January 25, 2026: BioVerse Challenge 2025, a nationwide initiative aimed at accelerating India’s next wave of high-potential biotech startups and strengthening the country’s fast-growing bioeconomy has been launched by Thermo Fisher Scientific in partnership with DPIIT. The global life sciences major, which reports more than $40 billion in annual revenue, said the challenge is designed to give Indian startups direct access to advanced technologies, expert mentorship, and skill-building support to help them scale faster and commercialise innovation more effectively.
The challenge aligns with Thermo Fisher Scientific’s long-term vision for India, where it sees the country emerging as a global bioeconomy powerhouse. By opening up its India-based facilities, expertise, and networks, the company aims to reduce common barriers faced by early- and growth-stage startups, especially access to infrastructure, validation, and industry-grade capabilities.
Startups selected under BioVerse Challenge 2025 will be divided into two cohorts. Trailblazers, the top-performing group, will gain hands-on access to Thermo Fisher’s state-of-the-art technologies across its India facilities, along with customised training programmes and sustained mentorship. Rising Stars will receive structured mentorship and collaboration opportunities with Thermo Fisher experts and ecosystem partners, helping them refine their technology and business strategies.
The programme is open to startups founded by Indian nationals and registered under DPIIT/Startup India. It targets innovations across a wide spectrum of biotech domains, including biologics such as vaccines and cell and gene therapy, industrial biotechnology, bioenergy and green biotech, marine biotechnology, agri and food biotech, and medtech and diagnostics. Both early-stage and growth-stage startups with strong scale-up and commercialisation potential are eligible to apply.
Thermo Fisher Scientific said it is looking for startups that demonstrate strong technology capabilities aligned with real market needs, supported by a clear or evolving business model and value proposition. Linkages with incubators, academic institutions, government bodies, or industry partners will be viewed as an added advantage, reflecting the programme’s ecosystem-driven approach.
BioVerse Challenge 2025: What startups gain and how selection works
For 2025, up to 20 startups will be selected as Trailblazers, receiving technology access, tailored skill-building, and deep mentorship support. An additional 50 startups will be chosen as Rising Stars, gaining non-fiscal incentives such as expert guidance, partnerships, and collaboration opportunities.
After submission, applicants must present a detailed business case outlining their problem statement, innovation, market opportunity, business and go-to-market strategy, financial projections, validation milestones, societal impact, and areas where they need support. Applications will be evaluated by Thermo Fisher Scientific along with the BioVerse Advisory Board, which includes experts from industry, government, and academia.
By combining global scientific expertise with India’s startup energy, Thermo Fisher Scientific said the BioVerse Challenge 2025 aims to create a launchpad for biotech innovators who want to move faster, from lab to market, while contributing to a healthier, cleaner, and safer world.
