The biotechnology industry in India has been developing at an accelerated pace over the past 20 years, and it is gradually transforming into a highly innovative and effective sector in the country. Whether in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, agriculture, or environmental technology, these biotech firms in India are working on practical solutions to real-world problems using science and technology.
This blog presents the top 20 biotech companies in India, including founding members, year of establishment, headquarters location, products and services, market coverage, and company websites.
Overview of the Biotechnology Sector in India
India has one of the most vibrant biotech companies in the world that is growing at a rapid rate, with a current size of over 100 billion dollars, expected to grow to 300 billion dollars by 2030. It covers five high-level platforms: bio-pharmaceuticals, bio-services, bio-agriculture, bio-industrial, and bioinformatics. India has 760 core biotech companies and more than 3,500 biotech startups that place it on the world map of affordable innovation.
India is the third largest country in the world in terms of biotech product production and also among the top 12 biotechnology destinations all over the world. The industry reaches and influences circulate on a broad scale to consumer health and safety, to crop and food security, to sustainability, such as by the presence of life-saving vaccines and insulin, GM crops, and enzyme-based industrial solutions.
Some of the factors that led to this high growth are:
- Synergy of a large pool of scientists and researchers.
- Such government programs as Make in India or Biotech Startup India.
- World-class biotech clusters and research and Development centers in cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Ahmedabad.
- Raising foreign direct investment (FDI) and international partnerships.
Exhibiting a focus on innovation, access, and scale, companies in India’s biotech sector are not only meeting local demands but also exporting solutions to over 100 countries worldwide.
List of Top 20 Biotech Companies in India
Given below are the top 20 biotech companies in India, their overview, product range, and revenue. This will help you access the top companies for your use.
1. Serum Institute of India Private Limited
Founder: Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla
Founded in: 1966
Headquarters: Pune, India
Serum Institute of India is a global leader in the production of vaccines and the foundation of the Indian biotechnology ecosystem. It was formed to manufacture life-saving immuno-biologicals, which were scarce, and currently, it is a major contributor to the immunization process in the world. The institute is referred to as innovative in terms of its vaccine technologies, with the application of advanced genetic and cell-based platforms.
Products/Services:
- Bacterial Vaccines
- Viral Vaccines
- Combination Vaccines
- Recombinant and other products
- Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccines
- Influenza Vaccines
Revenue/Market Presence:
- Produces over 1.5 billion doses annually
- National immunisation in 170+ countries
Website: https://www.seruminstitute.com/
2. Panacea Biotec Limited
Founder: Soshil Kumar
Founded in: 1984
Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Panacea Biotec is an Indian, established biotech and pharmaceutical company that boasts an extensive record in the development of vaccines and drugs. This has made a significant contribution to the eradication of diseases such as polio through its provision of vaccines that have been vetted by the WHO to individuals all over the world. The firm has also been keen on innovation to help ensure that sophisticated healthcare solutions are available at affordable rates. It has a portfolio ranging from vaccines, biosimilars, antibiotics, and antivirals. Being equipped with massive research and development facilities (R&D) and production facilities, Panacea is still expanding its presence in India, the US, Europe, and Africa.
Products/Services:
- Pharmaceutical Formulations
- Vaccines
- Adjuvants
- R&D Pipeline
Revenue/Market Presence:
- Strong domestic market presence
- Global exports
- Collaborations
Website: https://www.panaceabiotec.com/en
3. SIRO Clinpharm
Founder: Dr. Gautam Daftary
Founded in: 1996
Headquarters: Thane, Maharashtra
SIRO Clinpharm is a credible brand in clinical research services with an extensive array of full-service CRO solutions to clients of pharmaceutical or biotech enterprises globally. The legal compliance and regulatory approvals in various countries put SIRO in a good ethical position to assist clinical trials in all therapeutic categories. It is famous for mixing scientific knowledge with a high level of technology and has the ability to produce quality research results. With its vast network of services, the company has supported the rapid drug development pipelines of most of the pharma giants. It is driven by innovation and mission-oriented research on patients, hence its notable presence in the biotechnology market of India.
