India is fast becoming a global biotechnology powerhouse, with biotechnology startups spearheading transformative innovations across healthcare, agriculture, industrial biotech, and sustainability. The nation’s thriving ecosystem of over 5,000 biotech startup companies has propelled its bioeconomy to USD 80 billion in 2023, with projections to reach USD 150 billion by 2025. This growth is fueled by strategic government initiatives like the Biotechnology Ignition Grant and the entrepreneurial spirit of visionary leaders.
In this blog, we spotlight the top biotech startups in India that are not only reshaping the country’s biotech landscape but are also making waves globally by addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
How Indian Government Initiatives Drive Biotechnology Startups
India’s emergence as a global leader in biotechnology is fueled by visionary government policies that foster innovation and empower biotechnology startup companies. At the heart of this transformation is the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), operating under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). BIRAC has played a pivotal role in nurturing emerging biotech companies through funding, infrastructure, and mentorship.
Key initiatives that have driven India’s thriving biotech India ecosystem include:
- Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG): Offers up to INR 50 lakh in funding to early-stage biotechnology startups for proof-of-concept development, enabling them to validate disruptive ideas and bring them closer to commercialization.
- BioNEST (Bioincubators Nurturing Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies): Provides state-of-the-art incubation spaces, access to advanced lab equipment, and mentorship programs for new biotechnology companies working on innovative solutions in healthcare, sustainability, and industrial biotech.
- National Biopharma Mission: Accelerates the development of vaccines, biosimilars, and medical devices. This program has supported startup biotech companies in scaling operations to meet global standards, ensuring Indian innovations compete on the world stage.
- Startup India Initiative: Encourages start up biotech companies with tax incentives, streamlined patent filing, and R&D subsidies, creating a fertile environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
These initiatives have not only strengthened India’s biotechnology startup companies but also enabled real-world breakthroughs. For instance, Molbio Diagnostics scaled its Truenat platform, a portable molecular diagnostic solution, to over 40 countries with BIRAC’s funding and mentorship. Similarly, Sea6 Energy leveraged BioNEST incubation to transform seaweed into biofuels and agricultural biostimulants, addressing global challenges in sustainability.
Through these programs, the Indian government has cultivated a thriving ecosystem of emerging biotech companies, positioning the nation as a hub for transformative solutions in biotechnology.
Top 10 Emerging Biotech Companies in India (2025)
Pandorum Technologies, headquartered in Bangalore, is a pioneer in 3D bioprinting and regenerative medicine. The company specializes in creating functional human tissues, such as bioprinted liver models, which are transforming preclinical drug testing by offering more accurate toxicity assessments than traditional animal models. Their groundbreaking work in corneal bioprinting aims to address the global shortage of corneal donors, potentially restoring vision for over 10 million people affected by corneal blindness.
Pandorum has established strategic collaborations with leading research institutions in Europe and North America, enabling access to cutting-edge resources and expanding its global footprint. In addition to drug testing and regenerative medicine, the company is exploring personalized organ replacement therapies, positioning itself as a leader among emerging biotech companies in biotech India. With a strong focus on innovation and scalability, Pandorum exemplifies the potential of biotechnology startup companies to redefine the future of healthcare.
XCode Life Sciences, based in Chennai, is at the forefront of personalized genomics, delivering DNA testing kits that offer insights into health, nutrition, fitness, and ancestry. These services empower consumers to make data-driven lifestyle decisions while supporting healthcare providers with pharmacogenomics solutions. XCode’s platform enables clinicians to prescribe medications tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup, significantly reducing adverse drug reactions and enhancing treatment outcomes.
In addition to its consumer-focused solutions, XCode collaborates with global public health organizations to analyze genetic data for large-scale disease prevention initiatives. By integrating AI-driven analytics and predictive modeling into its offerings, the company has emerged as a leader among startup biotech companies in precision medicine and preventive healthcare. Its commitment to making genomics accessible positions XCode as a shining example of new biotechnology companies in India driving global healthcare advancements.
Oncostem Diagnostics, headquartered in Bangalore, is revolutionizing cancer care with its innovative recurrence prediction tools. Their flagship product, CanAssist Breast, uses advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze tumor biology and predict the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence. This groundbreaking test enables oncologists to tailor treatment plans, reducing overtreatment and improving patient outcomes.
Oncostem’s vision extends beyond breast cancer, with the company actively developing diagnostics for ovarian and colorectal cancers. By addressing a broader spectrum of oncological challenges, Oncostem exemplifies the transformative role of biotechnology startup companies in advancing precision oncology. With ongoing partnerships with top-tier hospitals and research institutions, Oncostem is scaling its solutions globally, reinforcing its position among emerging biotech companies leading innovation in cancer diagnostics.
Zumutor Biologics, based in Bangalore, is at the cutting edge of immuno-oncology, focusing on next-generation NK (natural killer) cell therapies. Their lead product, ZM008, enhances the body’s innate immune response to combat solid tumors, offering hope for cancers that are resistant to traditional therapies. Zumutor’s extensive research portfolio also includes monoclonal antibodies, with potential applications in autoimmune diseases and oncology.
The company has secured multiple patents and forged collaborations with US-based biotech firms, accelerating its clinical pipeline and expanding its global reach. With a strong focus on developing accessible and effective immunotherapies, Zumutor stands out as one of India’s top biotech startups addressing critical gaps in cancer treatment. Its contributions underscore the importance of startup biotech companies in tackling some of the most pressing challenges in global healthcare.
