The government has launched BIO-NIVESH to connect biotechnology innovators with investors to increase private investment in the sector.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, launched the platform on September 3 during a roundtable with biotechnology startups and investors. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) are also associated with the initiative.
Bio-NIVESH will bring innovators and investors together and support biotechnology projects that are in the process of scaling up and commercializing, according to the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
Biotechnology development can have a longer and more complex workflow.
A promising research result is only one part of biotechnology development. Companies may still need money for further testing, product development and manufacturing.
For healthcare products, that process can also involve preclinical studies, clinical trials, regulatory review and more.
BIO-NIVESH is an initiative by the Indian Government’s DBT and BIRAC, which plans to bring biotechnology startups and companies together with investors.
As part of the initiative, the government plans to support companies and technology developers working in biotechnology projects that are nearing translation, scale-up or commercialization.
Its first edition included 20 biotechnology and deep-tech startups and about 50 investors. The government has said it plans to continue the initiative and hold future editions in other cities. According to the Press Information Bureau, the startups were selected after considering factors such as the stage of development, innovation, market potential, scalability and regulatory readiness.
The programme included a Startup-Investor Connect session and discussions on funding, commercialisation and scaling biotechnology innovations.
According to the government, BIO-NIVESH is not just for pitching, but also for startups to gain a better understanding of what investors look for when evaluating a company, as well as to learn about the scientific and regulatory work behind biotechnology products.
See also: 5 New Biotech Startups in India to Watch in 2026
DBT and BIRAC already have several programmes for biotechnology startups and research projects. BIG, or the Biotechnology Ignition Grant, is one of them and provides support to early-stage biotechnology projects. BIO-NIVESH now brings investors into this broader ecosystem.
BioNEST provides incubation facilities and support for biotechnology startups. Other BIRAC programmes cover areas such as technology development, translation and funding.
BIRAC also operates equity funding mechanisms such as the SEED Fund and LEAP Fund to support biotechnology startups at different stages of development.
BIRAC's BioNEST programme supports biotechnology incubation and provides infrastructure and support services for startups and entrepreneurs. The programme also facilitates industry and academic interactions, technical and business mentorship, intellectual property and technology management support, and networking.
The government's Bio-RIDE scheme also aims to promote biotechnology research, innovation, entrepreneurship and biomanufacturing. According to a March 2026 PIB response, the scheme includes components focused on biotechnology research and development, industrial and entrepreneurship development, and biomanufacturing and biofoundry activities.
India already has government programmes for biotechnology research and startups. BIO-NIVESH is intended to bring biotechnology companies and investors together, particularly when projects need funding to move beyond the research stage.
See also: Underrated Bioinformatics Startups in India to Watch in 2026
The government has set a target of building a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030.
Government data released in March 2026, citing the India Bioeconomy Report 2026, put the value of India's bioeconomy at $195.3 billion in 2025; the figure was $165 billion in 2024.
(Rh/MSM)