India has consolidated its biotechnology support architecture into a single umbrella scheme, Bio-RIDE, to strengthen research, innovation, entrepreneurship and biomanufacturing. The initiative combines earlier DBT schemes on biotechnology research and development, industrial and entrepreneurship development, and a new biomanufacturing and biofoundry component. It is designed to speed up translation of laboratory research into market-ready products and to expand India’s bioeconomy.
Scheme Objective
Bio-RIDE aims to promote bio-entrepreneurship and build a stronger link between academia and industry. It supports research, product development, scientific infrastructure and human resource development. The broader policy goal is to position India as a global biotechnology leader and to move towards a US$300 billion bioeconomy by 2030.
Key Institutional Role
The Department of Biotechnology and its public sector undertaking, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), have been central to this ecosystem. They support research projects, incubation, mentoring, funding and commercialisation. Their work has contributed to publications, patents, trained manpower and startup growth across the biotechnology sector.
Major Outcomes and Applications
Bio-RIDE and related programmes have supported a wide range of achievements:
- Human gene therapy work for severe haemophilia A.
- Launch of data platforms such as FeED and the Indian Biological Data Centre.
- Development of India’s first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin.
- Genome sequencing initiatives for tuberculosis and other diseases.
- Support for COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics, biosimilars and medical devices.
- Development of drought-tolerant crops, anti-pesticide gear and bioinformatics infrastructure.
Startup and Research Ecosystem
BIRAC has expanded incubation through BioNEST, E-YUVA, BIG, SEED, LEAP and SPARSH. These programmes provide grants, equity support, mentoring and lab access to startups and student innovators. The wider biotechnology ecosystem now includes more than 11,800 startups and a growing network of bioincubators, reflecting the sector’s rising contribution to GDP and industrial growth.
Last Modified: April 29, 2026