India has set up 94 biotech incubators across 25 states, invested Rs 489 crore in last 13 years: Minister

New Delhi: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), through Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), has set up 94 biotech incubators across 25 States and UTs, significantly expanding India’s innovation ecosystem.

Since 2012, Rs 489.42 crore has been allocated for their development, as per information provided by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha on July 30, 2025, Dr Singh informed that these incubators have been set up under two flagship schemes—BioNEST (Bioincubators Nurturing Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies) and E-YUVA (Encouraging Youth for Undertaking Innovative Research Activities)—with the aim of nurturing startups, researchers, and entrepreneurs in the biotech space.

“In addition, five more biotechnology-related incubators have been supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), also under the Ministry of Science & Technology, in states such as Karnataka, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Telangana,” stated the S&T minister.

As per data shared by the minister, the states with a high concentration of biotech incubators include Tamil Nadu (13), Karnataka (12 including DST support), and Telangana (10 including DST)—indicating strong regional clusters of biotech innovation. Emerging regions like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Goa, and Uttarakhand have also seen the establishment of at least one incubator, promoting inclusive growth across India’s diverse geographies.

“BIRAC has issued a nationwide call for proposals annually to establish new biotech incubators. On average, Rs 20–30 crore is earmarked every year to support 10–15 new incubators, enabling continuous expansion and modernization.”