From Vaccines to Genomics: 10 Indian Biotech Trailblazers

India’s biotechnology landscape has evolved remarkably, thanks to the vision and tenacity of pioneering individuals. From setting up laboratories in garages to launching globally recognized vaccines, these biotech leaders have played a key role in shaping India's position on the global biosciences map:

A true pioneer in Indian biotechnology, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw began her career as one of the first certified female brewmasters in India. After earning a B.Sc. in Zoology from Bangalore University, she pursued fermentation science at Ballarat College in Melbourne. In 1978, with a seed capital of just ₹10,000, she founded Biocon in the garage of her rented home.

What started as an enzyme-manufacturing venture evolved into one of India’s largest biopharmaceutical companies. Under her leadership, Biocon became the first Indian company to receive USFDA approval for a biosimilar monoclonal antibody. Shaw has also mentored numerous biotech startups, served on national innovation panels, and advocated for progressive scientific policies.

With nearly two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Ankush Kapoor identified a crucial gap in India’s biotech space—the lack of CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) infrastructure for biologics. He has an MSc in Biotechnology from Allahabad Agricultural Institute, India. Drawing from his background in marketing and pharmaceutical sciences, and his roles in product management and business development, Kapoor launched PharmNXT Biotech.

The company now offers GMP-compliant facilities that support formulation development, fill-finish services, and the production of cell-based and biological therapies. Mr. Kapoor's efforts have democratized access to biomanufacturing, empowering startups and academic researchers alike.

Originally aspiring to work in clinical practice, Mr. Arun Prakash pivoted to life sciences out of a desire to improve scientific infrastructure. He has an MSc in Organic Chemistry from Jabalpur University, India. As CEO of Genetix Biotech for over 20 years, he has transformed the company into a major distributor of laboratory supplies and biotechnology products.

Through strategic international partnerships, Genetix introduced advanced tools for immunodiagnostics, genomics, and proteomics to India. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its reach to over 2,000 clinical and research facilities nationwide.

Driven by the desire to produce high-quality diagnostic components domestically, Girish Mehta has steered Yashraj Biotechnology into a globally respected provider of native and recombinant antigens. The company supplies diagnostic platforms to over 35 countries, including North America, Europe, and Asia.

With a B. Tech from IIT Bombay, India, Mr. Mehta has been instrumental in advancing antigen technologies for emerging and rare diseases, as well as monoclonal antibodies, placing India on the diagnostic R&D map.

Dr. Vedam Ramprasad, CEO of MedGenome Labs, has emerged as a key figure in South Asia’s biotech landscape. With over two decades of experience in human genetics and a Ph.D. from BITS Pilani, he has been instrumental in expanding access to advanced genetic diagnostics across India. Since joining MedGenome at its inception, he has led the development of affordable genomic tests, including NIPT and liquid biopsy, while securing CAP accreditation for the company.

Dr. Ramprasad has been acknowledged for his significant contributions to the field. He has received several prestigious awards, including the "Healthcare Leadership Award" from ABP News in 2015, the "Start Up 50" recognition from Smart CEO in 2019, and was named one of the "Top 25 Health Technology CEOs of India" by The Healthcare Technology Report in 2020.

With a PhD in mechanical engineering, Dr. Vinodkumar Patil has spent over 30 years designing cleanroom systems, fermenters, and bioreactors. He founded Dyna Biotech to bridge the gap between engineering design and biotech process innovation.

Today, Dyna Biotech supports manufacturing units across Europe, Southeast Asia, and India. The company’s modular bioprocess technologies are widely used in biosimilar and vaccine production. Through partnerships with academic institutions, Dr. Patil also promotes the development of industry-ready upstream technologies.

Founder of the world-renowned Serum Institute of India, Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla began with a vision to make vaccines affordable and accessible globally. Dr. Poonawalla established the Serum Institute of India in 1966, making it the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world by doses produced.

Dr. Poonawalla's educational background is rooted in Pune University, where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree and a Doctorate.

Today, the institute exports vaccines to over 170 countries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Serum collaborated with Oxford-AstraZeneca to produce Covishield at scale. Other key vaccines in their portfolio include those for rubella, hepatitis B, and MMR.

Dr. Krishna Ella is a scientist-entrepreneur who dreamed of making India self-reliant in vaccine production. Co-founding Bharat Biotech in 1996, he led the development of over 16 vaccines, including COVAXIN — India’s first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine.

An agriculture graduate from Tamil Nadu, he earned a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and trained further in the U.S. Despite global prospects, he returned to India with a mission. Under his leadership, Bharat Biotech launched India’s first vaccines for rotavirus, typhoid conjugate, and Zika. Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2022, his legacy lies in transforming India's vaccine capabilities through science-driven innovation.

The company was established by a Jain pharmacist, Hasmukh Chudgar, in 1977 and incorporated in 1985. He is known to be low-profile.

Intas Pharmaceuticals is one of India’s fastest-growing biotech firms with strengths in biosimilars and biologics. The Ahmedabad-based company has made significant strides in treating cancer, nephrology, and CNS disorders.

Under Mr. Chudgar's leadership, Intas has expanded to over 85 countries, building a solid presence in Europe and the UK. The company’s success stems from a commitment to innovation, regulatory excellence, and backward integration.

At the forefront of Reliance Life Sciences is Mr. K.V. Subramaniam, whose focus on stem cell and regenerative medicine has propelled the company into a major biotech player. With a B. Tech in Chemical Engineering and MBA, he emphasizes the importance of people-centric leadership, stating, “People work for people, and then, the company.”

Reliance Life Sciences offers 43 categories of products and exports to more than 50 countries, including regulated markets like the U.S. and Europe. Mr. Subramaniam has championed efforts to reduce the costs of advanced therapies like gene therapy, making them more accessible in developing markets.

These trailblazers have not only redefined the biotech landscape in India but also positioned the nation as a global leader in affordable healthcare innovation. From vaccine equity to genomic precision, their collective vision continues to transform millions of lives—both at home and abroad.

By Samruddhi Pawar

_MSM/DP