5. Sea6 Energy
Sea6 Energy, headquartered in Bangalore, is leveraging India’s extensive coastline to create sustainable solutions from seaweed. The company has developed mechanized seaweed farming technology that is scalable and adaptable for coastal regions worldwide, enabling sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local economies. Their innovations include biofuels, bioplastics, and agricultural biostimulants that significantly reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and fossil fuels.
Their flagship biostimulant, Agrinos, has demonstrated a 20% improvement in crop yields and is being adopted by farmers across Asia and Africa. Sea6 Energy is also exploring partnerships with global agribusinesses and renewable energy firms to expand the commercial reach of its products. Recognized as a trailblazer among emerging biotech companies, Sea6 Energy exemplifies how biotechnology startups can drive solutions to critical environmental and agricultural challenges while contributing to the broader goals of biotech India.
Vyome Therapeutics, headquartered in New Delhi, is addressing unmet needs in dermatology through site-targeted therapies for conditions such as antibiotic-resistant acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Their lead product, VB1953, is in Phase 2 clinical trials and targets resistant bacteria at the infection site, significantly reducing systemic side effects and enhancing treatment efficacy.
Beyond acne treatment, Vyome is expanding its pipeline to include therapies for autoimmune skin diseases, tapping into a multi-billion-dollar global dermatology market. The company’s innovative approach includes the use of molecular platforms to develop precision-targeted treatments. Vyome has established collaborations with global dermatology research institutions, positioning it as one of India’s new biotechnology companies redefining the future of dermatological care. Its efforts highlight the role of start up biotech companies in bridging the gap between science and accessible healthcare solutions.
7. MedGenome
MedGenome, based in Bangalore, is a global leader in genomics-driven diagnostics and a key player in advancing precision medicine. The company’s proprietary South Asian genetic database, the largest in the world, is enabling breakthroughs in diagnosing and managing conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and rare genetic disorders. MedGenome’s tests have improved diagnostic accuracy by over 40%, helping clinicians deliver more effective and personalized treatments.
MedGenome has also partnered with rural healthcare providers and government health initiatives to make genomic testing accessible to underserved populations in India. Their recent collaboration with leading pharmaceutical companies for drug development showcases their influence on global biotech innovation. Recognized as one of the top biotech startups in India, MedGenome exemplifies how biotechnology startup companies can bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical healthcare applications, impacting both local and global communities.
8. Mapmygenome
Mapmygenome, headquartered in Hyderabad, is empowering individuals with direct-to-consumer genetic testing services that offer actionable insights into health risks, ancestry, and wellness. Their flagship product, Genomepatri, integrates genetic testing with expert counseling to provide users with a comprehensive understanding of their genetic predispositions. The company’s mobile app, launched recently, further enhances accessibility by offering personalized health recommendations directly to users.
Mapmygenome is also making significant strides in preventive healthcare by collaborating with corporate wellness programs and insurance providers to integrate genomics into employee health plans. These efforts underscore Mapmygenome’s position as one of India’s most innovative biotechnology startup companies, driving consumer engagement and awareness in genomics. Their work highlights the transformative potential of new biotechnology companies in democratizing healthcare.
Bugworks Research, based in Bangalore, is tackling one of the most pressing global health challenges: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Their lead antibiotic candidate, currently in Phase 1 clinical trials, targets multidrug-resistant pathogens, addressing a critical gap in the treatment of superbugs. Bugworks is among the few start up biotech companies globally developing antibiotics that adhere to stringent WHO priorities for AMR.
The company is also diversifying its pipeline with oncology-focused small molecule therapeutics, leveraging its proprietary platforms to explore dual-use compounds that can address both infectious diseases and cancer. With significant funding from global health organizations and collaborations with US-based biotech firms, Bugworks is establishing itself as a leader among emerging biotech companies creating life-saving solutions. Their work exemplifies how biotechnology startup companies can tackle critical global crises while contributing to the advancement of biotech India.
10. String Bio
String Bio, headquartered in Bangalore, is revolutionizing sustainability with its innovative use of synthetic biology to convert methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into valuable products. Leveraging its proprietary fermentation platform, String Bio produces protein-rich animal feed, biodegradable polymers, and bioplastics that reduce reliance on petroleum-based materials. Methane emissions, one of the largest contributors to climate change, are effectively repurposed through the company’s groundbreaking technology, showcasing the global relevance of its solutions.
String Bio has secured partnerships with global agribusiness leaders, enabling its products to scale internationally and contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices. For instance, their animal feed provides a high-protein alternative that reduces the carbon footprint of livestock farming. Recognized as a leader among emerging biotech companies, String Bio exemplifies how biotechnology startup companies can address critical environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities.
Conclusion
India’s biotech India ecosystem is at the forefront of global innovation, tackling challenges across healthcare, sustainability, and industrial biotechnology. With over 5,000 biotechnology startups supported by robust government initiatives, the country is fostering a thriving ecosystem of emerging biotech companies poised to lead the next wave of global advancements.
Companies like String Bio, Molbio Diagnostics, and Sea6 Energy are examples of top biotech startups making significant contributions to critical areas such as renewable energy, precision medicine, and antimicrobial resistance. These successes underscore the creativity, resilience, and potential of India’s biotechnology startup companies, as they pave the way for a more sustainable and healthier future.
Scispot’s Commitment
At Scispot, we are proud to support the growth of India’s thriving biotech ecosystem. We are committed to empowering growing biotechnology startups in India by providing them with the best-in-class tech stack to digitize, automate, and streamline their lab operations. Our no-code digital toolkit is designed to help emerging biotech companies unlock their full potential, enabling them to innovate faster and scale efficiently.
To explore how Scispot can accelerate your biotech journey, book a demo here.
