Top 10 Biotech Startups in India

India’s biotechnology sector has seen significant growth over the past decade, emerging as a global hub for biotech innovation. The convergence of skilled talent, government support, and a thriving startup ecosystem has given rise to numerous biotech companies making notable strides in various domains such as healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Here, we explore the top 10 biotech startups in India, showcasing their innovations and impact on the industry.

1. Biocon Limited

Attribute	Details
Founded	1978
Founder	Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Headquarters	Bangalore, Karnataka
Specialization	Biopharmaceuticals, Research Services
Notable Achievements	Pioneer in affordable biosimilars; strong pipeline in oncology, diabetes, and immunology
Core Products/Services	Biosimilars (Trastuzumab, Insulin Glargine), Novel Biologics, Research Services

Biocon Limited-Top 10 Biotech Startups in India

Founded: 1978
Founder: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka

Biocon Limited stands as one of India’s pioneering biotech companies, focusing on biopharmaceuticals and research services. Known for its affordable biosimilars, the company has made significant strides in oncology, diabetes, and immunology. Biocon’s commitment to innovation is evident through its robust pipeline of biosimilars and novel biologics, aiming to make healthcare accessible and affordable globally.

2. Serum Institute of India

Attribute	Details
Founded	1966
Founder	Cyrus Poonawalla
Headquarters	Pune, Maharashtra
Specialization	Vaccine Development and Manufacturing
Notable Achievements	World’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume; crucial role in COVID-19 pandemic with Covishield
Core Products/Services	Vaccines for Polio, MMR, Hepatitis B, DTP, Influenza, COVID-19 (Covishield)

Serum Institute of India-Top 10 Biotech Startups in India

Founded: 1966
Founder: Cyrus Poonawalla
Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra

Serum Institute of India is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume. The company played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic by producing and distributing the Covishield vaccine. Its focus on developing vaccines for infectious diseases has saved millions of lives worldwide, cementing its reputation as a global leader in vaccine production.

3. Bharat Biotech

Attribute	Details
Founded	1996
Founders	Dr. Krishna Ella and Suchitra Ella
Headquarters	Hyderabad, Telangana
Specialization	Vaccines and Bio-Therapeutics
Notable Achievements	Developed Covaxin, India’s indigenous COVID-19 vaccine; wide range of vaccines for various diseases
Core Products/Services	Covaxin, Hepatitis B Vaccine, Rotavirus Vaccine, Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine

Bharat Biotech-Top 10 Biotech Startups in India

Founded: 1996
Founders: Dr. Krishna Ella and Suchitra Ella
Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana

Bharat Biotech is renowned for its innovative vaccines and bio-therapeutics. The company gained international recognition with the development of Covaxin, India’s indigenous COVID-19 vaccine. Bharat Biotech’s portfolio includes vaccines for Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, and Typhoid, reflecting its commitment to addressing public health challenges.

4. Strand Life Sciences

Attribute	Details
Founded	2000
Founders	Vijay Chandru, Ramesh Hariharan, Vaidy Sunderam, and Swami Manohar
Headquarters	Bangalore, Karnataka
Specialization	Genomics, Bioinformatics, Precision Medicine
Notable Achievements	Leading provider of genomic testing in India; pioneering work in cancer genomics and precision medicine
Core Products/Services	Genomic Testing for Cancer, Inherited Diseases, Reproductive Health, Bioinformatics Solutions

Strand Life Sciences-Top 10 Biotech Startups in India

Founded: 2000
Founders: Vijay Chandru, Ramesh Hariharan, Vaidy Sunderam, and Swami Manohar
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka

Strand Life Sciences specializes in precision medicine through genomics and bioinformatics. The company offers genomic testing for cancer, inherited diseases, and reproductive health. Strand’s comprehensive genomic solutions empower personalized healthcare, enabling early diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

5. Mapmygenome

Attribute	Details
Founded	2013
Founder	Anu Acharya
Headquarters	Hyderabad, Telangana
Specialization	Molecular Diagnostics, Genetic Testing
Notable Achievements	Popularized preventive healthcare through genetic insights; developed Genomepatri
Core Products/Services	Genomepatri, MyFitGene, OncoMap, Cardiomap, Personal Genome Counseling

Mapmygenome-Top 10 Biotech Startups in India

Founded: 2013
Founder: Anu Acharya
Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana

Mapmygenome is a molecular diagnostics company that provides personalized health solutions through genetic testing. Their flagship product, Genomepatri, offers insights into an individual’s genetic predisposition to various health conditions. By promoting preventive healthcare, Mapmygenome aims to empower individuals with knowledge about their genetic makeup.