Products/Services:
- Clinical trial management
- Data analytics
- Biostatistics
- Regulatory submissions
- Pharmacovigilance services
Revenue/Market Presence:
- Operates across India and international markets
- Recognise in oncology and disease trials
Website: https://www.siroclinpharm.com/
4. Biocon Limited
Founder: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Founded in: 1978
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Biocon is among the largest and most progressive biotechnology organizations in India, and is known worldwide as the pioneer of biosimilars and biologics. It has a wide range of products used as treatments for chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune challenges. The company has a strong commitment to affordable healthcare solutions
Products/Services:
- Generics
- Biosimilars
- Branded formulation
- Novel Biologics
Revenue/Market Presence:
- Has presence in over 120 countries
- Collaborations like Viatris
- One of India’s top biotech exporters
Website: https://www.biocon.com/
5. Wockhardt
Founder: Dr. Habil Khorakiwala
Founded in: 1960
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Wockhardt Ltd. is a major Indian biotech and pharmaceutical firm that has tens of years of experience in the field of healthcare innovations. It is centred on biopharmaceuticals, such as vaccines, enzymes, or biosimilars, as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The corporation has developed a good global presence in more than 15 countries, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The other initiative that is synonymous with Wockhardt is sustainability and the interest in advancing access to medicine. Employing thousands of people and with a worldwide supply chain, it remains a giant in the biotech industry of India.
Products/Services:
- Biopharmaceuticals
- Enzymes
- Biosimilars
- Prescription medications
- APIs
Revenue/Market Presence:
- 76% of revenue from overseas markets
- 8000+ with operations in India and the UK
Website: https://www.wockhardt.com/
6. Novozymes
Founder: Novozymes A/S (Denmark)
Founded in: 2000
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka
Novozymes South Asia is the Indian subsidiary of the international Danish enzyme specialist Novozymes that deals with enzymes and microbial products to use in various industries. It is also a hub of South Asia, and it is vital because it introduces innovative biotechnology to the agribusiness, food and beverage, bioenergy, and textile industries. The company has established itself in sustainability, where it can assist companies in minimizing their environmental impact by making their processes more efficient using enzymes.
Products/Services:
- Industrial enzymes
- Microbial solutions for agriculture
- Bioenergy catalyts
- Food and beverage enzymes
Revenue/Market Presence:
- Presence in over 30 countries
- Significant market share in industrial biotech
Website: https://www.novozymes.com/en
7. Indian Immunologicals Limited
Founder: National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)
Founded in: 1982
Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana
IIL is a leading vaccine manufacturer of human and animal health-related activities, with solutions to rabies, hepatitis, and foot and mouth disease. The company has a strong infrastructure with production facilities in Hyderabad, Ooty, and Rajkot, thereby having the capacity to conduct the production of larger volumes and to provide R&D.
Products/Services:
- Vaccines
- Immunoglobulins
- bacterial/viral infection treatments
- Biologics for autoimmune disorders
Revenue/Market Presence:
- Major supplier to national immunisation programs
- Export to over 50 countries
- Praised by the government for speed in the COVID-19 response
Website: https://www.indimmune.com/
8. Shantha Biotechnics Limited
Founder: Dr. K. I. Varaprasad Reddy
Founded in: 1993
Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana
Shantha Biotechnics, a member of the Sanofi Group, became the first Indian company to develop and commercialize recombinant human healthcare products. It has been a key contributor to the vaccine production industry, providing affordable and high-quality immunization against diseases such as cholera, diphtheria, influenza, and tetanus.
Products/Services:
- Vaccines for hepatitis B
- DPT
- Cholera
- Influenza
- Tetanus
- Recombinant biotech products
Revenue/Market Presence:
- Strong presence in India
- Various international markets
- WHO prequalified biotech products
Website: https://shanthabiotech.com/
9. Bharat Biotech
Founder: Dr. Krishna Ella
Founded in: 1996
Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana
Bharat Biotech is an Indian biotech firm that has international recognition because of its innovation in making vaccines. It has gone ahead to create more than 16 vaccines, such as India’s first indigenous rabies vaccine and the latest COVAXIN, India’s first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine. The company places a significant emphasis on R&D and has come up with new high-tech modes of delivery such as needle-free injectors and oral vaccines.
