Central government launches BioSaarthi to support Biotech Startups

The government of  India has launched the BioSaarthi initiative to support Indian Biotech startups to expand their domestic and global reach and business. The BioSaarthi initiative was unveiled by the Union Minister for State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh in a function organised in New Delhi on 21 March 2025. 

The function was organised to celebrate the 13th Foundation Day of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).

The Minister also released the "India Bioeconomy Report 2025" on the occasion.

About BioSaarthi initiative

The  BioSaarthi is a six-month cohort that will facilitate structured mentor-mentee engagements.

Mentor refers to an experienced person who guides the startup entrepreneur also known as a mentee in tackling the challenges experienced by the startups.

The initiative will focus on engaging overseas experts, especially from the Indian diaspora successful in the biotech sector. It aims to strengthen India’s biotech ecosystem by fostering innovation, enhancing industry-academia collaboration, and positioning Indian startups for global success.

Who has prepared the India Bioeconomy Report 2025?

The "India Bioeconomy Report 2025” has been prepared by the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises - ABLE.

ABLE was founded in April 2003 as a nonprofit organisation.

It represents the Indian Biotechnology Sector.

The primary focus of ABLE is to accelerate the pace of growth of the Biotechnology sector in India, partnering with the central and state governments.

It is based in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Highlights of the India Bioeconomy Report 2025

Dr Jitendra Singh also released the "India Bioeconomy Report 2025” which showcased the progress of the Bioeconomy in the country.

Some of the important highlights of the report are as follows:

• The Indian Bioeconomy has increased from $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024.
• The central government has set a target to achieve a $150 billion Bioeconomy by 2025.
• The contribution of the Bioeconomy to the country’s GDP was 4.25%.
• The Bioeconomy sector has shown a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.9% over the last four years.

Main Points of Dr Jitendra Singh's Speech

• Assam has become the first state in India to adopt the  BIO-E3 Policy—Biotechnology for Economy, Employment, and Environment -  framework.
• The BIO-E3 Policy of the government of India aims to boost research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the biotech sector.
• Biotech startups in the country have grown from 50 in 2014 to 10,075 in 2024.
• He highlighted the fact that has become self-sufficient in genomic data after the successful conclusion of the first phase of the GenomeIndia Project.

About Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)

The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) was set up in 2012 as a not-for-profit company under section 8 of the Companies Act 2013. 

It is under the administrative control of the Department of Biotechnology, Union Ministry of Science and Technology.

BIRAC is an interface agency of the government of India with industry and academia to empower the emerging Biotech enterprise to undertake strategic research and innovation, addressing nationally relevant product development needs.

Chairman of BIRAC: Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale who is also the Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology.

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