6. Sea6 Energy

Attribute	Details
Founded	2010
Founders	Shrikumar Suryanarayan, Narayan Bhat, Manohar Sama, and Sailaja Allaparthi
Headquarters	Bangalore, Karnataka
Specialization	Marine Biomass, Biofuels, Biostimulants
Notable Achievements	Innovations in seaweed-based products for sustainable energy and agriculture
Core Products/Services	Biofuels, Biostimulants, Agricultural Inputs derived from Seaweed

Sea6 Energy-Top 10 Biotech Startups in India

Founded: 2010
Founders: Shrikumar Suryanarayan, Narayan Bhat, Manohar Sama, and Sailaja Allaparthi
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka

Sea6 Energy focuses on sustainable solutions using marine biomass. The company develops biofuels, biostimulants, and agricultural inputs from seaweed. By harnessing the potential of marine resources, Sea6 Energy addresses critical issues like energy sustainability and agricultural productivity.

7. Bugworks Research

Attribute	Details
Founded	2014
Founders	Anand Anandkumar, V Balasubramanian, and Sriram Natarajan
Headquarters	Bangalore, Karnataka
Specialization	Antimicrobial Resistance, Novel Antibiotics
Notable Achievements	Development of novel antibiotics to combat drug-resistant infections
Core Products/Services	Antibiotics targeting AMR, Innovative Drug Discovery Platforms

Bugworks Research-Top 10 Biotech Startups in India

Founded: 2014
Founders: Anand Anandkumar, V Balasubramanian, and Sriram Natarajan
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka

Bugworks Research is at the forefront of developing novel antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Their innovative approaches aim to address the growing threat of drug-resistant infections. Bugworks’ lead compound is in advanced stages of development, showcasing their potential to revolutionize infectious disease treatment.

8. Pandorum Technologies

Attribute	Details
Founded	2011
Founders	Dr. Tuhin Bhowmick and Arun Chandru
Headquarters	Bangalore, Karnataka
Specialization	Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine
Notable Achievements	Development of 3D-printed human tissues for medical research and therapeutic use
Core Products/Services	3D-Printed Liver Tissues, Corneal Tissues, Regenerative Medicine Solutions

Pandorum Technologies-Top 10 Biotech Startups in India

Founded: 2011
Founders: Dr. Tuhin Bhowmick and Arun Chandru
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka

Pandorum Technologies is a biotech startup specializing in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The company has developed 3D-printed human tissues, including liver and corneal tissues, for medical research and therapeutic applications. Pandorum’s innovations hold promise for addressing organ shortage and advancing personalized medicine.

9. MedGenome

Attribute	Details
Founded	2013
Founders	Sam Santhosh, Dr. Laxmi Parida, Dr. Ravi Vasanthapuram
Headquarters	Bangalore, Karnataka
Specialization	Genomic Testing, Research Services
Notable Achievements	Advanced genomic solutions for healthcare; key player in genomic research for oncology and rare diseases
Core Products/Services	Genetic Testing for Cancer, Neurology, Rare Diseases, Prenatal Screening, Research Services

MedGenome-Top 10 Biotech Startups in India

Founded: 2013
Founders: Sam Santhosh, Dr. Laxmi Parida, Dr. Ravi Vasanthapuram
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka

MedGenome is a leading provider of genomic solutions for healthcare and research. The company offers genetic testing services for oncology, neurology, and rare diseases. MedGenome’s advanced genomics capabilities facilitate early diagnosis and personalized treatment, contributing to improved patient outcomes.

10. Premas Biotech

Attribute	Details
Founded	2005
Founders	Prabuddha Kundu, Pramod K Garg, and Avijit Banerjee
Headquarters	Gurgaon, Haryana
Specialization	Protein Expression, Bio-Manufacturing
Notable Achievements	Proprietary technologies for complex protein production; significant contributions to biologics development
Core Products/Services	Protein Expression Systems, Biologics Development, Bio-Manufacturing Solutions

Premas Biotech-Top 10 Biotech Startups in India

Founded: 2005
Founders: Prabuddha Kundu, Pramod K Garg, and Avijit Banerjee
Headquarters: Gurgaon, Haryana

Premas Biotech focuses on developing innovative solutions for protein expression and bio-manufacturing. The company’s proprietary technologies enable the production of complex proteins for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Premas Biotech’s contributions are pivotal in advancing biologics development and manufacturing efficiency.

FAQs and their answers regarding the top 10 biotech startups in India.