Products/Services:
- Vaccines for rotavirus
- Rabies
- Typhoid
- Japanese encephalitis
- COVID-19
- Biotherapeutics
Revenue/Market Presence:
- Product distributed in 123 countries
- WHO-EUL approved for COVID-19
- Large-scale manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad
Website: https://www.bharatbiotech.com/
10. Genotypic Technologies
Founder: Dr. Raja Mugasimangalam
Founded in: 1998
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Genotypic Technology is an innovative genomics and bioinformatics company that provides high-end molecular biology solutions to research institutions and pharmaceutical companies. Genotypic, with its dedicated gene expression and sequencing platforms, aids in R&D undertakings in fields of diagnostics, oncology, plant genomics, and microbial research.
Products/Services:
- Gene expression analysis
- NGS services
- Bioinformatics
- DNA microarrays
- Molecular diagnostics research tools
Revenue/Market Presence:
- Over 1,500 research organisations globally
- Strong academic and industrial client base across India and Asia-Pacific
Website: https://www.genotypic.co.in/
11. Biological E
Founder: Dr. D.V.K. Raju
Founded in: 1953
Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana
Biological E. Limited is among the oldest and reputed biotechnology companies in India and specializes in the low-cost production of vaccines for worldwide well-being. Announced as the expert in the field of pediatric and adult vaccines, Biological E started a significant participation in the COVID-19 vaccination drive in India with the help of its vaccine, Corbevax.
Products/Services:
- Vaccines
- Injectables
- Biological
Revenue/Market Presence:
- Export to 100+ countries
- WHO approved
- Leading vaccine supplier in India
Website: https://www.biologicale.com/
12. Instas Pharmaceuticals
Founder: Hasmukh Chudgar
Founded in: 1984
Headquarters: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Based in India, Intas Pharmaceuticals is among the best pharmaceutical and biotech firms with biosimilars and formulations well-known in oncology, nephrology, and critical care. With 35 years of experience, the firm has developed into a global firm with operations in 85 countries. Intas also dominates the Indian home chronic therapy market and was among the original Indian enterprises to introduce biosimilars in Europe.
Products/Services:
- Biosimilars
- Injectables
- Oral solid formulations
- Oncology
- Biologics
Revenue/Market Presence:
- INR 30,000 crore turnover
- Presence in North America
- Global biologics
Website: https://www.intaspharma.com/
13. Aurobindo Pharma
Founder: P.V. Ramprasad Reddy and K. Nityananda Reddy
Founded in: 1986
Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana
Aurobindo Pharma is amongst the most extensive and therapeutically diversified integrated pharma and biotech business entities in India, which deals with APIs, generics, as well as biosimilars. Aurobindo is recognized as a large-scale company with vertical integration; it exports products to nearly 150 countries worldwide and possesses more than 20 manufacturing units scattered across the world.
Products/Services:
- Generic medicines
- Biosimilars
- APIs
- Petite therapies
- Vaccines
- Specilitly formulations
Revenue/Market Presence:
- Over $3 billion in global revenue
- Operation across the US
- Europe
- Emerging markets
Website: https://www.aurobindo.com/
14. Cipla
Founder: Dr. Khwaja Abdul Hamied
Founded in: 1935
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Cipla is among the most renowned brands in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries in India. Cipla is a pathbreaker in treating HIV/AIDS and providing respiratory treatment, with a long history of bringing affordable and accessible essential drugs. It also ventures into biosimilars and biotechnology research, serving over 80 countries.
Products/Services:
- Generix drugs
- Biosimilars
- Respiratory devices
- HIV/AIDS treatments
- APIs
Revenue/Market Presence:
- INR 22,000+ crore annual revenue
- Operation in India, South Africa, and North America
Website: https://www.cipla.com/
15. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
Founder: Dr. K. Anji Reddy
Founded in: 1984
Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana
Dr. Reddy Laboratories is an international pharmaceutical and biotech giant, specializing in biosimilars, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and generic formulations. The company operates in more than 60 markets and has a profile of leading in oncology, gastroenterology, and cardiovascular care. Dr. Reddy has made massive investments in biosimilar and new chemical entity development, and it manufactures some products in FDA-approved centers.
Products/Services:
- Generic drugs
- Biosimilars
- APIs
- Biologics
- OTC products
- Speciality formulation
Revenue/Market Presence:
- Over $2.8 billion in global revenue
- Strong presence in the US, India, Russia, and Latin America
Website: https://www.drreddys.com/
16. GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Founder: Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham merger
Founded in: 2000
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (GSK India) is an Indian subsidiary company of the world giant in the sphere of health care, GlaxoSmithKline, specializing in pharmaceuticals and vaccines. GSK has a more than 90-year heritage in India, and it provides a broad range of products, including dermatology, anti-infectives, respiratory care, and immunization.
