The bio-incubation boom in India

Abstract

There are already 30 biotech or medtech incubators that have incubated 397 companies (listed). Another 50 are planned. Most are under 10 years old, located in three southern cities and funded by the Government of India. Some have outstanding instrument facilities, others access to a large number of students. Over half can host foreign companies. Rentals and grants are their largest sources of funds; sustainable funding is their biggest challenge. At least one start-up per incubator has achieved Rs 1 crore in annual turnover. We outline an assessment framework for the incubators which form a crucial part of the rapidly evolving entrepreneurship landscape.