FAQs for Biotech Startups in India

1. Biocon Limited

Q: What is Biocon Limited known for?
A: Biocon Limited is known for its biopharmaceuticals, particularly affordable biosimilars in areas such as oncology, diabetes, and immunology. It is a pioneer in the biotech industry in India.

Q: Who founded Biocon Limited?
A: Biocon Limited was founded by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw in 1978.

Q: Where is Biocon Limited headquartered?
A: Biocon Limited is headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka.

2. Serum Institute of India

Q: What is Serum Institute of India’s contribution to the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: Serum Institute of India played a crucial role by producing and distributing the Covishield vaccine, which was one of the primary vaccines used globally.

Q: When was Serum Institute of India founded?
A: Serum Institute of India was founded in 1966.

Q: What types of products does Serum Institute of India specialize in?
A: Serum Institute specializes in vaccine development and manufacturing for diseases like Polio, MMR, Hepatitis B, and Influenza.

3. Bharat Biotech

Q: What is Bharat Biotech’s notable COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Bharat Biotech developed Covaxin, India’s indigenous COVID-19 vaccine.

Q: Who are the founders of Bharat Biotech?
A: Bharat Biotech was founded by Dr. Krishna Ella and Suchitra Ella.

Q: What are some other vaccines developed by Bharat Biotech?
A: Bharat Biotech has developed vaccines for Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, and Typhoid, among others.

4. Strand Life Sciences

Q: What is the focus area of Strand Life Sciences?
A: Strand Life Sciences focuses on genomics, bioinformatics, and precision medicine.

Q: What are some services provided by Strand Life Sciences?
A: They provide genomic testing for cancer, inherited diseases, and reproductive health, along with bioinformatics solutions.

Q: When was Strand Life Sciences founded?
A: Strand Life Sciences was founded in 2000.

5. Mapmygenome

Q: What is Genomepatri?
A: Genomepatri is a flagship product of Mapmygenome that offers insights into an individual’s genetic predisposition to various health conditions.

Q: Who founded Mapmygenome?
A: Mapmygenome was founded by Anu Acharya in 2013.

Q: Where is Mapmygenome headquartered?
A: Mapmygenome is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana.

6. Sea6 Energy

Q: What innovative products does Sea6 Energy develop?
A: Sea6 Energy develops biofuels, biostimulants, and agricultural inputs from seaweed.

Q: Who are the founders of Sea6 Energy?
A: Sea6 Energy was founded by Shrikumar Suryanarayan, Narayan Bhat, Manohar Sama, and Sailaja Allaparthi in 2010.

Q: What is the primary focus of Sea6 Energy?
A: Sea6 Energy focuses on sustainable solutions using marine biomass.

7. Bugworks Research

Q: What is Bugworks Research’s primary area of research?
A: Bugworks Research focuses on developing novel antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Q: When was Bugworks Research founded?
A: Bugworks Research was founded in 2014.

Q: Who are the founders of Bugworks Research?
A: The founders of Bugworks Research are Anand Anandkumar, V Balasubramanian, and Sriram Natarajan.

8. Pandorum Technologies

Q: What are some innovations by Pandorum Technologies?
A: Pandorum Technologies has developed 3D-printed human tissues, including liver and corneal tissues, for medical research and therapeutic applications.

Q: Who founded Pandorum Technologies?
A: Pandorum Technologies was founded by Dr. Tuhin Bhowmick and Arun Chandru in 2011.

Q: Where is Pandorum Technologies headquartered?
A: Pandorum Technologies is headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka.

9. MedGenome

Q: What services does MedGenome provide?
A: MedGenome provides genetic testing services for oncology, neurology, and rare diseases, as well as prenatal screening and research services.

Q: When was MedGenome founded?
A: MedGenome was founded in 2013.

Q: Who are the founders of MedGenome?
A: MedGenome was founded by Sam Santhosh, Dr. Laxmi Parida, and Dr. Ravi Vasanthapuram.

10. Premas Biotech

Q: What is Premas Biotech known for?
A: Premas Biotech is known for its innovative solutions in protein expression and bio-manufacturing.

Q: Who founded Premas Biotech?
A: Premas Biotech was founded by Prabuddha Kundu, Pramod K Garg, and Avijit Banerjee in 2005.

Q: Where is Premas Biotech headquartered?
A: Premas Biotech is headquartered in Gurgaon, Haryana.

Conclusion

India’s biotech startups are making significant contributions across various sectors, from healthcare to environmental sustainability. These companies exemplify innovation, dedication, and a vision for a better future. As they continue to grow and evolve, their impact on the global biotech landscape is expected to be profound, driving advancements that benefit humanity as a whole.