FICCI-Lilly launch ‘Bharat Life Sciences Awards’ to recognise India’s scientific excellence

In line with the Prime Minister’s vision, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) has announced the launch of the ‘Bharat Life Sciences Awards, a first-of-its-kind national institutional platform to recognise excellence in life sciences research, capability, and public health impact in India, in partnership with Eli Lilly and Company (India).

Conceived as a rigorous, independent, and enduring platform, the awards are anchored in a shared national vision for Viksit Bharat, recognising that sustained progress in health is driven by a sustained commitment to innovation.

The initiative, convened in consultation with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India and the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), with the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and Invest India, will bring together a unique ecosystem of innovators, researchers, and institutions across the life sciences sector.

The inaugural Bharat Life Sciences Awards ceremony will be held on 1st October 2026, marking a defining moment in recognising and celebrating India’s scientific excellence.

The ‘Bharat Life Sciences Awards’ will be governed by an eminent Advisory Council and adjudicated by an independent jury of experts in Life Sciences, innovation, and public health. Grant Thornton Bharat will serve as the independent Process Advisor, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to transparency, credibility, and integrity at every stage.

The awards seek to recognise contributions across the life sciences value chain, spanning academia, public research institutions, industry innovators, and ecosystem builders whose work bridges discovery and delivery, strengthens health systems, and advances public health outcomes at scale.

Dr Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director, BIRAC said, “India's biotechnology ecosystem continues to advance through a strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and translational research, with increasing collaboration across academia, industry, and start-ups. Platforms such as the Bharat Life Sciences Awards can play a valuable role in bringing together stakeholders across this ecosystem, recognising excellence and supporting the translation of science into solutions for public health.”

Jyoti Vij, Director General, FICCI said, “India’s life sciences sector stands at a defining moment, driven by scientific innovation, entrepreneurial energy, and stronger collaboration across academia, industry, startups, and government institutions. The Bharat Life Sciences Awards aim to create a credible and enduring national platform that recognises excellence across the ecosystem and celebrates the individuals and institutions advancing healthcare innovation and public health impact."

Winselow Tucker, President and General Manager, Eli Lilly and Company (India) said, “India’s life sciences ecosystem is reaching a new level of scientific maturity, with the talent, institutions, and ambition to contribute meaningfully to global health. As Lilly marks 150 years globally in 2026, we remain guided by our purpose of uniting caring with discovery to improve health for people around the world."