How BioFoundries Are Shaping the Way for India's Biotech Startups?

The Indian biotech ecosystem is undergoing a transformation, thanks to government-backed initiatives like biofoundries and biotech clusters. These efforts, spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), aim to provide crucial infrastructure and resources for startups in the biotech sector. However, the sector still faces critical gaps, particularly in pilot and validation-level facilities, which are essential for commercializing innovative ideas.

To understand how these initiatives are shaping the landscape of Indian biotech startups, TICE recently spoke with Dr. Manish Diwan, Head of Strategic Partnership & Entrepreneurship Development at BIRAC. Dr. Diwan shed light on the role of biofoundries, the importance of public-private partnerships, and the future of India’s biotech industry.

The Role of BioFoundries in Startup Growth

Biofoundries serve as an essential bridge between ideation and commercialization for biotech startups. According to Dr. Diwan, these facilities provide infrastructure, expert guidance, and validation platforms that help startups move from proof of concept (POC) to pilot-stage development.

“Biofoundries are the stepping stones for biotech startups, offering them the infrastructure they need to develop minimum viable products (MVPs) and conduct proof-of-concept studies,” he explained. “Without these, startups struggle to transition from lab research to market-ready solutions.”

NCR Biotech Cluster: A Model for Innovation

Located along the Gurgaon Highway, the NCR Biotech Cluster is emerging as a model mega science bio-innovation park. Spread across 200 acres, it hosts key research institutions, including the Regional Center for Biotechnology and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI).

“The NCR cluster integrates three crucial pillars: research institutions, infrastructure, and industry,” Dr. Diwan highlighted. “By co-locating startups, SMEs, investors, regulators, and large industries, we are creating an ecosystem where biotech innovation can thrive.”

This model follows the iBRIC+ framework, which encourages collaboration between academia and industry while providing physical infrastructure to accelerate biotech research and development.

Government as an Enabler: The Power of Public-Private Partnerships

Dr. Diwan emphasized the catalytic role of government initiatives in fostering biotech startups. Programs like the Bio-E3 policy aim to drive bio-innovation and bio-manufacturing by leveraging public-private partnerships.

“The government acts as an enabler, bringing academia and industry together to create a thriving ecosystem,” he said. “With over 95 incubation centers seeded by DBT and BIRAC, we have supported the creation of over 8,500 biotech startups in India. Now, the challenge is to provide them with pilot and validation-level infrastructure to take their innovations to market.”

Despite these efforts, India still lacks sufficient pilot and validation facilities. Industries and Contract Research Organizations (CROs) offer such services, but they come at a high cost, making them inaccessible to most startups. This is where biofoundries step in, leveling the playing field for young biotech entrepreneurs.

Challenges and Opportunities in India’s Biotech Sector

While the biotech sector has seen tremendous growth, it still faces key challenges:

1. Infrastructure Deficit: The lack of pilot and validation facilities hinders startups from commercializing their innovations.

2. High Costs: Accessing advanced research and testing facilities remains expensive for early-stage companies.

3. Industry Adoption: Startups struggle to gain traction as industry players often hesitate to integrate new innovations into their existing systems.

However, Dr. Diwan remains optimistic about the future of Indian biotech. “We are seeing a pipeline of bright startups ready to scale. The next step is building infrastructure that supports their transition from ideation to commercialization.”

Top Trends Shaping India’s Biotech Future

Dr. Diwan identified three key trends that will drive India’s biotech industry in the coming years:

1. Talent-Driven Innovation: India has a vast pool of skilled scientists and entrepreneurs eager to solve unmet needs.

2. Growing Market Opportunities: With a large population and diverse healthcare and environmental challenges, India presents a unique opportunity for biotech solutions.

3. India as a Global Biotech Hub: The country is increasingly being recognized as a powerhouse for biotech innovation and manufacturing.

Advice for Young Biotech Entrepreneurs

Dr. Diwan’s message to aspiring biotech entrepreneurs is clear: Collaborate, persevere, and leverage available resources.

“Biotech is an interdisciplinary field, and startups should integrate with like-minded teams,” he advised. “Utilize incubation centers, connect with industry stakeholders, and stay persistent in solving real-world problems.”

Biofoundries and biotech clusters represent a crucial step in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in biotech innovation. With continued government support and industry collaboration, the sector is poised to break new ground, empowering startups to turn their ideas into impactful ventures.