Products/Services:
- Vaccines
- Prescription medications
- Dermatology drugs
- Respiratory therapies
Revenue/Market Presence:
- A market leader in private vaccine sales in India
- Robust product pipeline and long-standing market trust
Website: https://india-pharma.gsk.com/en-in/
17. Novo Nordisk
Founders: August Krogh and Hans Christian Hagedorn
Founded in: 1923
Headquarters: Bagsvaerd, Denmark
As one of the leading healthcare companies, with severe chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and rare endocrine disorders, Novo Nordisk is the leading company in India so far as the biotech company is concerned. The company boasts a rich history of innovation, spanning over 100 years, and has invented groundbreaking drug delivery systems, including insulin pens and oral GLP-1 treatment.
Products/Services:
- Insulins
- GLP-1 receptor agonists
- Growth hormone therapies
- Haemophilia treatments
- Obesity medications
Revenue/Market Presence:
- Operations in 80+ countries
- Strong footprint in India’s diabetes care ecosystem
- Expanding into oral biologics
Website: https://www.novonordisk.com/
18. Baxter International
Founder: Baxter International Inc.
Founded in: 1931
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Baxter India belongs to the global leader in terms of medical products and biotechnology-based solutions, Baxter International. Baxter India, which has a presence in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Gurgaon, provides a wide range of healthcare innovations, which consist of renal care, pharmaceuticals, and advanced medical devices. The company is known as a leader in intravenous treatment and dialysis procedures and is an integral part of India’s clinical care system.
Products/Services:
- IV solutions
- Infusion pumps
- Dialysis machines
- Renal therapies
- Injectables
Revenue/Market Presence:
- Widespread presence in India
- Part of a $15B+ global enterprise operating in over 100 countries
Website: https://www.baxter.com/
19. Syngene International Ltd.
Founder: Biocon Ltd.
Founded in: 1993
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Syngene International Ltd. is one of the top contract research organizations (CROs) working in India that provides integrated discovery, development, and manufacturing services to big pharmaceutical, biotech, and agriscience corporations across the world. Being a company under Biocon, Syngene is an essential part of the biotechnology ecosystem in India, involved in its early periods of drug discovery.
Products/Services:
- Contract research
- Drug discovery
- Biologics manufacturing
- Analytics services
- Clinical trial support
Revenue/Market Presence:
- Various clients across the US, Europe, and Asia
- Top 10 global pharma companies
- Traded publicly on Indian stock exchanges
Website: https://www.syngeneintl.com/
20. Ajantha Pharma and Biotech
Founder: Ajanta Pharma Group
Founded in: 2006
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
The Ajanta Biotech is one of the significant Indian pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that are concerned with the production, manufacturing, and supply of high-quality generic and biosimilar drugs. The company is part of the Ajanta Pharma group, and it was founded in 2006 with a mission to offer affordable treatment options to chronic or life-threatening ailments like cancer and autoimmunity.
Products/Services:
- Generic pharmaceuticals
- Biosimilars
- Oncology
- Autoimmune therapies
- Chronic care
Revenue/Market Presence:
- Strong domestic market
- Expanding global footprint across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America
Website: https://www.ajantapharma.com/
Contribution of Indian Biotech Companies
Biotech companies in India have already made a significant contribution in many industries such as healthcare, agriculture, industrial processing as well as environmental sustainability. They are not just solving the local problem but creating global leaders out of India in terms of biotechnology innovations.
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
Indian biotech companies are leading in the production of vaccines, biosimilars, monoclonals, insulin, as well as diagnostics. One e.g. is the Serum Institute of India, which became the largest manufacturer of vaccines in the world in terms of volume in 2021 and participated in the worldwide immunization campaign against COVID-19. Firms such as Biocon and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories have brought down the prices of the biosimilars in the developed and developing world.
Agricultural Biotechnology
In order to enhance the food security and raise the production of appliances Indian biotechnology companies have created genetically modified (GM) seeds, bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, and tissue culture methodologies. The technologies have also seen the farmers in the drought prone and resource poor areas have been able adopt a more sustainable and productive way of farming.
