The biotechnology sector in the Indian subcontinent is experiencing an unprecedented boom. Once a modest player on the global stage, contributing just 3% to the worldwide biotech market in 2017, the region is poised to account for a staggering 19% by 2025. India now proudly ranks among the top 12 biotech destinations globally—a testament to its rapid innovation, government support, and growing international collaborations.
This growth is being fueled by a diverse group of biotechnology companies that are developing groundbreaking solutions across healthcare, agriculture, energy, and genomics.
Also read: India’s Biotech Boom: 10 Startups That Are Making Life Healthier, Greener and Smarter
1. Biocon
Executive Chairperson: Kiran Mazumdar Shaw
Headquarters: Karnataka, India
Biocon stands tall as one of India’s most prominent biotech giants. Known for its extensive work in biosimilars and novel pharmaceuticals, the company focuses on diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes. Its subsidiary, Syngene, offers Contract Research and Manufacturing Services (CRAMS), supporting global pharma and biotech companies. Biocon's recent innovations include next-gen insulin therapies and strategic global partnerships, such as with Viatris, aimed at expanding access to affordable biologics.
2. Bharat Biotech
Chairman & Managing Director: Dr. Krishna Ella
Headquarters: Hyderabad, India
A global name in vaccine innovation, Bharat Biotech is credited with launching COVAXIN, India’s indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine. It also produced Typbar TCV®, a breakthrough typhoid vaccine, and REGEN-D, a treatment for diabetic foot ulcers. Recently, the company introduced an intranasal COVID-19 vaccine, reinforcing its reputation for pioneering work in immunology and infectious diseases.
3. Sea6 Energy
Founders: Sri Sailaja Nori, Nelson Vadassery
Headquarters: Karnataka, India
Sea6 Energy is revolutionizing bioenergy by leveraging marine biomass—specifically seaweed. The company converts seaweed into ethanol, biofuels, plant growth stimulants, and animal feed. This innovative approach positions Sea6 as a standout among enzyme and bioresource companies, offering sustainable alternatives for energy and agriculture.
4. MedGenome
Founders: Sam Santhosh, Mahesh Pratapneni
Headquarters: Bangalore, India
MedGenome operates at the cutting edge of genomics diagnostics and research. It decodes genetic markers for a range of conditions including cancer, metabolic disorders, and rare diseases. Collaborating with global institutions, MedGenome plays a pivotal role in advancing precision medicine and enabling early, accurate disease detection.
5. Jubilant Pharmova
Chairman: Shyam S. Bhartia
Headquarters: Uttar Pradesh, India
Jubilant Pharmova spans three core biotech markets: novel drug discovery, contract research, and pharmaceuticals. The company’s therapeutic focus lies in oncology and autoimmune disorders. Its manufacturing of radiopharmaceuticals, along with robust R&D centers in Noida and Bengaluru, reinforce its status as a significant global biopharma player.
6. Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd.
Chairman: Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla
Headquarters: Pune, India
The world’s largest vaccine producer by volume, Serum Institute has been instrumental in combating infectious diseases globally. From COVISHIELD (its COVID-19 vaccine) to vaccines against polio, tetanus, and hepatitis B, its affordable immunization solutions have reached over 170 countries. The institute combines genetic and cell-based technologies to meet global vaccine demand efficiently and economically.
7. Intas Pharmaceuticals
Chairman: Hasmukh Chudgar
Headquarters: Ahmedabad, India
Intas is a leader in biosimilars, chronic care, and oncology treatments. With a presence in over 85 countries, the company is heavily invested in biologics research, especially in autoimmune and metabolic diseases. Its continued push for accessible medication makes it a vital player in shaping the future of global healthcare.
8. Zydus Lifesciences
Managing Director: Dr. Sharvil Patel
Headquarters: Gujarat, India
Zydus gained international attention by developing ZyCoV-D, the world’s first DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine. Its product pipeline includes biosimilars and novel treatments for cancer and metabolic disorders. Through innovation and research-driven strategies, Zydus is pushing the boundaries of modern medicine.
9. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
Chairman: Dr. K. Anji Reddy
Headquarters: Hyderabad, India
Known for its generic medicines and APIs, Dr. Reddy’s has a strong footprint in biosimilars and therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiovascular disease, and pain management. The company is a global pharmaceutical powerhouse, actively partnering with other top-tier biotech firms around the world.
10. Bugworks Research
Co-founder and CEO: Anand Anandkumar
Headquarters: Karnataka, India
Bugworks is at the forefront of addressing the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Its development of novel antibiotics and small-molecule immunotherapies places it among the most innovative biotech startups in India, especially in the field of infectious diseases and oncology.
11. Oncostem Diagnostics
Co-founder and CEO: Anand Anandkumar
Headquarters: Karnataka, India
A trailblazer in personalized cancer treatment, Oncostem Diagnostics uses molecular markers to assess the risk of cancer recurrence, helping oncologists customize post-surgery treatment. This approach ensures better patient outcomes while minimizing unnecessary therapies.
12. Pandorum Technologies
Founders: Tuhin Bhowmick, Arun Chandru
Headquarters: Karnataka, India
Pandorum is transforming tissue engineering with innovations such as 3D-printed human liver tissue. Their research is focused on regenerative medicine and drug discovery, providing hope for personalized organ replacements and breakthroughs in complex medical research.
13. Farcast Biosciences
Founders: Mallik Sundaram, Pradip Majumder
Headquarters: Karnataka, India
Farcast enhances cancer care by preserving the tumor microenvironment to test therapies in vitro. This enables doctors to predict treatment outcomes before they are administered, offering personalized, effective, and safer cancer treatments.
14. Panacea Biotec
Chairman: Soshil Kumar
Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Panacea Biotec has a rich legacy in vaccine development, offering solutions for diseases like polio, hepatitis, and typhoid. It also focuses on novel biologics and biosimilars, with a strong commitment to affordable healthcare and global distribution networks.
15. Strand Life Sciences
CEO: Ramesh Hariharan
Headquarters: Bangalore, India
Strand integrates genomics with artificial intelligence to develop diagnostic tests for cancer and rare diseases. Their focus on liquid biopsies and companion diagnostics positions them at the cutting edge of personalized healthcare and precision medicine.
16. GANIT Labs
Founder: Binay Panda
Headquarters: Karnataka, India
GANIT Labs is a non-profit, government-funded genomics research facility. It provides sequencing and interpretation services for various organisms, supporting agriculture, environmental science, and healthcare. Their data-driven insights play a crucial role in India’s bioinformatics ecosystem.
17. Mitra Biotech
Founders: Mallik Sundaram, Pradip Majumder
Headquarters: Bangalore, India
Mitra Biotech is known for its CANScript platform, which replicates a patient’s tumor environment in the lab to test drug efficacy. This real-time, personalized method allows oncologists to choose the most effective cancer therapies, reducing trial-and-error and improving outcomes.
18. Mapmygenome
Founder: Anu Acharya
Headquarters: Hyderabad, India
Mapmygenome offers personal genomics and molecular diagnostics through products like Genomepatri, which provides insights into health risks, ancestry, and medication responses. The company collaborates with hospitals and clinics to deliver personalized health plans for individuals and families.
19. SciGenom Labs
Founder: Sam Santhosh
Headquarters: Kochi, India
SciGenom provides genomics-based solutions across healthcare, agriculture, and environment sectors. The company specializes in sequencing, transcriptomics, and epigenetic studies, helping solve real-world challenges from crop improvement to biodiversity conservation.
20. Axio Biosolutions
Founder: Leo Mavely
Headquarters: Gujarat, India
Axio Biosolutions creates advanced wound care products, most notably Axiostat, a hemostatic dressing used in surgeries and trauma situations. The company’s innovations are deployed across military, emergency, and surgical settings globally, combining accessibility with clinical efficacy.
Final Thoughts
India’s biotech sector is no longer emerging—it is thriving. These 20 companies reflect the country's diverse and robust approach to solving some of the most pressing global health, environmental, and agricultural challenges. With a focus on affordability, precision, and sustainability, these organizations are not just contributing to the Indian economy—they are shaping the future of the global biotechnology landscape.
As the world leans more heavily on scientific innovation, the Indian subcontinent is ready to lead the charge.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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