India's bioeconomy stands at about $195 billion as of 2025. The bioeconomy had grown to this level from about $10 billion as of 2014. The information was contained in the India Bioeconomy Report (IBER) 2026 that was released on 19 March. The bioeconomy currently contributes 4.8% to the country's GDP. The bioeconomy has been growing at 17-18% year on year over the past year. The information was made public at the 14th Foundation Day of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).

According to the report, the bioeconomy has grown more than twice its size as of 2020. The growth of the bioeconomy is attributed to over 11,800 biotech startups. The growth of the bioeconomy is also attributed to public investment and policy support. The bioeconomy is also benefiting from the expansion of biotechnology applications in the healthcare sector and agricultural sectors. The bioeconomy is set to grow to $300 billion by 2030. The information was given by Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister. The bioeconomy is contributing to economic activities through vaccines, diagnostics, agriculture, and bio-based manufacturing.

The government’s BioE3 policy, which stands for biotechnology for the economy, environment, and employment, is also geared towards this end. It includes precision biotherapeutics, smart proteins, climate-resilient crops, and carbon capture technologies, among others, and seeks to enhance local manufacturing capabilities in these areas.

Another area highlighted in this regard is financial support in the form of the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Fund, which is also geared towards scaling biotechnology startups. BIRAC has been identified for this purpose in terms of funding support, incubation, and industry partnerships.

According to the BIRAC Impact Report, this support in terms of funding and mentoring has also helped in product commercialisation and scaling startups, including in the healthcare and sustainable technology space, and job creation.

Speakers at the event also highlighted how more and more startups and innovators from small cities are also joining in. The government’s initiatives for students, innovators at early stages, and women entrepreneurs also contributed to this.

According to the report, future growth is contingent upon continued investment and the ability to scale up research into products. The report also adds that cooperation between the government and academia will remain important.