7 steps from lab coats to billion-dollar businesses: a roadmap for Indian biotech

Dr Jinal Bhola

I didn’t choose a career in biotechnology, it chose me. For those who aren’t familiar, biotechnology is the science of using living things, like cells or bacteria, to create useful products, from life-saving medicines to hardier crops.

In the labs of India’s best research institutes, I’ve seen immense talent. I’ve watched brilliant young minds work tirelessly. But too often, their goal isn’t to create something for India. Instead, they’re chasing approval from foreign experts and journals, hoping to get a nod of validation from the West. After years of seeing this, I’ve realised a simple truth: India has no shortage of brainpower. What we’re missing is the right ambition.

Our country is a nation of 1.4 billion people, and our biotech industry is already worth over USD 80 billion with experts predicting it will grow to a massive USD 300 billion by 2030. The opportunity is huge. So why does it feel like we’re still playing a game by someone else’s rules? Because we train our scientists to be great employees, not bold leaders.

Here are seven simple but powerful ideas on how we can make India a global leader in biotechnology.

1. Solve India’s problems first.

India is unique. Our weather patterns, our diverse population, and even the food we eat are different from the rest of the world. So why do we copy solutions made for Western countries? It’s time to focus on our own needs.

Imagine if our brilliant scientists created:

• Seeds that can survive our unpredictable monsoons.
• Affordable medical tests for diseases that are common in Indian families.
• Health supplements and foods designed for our traditional diets of dal, roti and rice.

When we create world-class solutions for our own people, we create products the rest of the world will want.

2. Create products, not just papers.

Getting a research paper published in a famous international journal is a big achievement for a scientist. But a paper sits on a shelf. A product changes lives. We need a cultural shift where the main goal isn’t just to write papers but to create things.

The question every scientist should ask is, “Can this idea from my lab actually help someone in a real village or city?” India needs thinkers who can turn a great idea into a real-world solution.

3. Encourage scientists to become entrepreneurs.

India has a booming startup culture, but very few of these new companies are in the field of science and biotechnology. This is because scientists are taught how to write research grants, not how to build a business.

We need to create a new generation of “Bio-preneurs”, scientists who are also business leaders. They need the skills to build a basic version of their product, get funding, and take their invention to the market. If we don’t, our scientists will keep making the discoveries, and others will build the companies and reap the rewards.

4. Mix ancient wisdom with modern science.

India has a rich history of traditional knowledge, from Ayurveda to the simple, effective home remedies our grandmothers taught us. For too long, modern science has ignored this treasure trove. What if we used today’s advanced technology to study these ancient remedies and find out exactly why they work?

Turmeric is a great example. The West studied it, patented its active compound, curcumin, and sold it back to the world. We have thousands of such natural wonders. Let’s use our scientific skill to prove, patent and package this wisdom for the world.

5. Aim for global quality standards.

When a product gets a certification from an international body like the USFDA, it’s like getting a global passport. It tells the world that this product is safe, effective, and of high quality. Indian companies often see these certifications as a final, expensive hurdle. We need to change this mindset.

From the very first day of research, we should be aiming to meet these global standards. This is how we build trust and get our ‘Made in India’ products onto shelves in every corner of the world.

6. Scientists must learn to tell stories.

In India, science is often silent and hidden away in labs. This makes it seem intimidating to the average person. Our scientists need to become storytellers. They should be able to explain what they do in simple, exciting ways. They can use social media, give talks in schools, or write blogs.

When people understand and trust science, they are more likely to support it. A scientist shouldn’t just be known for their research, but for the story they tell about it.

7. Let’s build together, not in silos.

Too often, our labs and research institutes compete with each other instead of working together. This slows everyone down. Science should be a team sport. If one lab in Mumbai makes a discovery, a lab in Delhi should be able to build on it, not waste time trying to do the same thing all over again.

We need to share our knowledge and successes. India will only become a superpower in this field if we learn to collaborate without leaving anyone’s credits out.

Our time is now

The first wave of the biotech revolution may have been led by the West. But the next one can start right here, in India. I write this as a biotechnologist, but more importantly, as a daughter of India. I believe we owe our future generations more than just imported technologies. We owe them a legacy of Indian innovation and a deep-seated belief in the power of our own minds.

To every Indian reading this, remember: the next great chapter in India’s story could be written in a science lab. Let’s stop looking for approval from others and start creating a future we can all be proud of.

Dr Jinal Bhola is a biotechnology researcher, modern astrologer, and founder of Radiome, a skincare brand rooted in scientific innovation and ancient healing wisdom. Her work aims to bridge modern science and soulful living, inspiring a new generation of conscious Indians. Follow her on Instagram.