy Support and Industry Momentum

The report identifies four primary drivers behind this expansion:

• Ethanol Blending Programme
  The implementation of 20% ethanol blending in petrol has reduced reliance on fuel imports while boosting the domestic biofuel industry.
• Increasing Demand for GLP-1 Drugs
  The rising use of GLP-1-based medications, commonly prescribed for diabetes and weight management, has strengthened the biopharmaceutical segment.
• Expansion of Global Capability Centers (GCCs)
  The expansion of new Global Capability Centers (GCCs) has created job opportunities for over 300,000 professionals in India, strengthening the country’s research and innovation ecosystem.Adoption of Biosolutions
  The growing application of enzymes and microbial solutions across industries such as manufacturing and agriculture has further accelerated growth.

BIRAC’s Role in Strengthening the Ecosystem

Driving Innovation Across Domains

The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council has played a pivotal role in fostering innovation across a wide range of sectors, including:

• Biopharmaceuticals
• Medical technology
• Agricultural biotechnology
• Health technology
• Industrial biotechnology
• Clean technology

Its support spans grants, equity investments, mentorship programmes, and strategic partnerships.

Transforming India’s Biotechnology Landscape

Leadership Insights

Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, highlighted BIRAC’s contribution, stating:
”In just 14 years, BIRAC has helped transform Indian biotechnology from a small, fragmented sector into a vibrant innovation-driven ecosystem,”

Investment and Employment Impact

He also pointed out that BIRAC has facilitated investments worth ₹7,000 crore, enabling:

• Support for lakhs of startups and entrepreneurs
• Development of more than 900 products
• Creation of over 35,000 high-skilled jobs

Future Growth Outlook

Ambitious Expansion Targets

Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of BIRAC, outlined a bold vision for the sector, stating:
”Our ambition is bold: to grow India’s bioeconomy to $300 billion by 2030 and $1 trillion by 2047. With strong foundations in vaccines, biopharma, agribiotech, bioindustrial manufacturing, and clean energy, India is steadily emerging as a top global biotech innovation hub.”

India’s Emerging Global Leadership

With strong capabilities in vaccine manufacturing, pharmaceutical development, and agricultural biotechnology, India is gradually emerging as a key global centre for innovation in the biotechnology sector.

Conclusion

India’s bioeconomy touching $195 billion in 2025 underscores the country’s rapid shift toward a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economic model. This expansion is not limited to conventional biotechnology segments but is also being powered by emerging areas such as biofuels, digital biology, and sustainable industrial technologies. Government-led initiatives, including ethanol blending programmes and startup-focused support, have played a significant role in sustaining this growth momentum.

Simultaneously, rising global demand for biotech solutions, increased investments, and the steady expansion of Global Capability Centers have strengthened India’s position within the global value chain. The sector is also contributing meaningfully to employment generation and technological progress across industries.

Looking ahead, India’s targets of achieving a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030 and $1 trillion by 2047 highlight a strong and forward-looking vision. With ongoing innovation, supportive policies, and deeper industry collaboration, the bioeconomy is expected to emerge as a key driver of India’s long-term sustainable economic and technological development.