India’s biomanufacturing capacity could boost smart protein growth: Report

SENSEX 73,057.39

 -192.00

NIFTY 22,560.60

 -127.05

CRUDEOIL 9,549.00

+ 65.00

GOLD 142,470.00

 -839.00

SILVER 195,604.00

 -3,995.00

SENSEX 73,057.39

 -192.00

NIFTY 22,560.60

 -127.05

NIFTY 22,560.60

 -127.05

CRUDEOIL 9,549.00

+ 65.00

CRUDEOIL 9,549.00

+ 65.00

GOLD 142,470.00

 -839.00

'; } document.getElementById("lgdv").innerHTML = htmlElements; } function numberformat(i) { return Number(parseFloat(i).toFixed(2)).toLocaleString('en', { minimumFractionDigits: 2 }) } async function gatherResponse(response) { const { headers } = response; const contentType = headers.get('content-type') || ''; if (contentType.includes('application/json')) { return await response.json() } return response.text(); } function getWidth() { if (Math.max(document.body.scrollWidth,document.documentElement.scrollWidth,document.body.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.clientWidth) > 991) { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "none"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "block"; } else { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "block"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "none"; } } getWidth(); THIS AD SUPPORTS OUR JOURNALISM. SUBSCRIBE FOR MINIMAL ADS.THIS AD SUPPORTS OUR JOURNALISM. SUBSCRIBE FOR MINIMAL ADS.

The study ‘Mapping India’s biomanufacturing potential for smart proteins’ maps 530 facilities across 9 biomanufacturing segments and 29 states, identifying an estimated 198 million kL of smart protein-relevant fermenter capacity

By BL Mangaluru Bureau

Updated - October 23, 2026 at 02:31 PM. | Mangaluru, October 13

India has 800,000 kilolitres (kL) of biomanufacturing capacity that could help unlock the next phase of smart protein growth, according to a study by Sathguru Management Consultants (SMC) and the Good Food Institute India (GFI India).

The study titled ‘Mapping India’s biomanufacturing potential for smart proteins’ maps 530 facilities across nine biomanufacturing segments and 29 states, identifying an estimated 774,170 kL of smart protein-relevant fermenter capacity. Of this, India has 103,947 kL of idle capacity.

It assesses the potential of this infrastructure to produce specific protein ingredients and end products through biomass fermentation and precision fermentation. Leveraging spare capacity in industries spanning biopharmaceuticals, enzymes, contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), distilleries, breweries, wineries, probiotics and yeast could accelerate India’s growing smart protein and functional ingredient ecosystem.

Modelling potential value

The study finds that 7,737 kL of estimated idle capacity across CDMOs, biopharmaceuticals and enzymes could be relevant for precision fermentation, while five food-grade industries -- distilleries, breweries, wineries, probiotics and yeast-- collectively have 24,658 kL of estimated idle capacity relevant to biomass fermentation.

Companies can leverage this existing underutilised capacity and infrastructure to diversify their businesses and build additional revenue streams. Retrofitting requirements and technical feasibility vary across industries and facilities, influencing how quickly and efficiently different sectors can adapt, thereby informing a clear roadmap for short- and long-term opportunities in smart protein production.

The study models the potential value of deploying only a portion of relevant idle capacity. Using 12 per cent of precision fermentation relevant idle capacity for lactoferrin could generate sufficient output to address estimated global market needs as of 2025 (around $635 million). Similarly, for biomass fermentation, using just 26 per cent of relevant idle capacity could generate enough yeast protein to address its 2025 global market size (around $347 million).

With increasing interest in yeast protein, India is well-positioned to secure an early mover advantage, the study said.

Quoting Sneha Singh, Managing Director, GFI India, a media statement said: “With global smart protein biomanufacturing facing challenges around capital intensity and limited commercial-scale infrastructure, India’s existing capabilities could offer a pathway to more cost-effective scaling and manufacturing for domestic and international food and nutrition markets. This pathway leverages the framework developed by the BioE3 policy, with immense potential to contribute to India’s growing bioeconomy.”

Ravi Audichya, Sci-Tech Specialist of GFI India and co-author of the report, said: “Fermentation-derived ingredients have been a crucial component of our daily lives, spanning from life-saving biotherapeutics to ensuring clean clothes. As India grapples with protein insufficiency, fermentation technology can help bring high-quality and low-cost sustainable nutrition for all.”

Published on October 13, 2026

THIS AD SUPPORTS OUR JOURNALISM. SUBSCRIBE FOR MINIMAL ADS. THIS AD SUPPORTS OUR JOURNALISM. SUBSCRIBE FOR MINIMAL ADS. THIS AD SUPPORTS OUR JOURNALISM. SUBSCRIBE FOR MINIMAL ADS. THIS AD SUPPORTS OUR JOURNALISM. SUBSCRIBE FOR MINIMAL ADS.Sign into Unlock benefits!

• Access 10 free stories per month
• Get notified by email for early preview to new features, discounts & offers