India set up 94 biotech incubators across 25 states, invested Rs 489 crore via BioNEST & E-YUVA: Minister
New Delhi: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science & Technology, has significantly expanded India’s biotechnology innovation ecosystem by establishing 94 biotechnology incubation and pre-incubation centres across 25 States and Union Territories through its dedicated arm, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
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.
Since its inception in 2012, BIRAC has allocated Rs 489.42 crore for the operation, development, and management of these bio-incubators, according to 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.
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.
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.
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