Piyush Goyal Calls for Faster Approvals and Regulatory Reforms for Biopharma Startups
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Khushi Jain
- November 4, 2026
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal called for faster regulatory approvals, simplified patent procedures and improved infrastructure for biopharma startups during a roundtable in New Delhi on November 3, 2026.
The meeting, organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in collaboration with NITI Aayog, focused on the role of startups in India’s bioeconomy.
According to DD News’ coverage of the roundtable, discussions centred on regulatory reforms and measures to strengthen the biopharma startup ecosystem.
Piyush Goyal Proposes Faster Approvals for Biopharma Startups
During the meeting, Goyal supported introducing a regulatory sandbox and single-window clearance system to simplify approval processes for biopharma startups.
He also called for simpler patent procedures and closer alignment with global regulatory standards.
Participants discussed the need for shared laboratories, testing facilities and clinical trial infrastructure to reduce operational costs for startups.
The meeting also considered faster customs clearance for laboratory equipment and reagents, which could help companies access essential research materials more efficiently.
The proposals focused on reducing regulatory and infrastructure-related challenges faced by startups operating in the biopharma and life sciences sectors.
India’s Bioeconomy Reaches $195.3 Billion in 2025
According to the India Bioeconomy Report 2026, India’s bioeconomy reached $195.3 billion in 2025, compared with $165.7 billion in the previous year.
The biopharma segment alone was valued at $64.5 billion, accounting for a substantial portion of the country’s bioeconomy.
These figures provide the broader industry context for the government’s discussions on regulatory approvals, research infrastructure and startup participation.
Biopharma SHAKTI Scheme Allocates Rs 10,000 Crore Over Five Years
The discussions come against the backdrop of Biopharma SHAKTI, a government initiative announced in the Union Budget 2026-27.
The scheme provides Rs 10,000 crore over five years to support the development of biologics and biosimilars, with the objective of positioning India as a global biopharma hub.
Under Biopharma SHAKTI, the government plans to establish a network of more than 1,000 clinical trial sites.
The initiative also includes setting up three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) and upgrading seven existing institutes.
These measures are intended to strengthen research and development infrastructure for India’s biopharma sector.
Goyal Seeks Time-Bound Action on Startup Proposals
Goyal directed officials to act on the proposals within a defined timeframe, although no specific deadline was announced.
The discussions covered regulatory approvals, patent procedures, shared research facilities and customs clearance for laboratory materials.
If implemented, the proposed reforms could reduce approval delays and infrastructure-related costs for biopharma and life sciences startups.
However, the single-window clearance system, regulatory sandbox and other measures discussed at the roundtable remain proposals, with no implementation dates specified.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What reforms did Piyush Goyal propose for biopharma startups?
Goyal supported faster approvals, a regulatory sandbox, single-window clearance, simplified patent procedures and alignment with global standards.
2. What is the Biopharma SHAKTI scheme?
Biopharma SHAKTI is an initiative announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, with Rs 10,000 crore allocated over five years to support biologics and biosimilars.
3. How large was India’s bioeconomy in 2025?
India’s bioeconomy was valued at $195.3 billion in 2025, up from $165.7 billion a year earlier.
4. How many clinical trial sites are planned under Biopharma SHAKTI?
The scheme plans to establish a network of more than 1,000 clinical trial sites.
5. When will the proposed biopharma regulatory reforms take effect?
No implementation date was announced. Goyal asked officials to act on the proposals within a defined timeframe.
