U.S. life sciences major Thermo Fisher Scientific and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) announced the launch of the ‘BioVerse Challenge’ on Tuesday. The nationwide programme aims to fast-track 500 high-potential biotech startups across India over the next three years.

“We are privileged to support India’s aspirations to build a strong bioeconomy by 2030,” said Tony Acciarito, president – Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Thermo Fisher Scientific.

“Through the BioVerse Challenge in collaboration with DPIIT, we continue to empower startups with cutting-edge technologies, expertise, and scientific networks. Together, we are inspiring breakthroughs, strengthening local capabilities, and creating lasting impact for communities across the country,” he said.

The BioVerse Challenge will support early-stage startups across biopharma, med-tech, agri-tech, food tech, and allied bio-based sectors. Over three years, 100 winning start-ups will receive access to on-site training at Thermo Fisher's upcoming Customer Experience Centre (CEC) and Bioprocess Design Centre (BDC) in Hyderabad's Genome Valley, both opening by year-end 2025. An additional 400 startups will receive off-site mentorship through workshops conducted at research institutes and incubators across the country.

“Through our partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific, we are fostering deeper collaboration between startups and industry leaders in the biotechnology space,” said Sumeet Kumar Jarangal, director–Startup India, DPIIT. “Thermo Fisher's global expertise, combined with Startup India's growing network of recognised biotech startups, will accelerate innovation pipelines and strengthen our commitment to enable product-focused startups to solve India's healthcare and biotechnology challenges,” he said.

A distinguished advisory board comprising leaders from business, policy, research, academia, and the investment community will guide the BioVerse Challenge's implementation. The board will serve as judges for applications, provide ongoing guidance, and help establish a network of mentors across the country to maximise impact for participating startups.

“The BioVerse Challenge reflects our commitment to working closely with early-stage startups and bio-incubators across India,” said Srinath Venkatesh, MD–India and South Asia, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Through our upcoming facilities in Genome Valley, we will give founders access to technologies and guidance that can help them move from prototype to product faster. It will enable them to compete globally. In addition, we will support the start-ups through our existing Centres for Innovation at Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Guwahati and Bhubaneswar. The centres have been set up in partnership with leading bio incubators in DBT-supported biotech parks.”

Launched at the 7th Biopharma Conclave under the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, the programme aligns with the Central government’s vision of building a $300-billion bioeconomy by 2030 and strengthening India’s position as a global technology hub. India currently has over 10,000 biotech start-ups.