DPIIT and Thermo Fisher launch BioVerse Challenge to mentor biotech startups

Thermo Fisher Scientific in collaboration with the Startup India, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has launched the BioVerse Challenge - a nation-wide programme to fast-track 500 high-potential biotech startups across India over the next three years.

The programme, launched at the 7th Biopharma Conclave under the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, aligns with the Government of India’s vision of building a $300 Billion bioeconomy by 2030 and strengthening India’s position as a global technology hub. Thermo Fisher signed a MoU with DPIIT to collaborate on enabling scientific innovation and commercialisation as part of the launch.

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

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 startups will receive access to on-site training at Thermo Fisher's upcoming Customer Experience Center (CEC) and Bioprocess Design Center (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.

A distinguished Advisory Board comprising leaders from business, policy, research, academia, and 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 maximize impact for participating start-ups.