Industrial and environmental solutions
Indian firms are developing solutions on both sides of the spectrum, in biofuels and enzyme-based detergents on the industrial biotech side. The case of firms such as Praj Industries which has developed advanced biofuel technologies has helped India move towards creating renewable energy and cutting on the emission of carbon.
International Effect and Exports
India has many biotech firms that export its services to more than 100 countries selling their products that are of good quality but at a reasonable price. India is commonly known as the pharmacy of the world and biotech section of the industry is instrumental to help the country maintain the status by offering its affordable medications and vaccines to the rest of the world.
Employment and Economic Expense
The industry has more than 300,000 workers and contributes to employment with research, production, and regulatory services. As the industry grows, it is anticipated to create thousands of new job opportunities per year and it is also likely to create more foreign investments.
Government Support and Initiatives
The Indian government has been very instrumental in fostering biotech companies in India to the extent of shaping policy, funding, and development of infrastructure. The main initiatives include
- Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC): It advocates startups and SMEs by financing, mentoring, and incubating them.
- National Biotechnology Development Strategy: It works to ensure India becomes a hub of biotech innovation in the world.
- Make in India & Startup India: Promote biotech manufacturing and innovation within India.
- Biotech Parks and Incubation Centres: To assist in R&D services and to offer working space to work collaboratively, developed in Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, and Lucknow.
Challenges Faced by the Biotech Sector in India
With an impressive growth rate, the biotech companies in India have several hurdles that restrain their overall performance:
- Regulatory Hurdles: The product development and commercialization processes are delayed due to complex, lengthy approvals, particularly in biopharmaceuticals and genetically modified crops.
- Funding Gaps: Although early-stage funding has increased, there is a large number of startups that cannot find an ongoing, long-term investment in order to scale up their research and production.
- Small Talented Labor Market: There is a lack of experts with biotech R&D, regulators, and dbio-manufacturing, as well as skills and expertise to conduct biotech R&D. Despite having a large pool of scientists, there are no professionals who have specialized in biotech R&D, regulators, and bio-manufacturing.
- Infrastructure Limitations: Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities still have a limited high-end laboratory infrastructure, cold chains, and bio-manufacturing designs, limiting expansion.
- Global Competition: The big biotech companies in the U.S., Europe, and China pose a lot of competition to the Indian firms, mainly in the circles of innovation, patenting, and IP rights.
Conclusion
The biotechnology industry in India has developed into an innovation hub, a cost-competitive unit, and a hub of international partnerships. The giant vaccines producer such as the Serum Institute of India to research and development giants such as Syngene, the country has a strong range of biotech companies helping in not only domestic health care as well as in health care globally. These leading biotech firms in India not just provided accessibility to sophisticated healthcare solutions but also helped in enhancing the image of the country as a bioeconomy destination on the global front.
By 2025, when India is expected to attain the position of a 150 billion bioeconomy, the efforts of such companies which are related to drug discovery to clinical research, vaccine development, and even biosimilars cannot be overestimated. The Indian biotech sector is set to have a bright future with a strong governmental support, foreign alliances and highly skilled manpower in scientific fields.
As an investor, a researcher, or the inquisitive kind, it is a good idea to monitor these best biotech companies in India in this ever-changing world of healthcare.
FAQS
What are the best biotech companies in India?
India has the best biotech companies: Serum Institute of India, Biocon, Dr. Reddy Laboratories, Panacea Biotec, Intas Pharmaceuticals, and Bharat Biotech, with their innovativeness, globalization, and contribution to human health.
Which is the largest Indian biotech vaccine company?
Serum Institute of India is the largest vaccine maker in the world in terms of the quantity of doses released each year, exceeding 1.5 billion and sold in more than 170 countries.
Do the Indian biotech firms participate in global drug development?
Yes, a few Indian business organizations, such as Biocon, Syngene, and Aurobindo Pharma, are major players in biosimilars, contract research, and API generation, bringing fundamental contributions to world drug pipelines.
What is the role of the government in aiding biotech firms in India?
Some of the initiatives and schemes which are taken by the Indian government to promote the biotech industry are: Biotech parks, National biopharma mission, and schemes under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to encourage R&D, growth in infrastructure, as well as international liaisons.
